It is not possible to live in the North Island of New Zealand without wanting to see and perhaps drive (it is a public road officially) the Ninety Mile Beach which is actually 103km (64 miles) long and runs from Ahipara in the South almost to the top of the North Island on the West Coast.
The reason it has its name is because horses travelled thirty miles a day and it took three days to walk the beach. What had been overlooked was that horses walked more slowly on sand than on land.
I have seen long beaches. I have seen big beaches. I have seen beautiful beaches. Some of those were more beautiful in my eyes. Nothing however prepared me for the sheer awesomeness of the Ninety Mile Beach.
Here's a few reasons why
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| Panorama looking West from top of pa at Hukatere |
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| Looking South from Hukatere |
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| Looking North from Hukatere |
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| Out to sea |
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| Looking North: the narrowness of the Island can be seen (ownership of photo unknown - readily available on the Internet) |
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I have always been told of New Zealand's beauty. You've used some excellent photos to show it.
ReplyDeleteIT is an astoundingly beautiful country Red.
DeleteYou would have liked to drive on the beach? This tour guide has already had one unfortunate attempt at doing that and is not keen to repeat the performance. It's not as easy as the locals make it look. Love your shot of the waves. BUT where is your shot of the chair. You simply must post that!!
ReplyDeletePauline I'd only want to drive on the beach if I was in a suitable vehicle and, preferably, accompanied by another vehicle with an experienced guide. I haven't forgotten the chair photo. It will appear on its own in due course.
DeleteThis sure is one impressive beach!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Meike.
DeleteThis looks truly wonderful. It would suit me down to the ground and to the surf. It just needs a castle or two like Northumberland.
ReplyDeleteAdrian there will be thousands of houses in Northumberland built before New Zealand was ever settled by Europeans and as for castles - not the merest hint of one. Shame really.
Deletewat een prachtig gebied zo groot en zo sereen.
ReplyDeleteHet was dat alles en nog veel meer Nic.
DeleteI really must get up there sometime. Opononi is also on my list. I'll probably get to Harris first 'tho'.
ReplyDeleteI went to Opononi last year Katherine. I can't wait for you to see and be utterly enthralled by Harris.
DeleteAbsolutely breathtaking photos!!
ReplyDeleteI think I would enjoy walking all 90 miles (oops) all 64 miles of this gorgeous coast.
I have to be honest and say Virginia that I can't imagine walking it. If I had to walk all 64 miles I'd be knackered and burned to a frazzle by the sun and glare. There are very few access points for vehicles although I'm not sure what the situation is for access to services like fresh water if walking. Tourist buses run safaris though. It is awesome though.
DeleteLove those photos! Especially the one looking out to sea! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa.
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou make mr want to visit.
I'm sure that you'd be very welcome Cat.
DeleteI've never seen anything like it (in real life, I mean). I think a mile or two would be enough beach walk for me if I literally had to walk in the sand... The view is magnificent, though :)
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