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Even those who have not personally visited New Zealand have extremely similar impressions of it: the magnificent grasslands from *The Lord of the Rings*, countless sheep and cattle, and 100% pure air... Indeed, New Zealand's first impression is excellent, naturally making it a place of yearning for many. This time, invited by New Zealand's tourism bureau, I stepped onto the soil of New Zealand during the northern hemisphere’s summer, starting from the North Island, continuously verifying these impressions about "New Zealand 100% Pure" in my mind. Indeed, the air here is pure, even the memories are beautiful.
Looking down at the South Island of New Zealand from the descending plane...
Bay of Islands: Chasing the Scenery at the Northernmost Point
After an 11-hour flight, I finally arrived in Auckland. Before landing, what greeted us was not only a gloomy and dark sky but also a guide who didn't take us into the city directly; instead, we were driven straight to the Bay of Islands area in the north. Another 3-hour car ride made me somewhat impatient as I hadn't seen what Auckland, the most prosperous city in New Zealand, looked like! However, as we traveled along, the weather improved significantly, with heavy rains washing everything clean. Along the way, we did see slopes covered with cattle and sheep, but they were far from the grandeur I had imagined under the sunlight. The Chinese tour guide, Sam Jian, who has lived in New Zealand for 8 years, noticed our worries and reassured us: “The weather in New Zealand is like this: sometimes rain, sometimes sun. Don’t worry, you will definitely see the sun in the next few days!”
Holding onto the hope for sunshine, I finally arrived at the center of the Bay of Islands, Paihia. Unfortunately, it was gray, and the seawater was yellowish. However, I heard that in winter, this place looks completely different. Once the sky clears up, under the blue sky and white clouds, the bay in front of us stretches endlessly, floating on crystal-clear waters, and the feeling of freedom must be intoxicating. It is said that every summer, Paihia is filled with people from all over, but the summer nights of the town are somewhat quiet. The resorts and hotels along the coastline have little light at night, but the sound of waves hitting the shore is quite impressive.
With a thousand-year history, the mighty kauri tree
The next morning, I pulled back the curtains and finally saw the long-awaited sunshine. With a pleasant mood, I headed to Kerikeri Airport, which was half an hour away by car, boarding a 6-seater small plane piloted by a handsome pilot on Salt Air routes. From above, I admired the scenery of the northernmost point of New Zealand. It is said that this scenic flight route is longer in the summer, lasting up to 2 hours. On the small plane, I deeply experienced the interesting weather of New Zealand, where it can be sunny one moment and rainy the next. I even saw rainbows, something rarely seen in foreign cities. The dense forests and tranquil lakes below were so clear, with some small towns scattered around the lake edges, surely indicating a very peaceful life there.
Until we flew over the famous 90 Mile Beach, beneath us appeared a narrow and long coastline, and beyond the beach were scattered large islands. It is said that in the summer, large planes can land on the beach, and tourists can ride four-wheel drive vehicles on the beach, experiencing a different kind of thrill. However, the most stunning scenery should be at the southernmost Reinga Cape. When we reached its airspace, we finally saw the lighthouse marking the southernmost point of New Zealand on the horizon. This is the most sacred place in Maori legend, where the Maoris believe that after death, the soul drifts out to sea from here. Imagining sitting under the lighthouse, looking out at the vast sea where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, one might truly feel the insignificance of oneself and the greatness of nature here.
Information Gas Station
Stay: In Paihia, there are many resorts, among which Pahia Beach Resort is more popular. This red seaside hotel has been recently renovated and upgraded, with massage bathtubs in the bathrooms. Prices range from NZD 500-800 per night in summer, decreasing according to room availability in winter.
Eat: There is a restaurant called King Wah in the town serving Western buffet meals, run by Hong Kongers. The oysters are small yet fresh, costing NZD 29.5 per person. Near Kerikeri Airport, within a 5-minute drive, there is a Marsden Estate winery with good quality wine. Many locals come here, costing around NZD 30 per person, and free wine tasting is available.
Go: The price of Salt Air scenic flights ranges from NZD 175-345 depending on the flight duration. You can check at www.saltair.co.nz.
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