North Island Trip - Part IV - Bay of Islands & Waipu Cave

North Island trip - Part IV - Bay of Islands & Waipu Cave

After enjoying the scenery of the Coromandel Peninsula, Mike and I set our course for the Northland region of the Bay of Islands, where we stayed in the quaint town of Kerikeri.




While in Kerikeri, I enjoyed a date scone and flat white (latte for North Americans) at the oldest house in New Zealand - the Kemp House. Built in 1822, the Mission House, or Kemp House, is the oldest surviving building in New Zealand.

In typical Kiwi fashion, my date scone was served with raspberry jam, butter and whipped cream.

Next to the Kemp House is another historic building, the Stone Store, which was completed in 1836. 

The Stone Store at Kerikeri

I took a quick stroll around the grounds of the Mission Station and found a lovely orchard with a variety of plum, peach, apple and citrus trees bearing strange varieties not found in the grocery store.

One prominent feature of Kerikeri, is the Kerikeri River, which winds its way past the Mission Station. The Rainbow Falls of the Kerikeri River is truly majestic.

Rainbow Falls at Kerikeri

One can also enjoy a popular swimming hole called "Charlie's Rock", which can be accessed via a trail next to the Croquet Club.

Care for a dip at Charlie's Rock?

The next day we headed south in search of new dragonfly species. On the way we stopped to stretch our legs at the Whangarei Quarry Gardens (admission by gold coin donation).

We celebrated New Years at Uretiti Beach Campsite, located between Whangarei and Waipu. 


Uretiti beach is not that great for swimming as the tidal rip can be strong and there are large drop offs, so life jackets are recommended. Some people were fishing for small crabs by swimming their crab pots out to deeper waters, which was a very peculiar and slightly dangerous method that I have not seen before. 

Uretiti beach with view of Mangawhai Heads

Bring on 2017!

One of Mike's goals for the trip was to photograph as many different species of dragonflies and damselflies as possible on the North Island. There was a very good diversity of dragonflies and damselflies at Uretiti and we enjoyed an up-close and personal encounter with an Australian Emperor.

Say hello to my little friend...an Australian Emperor.

Australian Emperor, Anax papuensis, posted with permission, please visit www.mikeashbeephotography.com

The weather at Uretiti was exceptionally hot, so to beat the heat we retreated into the Waipu Cave. The inside of the cave is incredible, with a very high cavernous ceiling adorned with spectacular stalactites. While spelunking, I highly suggest good foot wear, as the floor is covered in a slippery mud, as well as a good headlamp or torch.

Waipu Caves - unguided and absolutely free!

Headlamps ready!

Camera ready!

Posted with permission, please visit www.mikeashbeephotography.com

My favourite part of Waipu cave was the galaxy of glow worms that decorates the ceiling of the third and deepest chamber. I have been waiting so long to enjoy the glow worms, and best of all it was free!

Glow worms are actually the larva of a type of fly called a gnat. The larvae produce strands of goo that hang down from the cave ceiling. Remarkably, they also produce a bluish bioluminescence, attracting prey to a very sticky demise. Lazy or ingenious....you be the judge!

The amazing glow worm galaxy can be enjoyed at Waipu cave, posted with permission. Please visit www.mikeashbeephotography.com

With 2016 behind us, Mike and I now looked forward to our upcomming pelagic birding trip in the Hauraki gulf...stay tuned for the final installment of our North Island adventure where I met some stingrays in the Hauraki Gulf.....

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