I have always wanted to see the light house at Cape Reinga and so two weeks ago made the trip north from Whangarei. I was most fortunate to discover the Pukenui Holiday Park where I stayed for a couple of nights. On my arrival at the camp I was met by the lovely and very friendly ‘camp minders’ who showed me a great site in a quiet area. Later that first evening, I met Jo the owner who was most knowledgeable about the area and the things to do. She made suggestions that definitely enhanced my trip to the light house at the top of New Zealand – like where to stop on the way for the best views of Cape Maria van Dieman, reassuring me that the walk to the light house was easy and to look for the ‘meeting’ of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, and suggesting Tapotopotu Bay for lunch.
The trip from Pukenui Holiday Park is about 67km and is easy travelling on tar seal roads. The weather was warm and clear. I enjoyed the drive both ways.
When I got back to the camp it was obvious that that the staff was interested in my day and asked about it. They were pleased that I had had an enjoyable experience and offered more suggestions about what else I could do the following day on my way back to Whangarei (unfortunately I could only stay for the two nights). The facilities in the camp are great and the cost is more than reasonable.
I would recommend the Pukenui Holiday Park and Jo and her staff to anybody travelling in the Far North – the park itself the ideal stopping point for the light house.