The Northlands …… day 1

Leaving our hotel still with electricity, we drove past many homes and businesses without. There were police directing traffic on many junctions where the traffic lights were out, and some other interesting sights…..

First stop was the waterfalls at Karekare. The beach some walk away is where much of the film the piano was filmed.

We then visited Piha beach which is equally beautiful and much more accessible…..

Stopped for lunch in their local cafe who thankfully has a generator! Very interesting to hear the locals comparing stories of last night. It sounded like most of the village was without power and phone.

We then headed up the kauri coast through the kauri forest with a quick stop at the kauri museum which was very impressive!