Ruakaka (two birds)

         This a little township, if you can call it that, situated north of Auckland. Yet still about an hour south of Whangarei, the biggest northland town. To be honest, there is very little here. A small grocers, a small chain grocery store, cafe, a newsagents, butchers, dollar shop, and a estate agent. I thnk there is also a doctors, and a dentist a bit further along. Oh, and a hole in the wall.

         The amenities then, are OK. But it is the countryside that makes the north special. This a mere stop on the way to main holiday place of The Bay of Islands. Which, is just what it says on the tin. A collection of islands just of the coast. The sea is magic of course, the whole of the northern coastline, is one little bay after another. Some with sand dunes, some with cliffs, and some with flat easy access. The sand is mile, after mile of flat, white tropical scenery. To walk any of it, is like entering a film set. The warm, balmy air, or sometimes, searing heat endorsing the effect. Often the sand is too hot to walk with bare feet, so come prepared. Although swishing along inside the water of the lapping waves, is always an option. Rocky headlands offer fishermen good positions to catch something without needing a boat.

          Here at Ruakaka, it is on the water, a few hundred yards down the road, perhaps 1 kl. at One Tree Point, is a newly built boat harbour. Barely begun as yet, but give it a year or two, and it will be as busy as the rest of this northland coast. The whole coastline is a boaties dream. Some of the older style Bach are not that large. It always amuses me, when you see a boat parked in the garden, often way bigger than the house itself. It give you the real feeling for the coast. The water, and access to it, is what it's all about.

             There is also a lovely little flat bit of coast, surrounded by mostly permanent homes now. As over the last few years, a lot of the little holiday places have become permanent homes. At which point people usually spend a bit of money on the, increasing the size, or the amenities.This is Ruakaka proper. You can canoe, swim, take the dingy, or the boat out with easy. Easy living, just about right on the beach.

         So when you visit NEW ZEALAND, get heading north, and enjoy as many stops on the way as you can. There is always something to discover. Some natural beauty, looking as if it came straight off the cover of a travel magazine.

           Farmland, mostly gazing for cattle, and sheep connect the little settlements, and the beautiful bays. This is all rolling hills, with some higher hills through the Brenderwns. All neatly fenced, I with wonderful trees, scattered so artfully, you would think each one was planed with the overal effect in mind. It wasn't of course. They were planted by the ultimate hand, of the big guy in the sky.

         Be prepared to motor a few miles, or kls as they say here. Every bent will offer something interesting, or beautiful. 

           Come, enjoy, because as well as natures welcome, you will find the local folks welcome. Just as good....enjoy