THE FAR NORTH       The starting point in New Zealand for the project is of course Cape Reinga. For us though nothing like the post cards. Rain, heavy mist and a very strong wind greeted us. Most unusual and un-seasonal. Nothing from us photo wise but the formidable entrance to the walk to the famous lighthouse. A picture from the internet gives the full beauty that awaits most tourists.   Following getting wet, we then proceeded to Tapotutoto Beach and then on to Spirits Bay. Both worth a visit and RV’s are allowed to stay over. White sand at Tapotutoto and pink shell grit at Spirits Bay. There is a walk at Spirits Bay that can be taken to the Surville Cliffs’ that are the most northern tip of NZ.     Further south there is the Houhora Inlet. A small and attractive seaside town that houses the Houhoro Hotel. Further south from Houhoro is the Gum Diggers Museum and is worth the visit.             Just before arriving at Kaitaia, there is a new monument dedicated to the Waipapakauri Airfield.  Waipapakauri was the most northerly forward operational airfield in NZ during WWII, located some 8 miles north of Kaitaia. One of the first operations from this airfield was in 1940, by a flight of 3 Vincents, which joined the hunt for the German surface raider 'Orion' which had laid mines at the entrance to Auckland Harbour.