Northland, New Zealand
Airing Date: Aug 11th, 2007
Fish rule the roost in the
North Island of
New Zealand. Maori legend has it that the
North Island is in the shape of a fish. (If you look at a map you will see
Wellington as the head,
Cape Taranaki &
East Cape are the fins, and
Northland is the tail of the fish.) And in
Northland most locals regularly take part in the numerous fishing competitions where prizes reach up to $50,000.
Fishing guides organize charters around
Tutukaka, but its just as easy to cast a line in from the shore. One bay worth stopping at is
Oakura Bay. This bay is famed for its white sand stretching a kilometre long and makes for impressive sunsets. It's Maori name refers to the phenomenon of the "ao-a-kura" which means "the light that comes with the red sky" as experienced at sunrise and sunset.
Just off this coast are the
Poor Knights Islands which Jacques Cousteau has listed in the top ten diving spots in the world. Due to the temperate waters here, these islands have rare subtropical fish and marine life which live around the warm underwater volcanic rock. These temperate waters come from the
East Auckland Current which originates in the
Coral Sea, north of Australia. Water visibility is significantly greater than in nearby coastal waters and intriguing underwater landforms of arches, caves and tunnels make for some cool exploring.
Rikoriko, the world's largest sea cave at 35m high and 80m wide, is also found in the
Poor Knights Islands.
Above ground,
The Poor Knights Islands are also home to plants, reptiles and insects from the dinosaur age, such as the 3 eyed tuatara and the 25 cm centipede. In November and December the islands turn red with the blossoming of pohutukawa which reminded Captain Cook of his jam-covered 'Poor Knights Pudding' breakfast, hence the name. However, to preserve this incredible fauna and flora, visitors are prohibited from setting foot on the islands, which helps keep them in pristine condition.
FURTHER INFORMATION-
Air New Zealand- fly one way to Auckland; From: $320 ex Sydney, $326 ex Melbourne, $331 ex Brisbane, $543 ex Perth. Valid for travel until 9/12/07. For more information visit:
www.airnewzealand.com.auPrices correct at 3/7/07. Prices available online and include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Oceans Hotel Tutukaka- Standard rooms from $132 a night. For more information visit:
www.oceanshotel.co.nzPrices correct at 4/7/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Poor Knights Islands Dive- From $228 a person. Includes instructor and all equipment. For information visit:
www.diving.co.nz Prices correct at 4/7/07. Includes taxes, subject to fluctuation, conditions apply.
Car Rental- from $23 a day. For more information visit:
www.jucy.co.nz Prices correct at 4/7/07
Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
