Spirit's Bay Hike towards Pandora

We set out in the morning for Pandora, a camp at the far end of the sandy beach, near the river mouth. We weren't sure if we'd make it all the way there, but wanted to see a lake near the river mouth.


Jon leading the way on the trail through the back dunes.


The tall dunes were covered in dune grass and the occasional New Zealand flax.


After a couple of hours of walking, we stopped for lunch atop the dunes. The views were magnificent.


I think this is the largest wetland I've ever seen. It appeared that several streams came together here. The light color before the hills in the mid ground is cattails...miles of it!


Veiw looking up the beach towards Cape Reigna.


View looking back down the beach towards our camp.


The wetlands from the top of the dunes. The juncus and grasses waved in the breeze...very soothing and beautiful. The hills are covered in a mix of tea tree and cordyline.


After a long, peaceful walk back, we enjoyed the sunset on the beach. Kim painted and Jon explored.



We stayed here one more night, and set out first thing for Cape Reigna at the far tip of the north island....