Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas Day at Cape Reinga


Cape Reinga - A Sacred Place

Kupe left Hawaiki to follow the stars, the cloud and weather patterns, and the migration of birds, and he discovered a beautiful land of the long white cloud.  He named the very northern most tip Te Rerenga Kairua.  This became a most sacred place for the Maori people because they believed that when they die, their spirits would leave their bodies from this very place to join their ancestors. 

It is a unique and magical place in that the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean come together here.  One can see different shades of blue and turquoise, and waves and currents traveling from opposite directions toward each other, defining the two bodies of water.  The line or 'meeting place' is fluid and ever moving.  Even though it was a dark and gray day when we were there, you can see the 'meeting place' on the left side of the lighthouse. 


Since the office was closed on Monday and Tuesday, we had a four day weekend.  Even though we average traveling once a month, we feel we need to take every opportunity we can to see this beautiful country.  We traveled up the west coast (Tasman Sea side), out to the tip of Cape Reinga (Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean), then down the east coast (Pacific Ocean).  Although overcast most of the time (not great photo weather), it was beautiful, as is everywhere in NZ we have been thus far.  Although we missed being with our family, this will certainly be a Christmas to remember, as we opened our few Christmas gifts, (thank you family), at Cape Reinga.

10 comments:

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Wow, that first photo is stunning. Are you doing fancy stuff with your pictures again? (;^)

Unknown said...

Karen, wonderful shot! What a wonderful place you are in! Glad you had a nice Christmas!

diane b said...

Interesting story about this place. The sky is dramatic and the photos great as usual. Do I detect HDR?

What Karen Sees said...

Yes, I've edited with HDR to bring out the color since it was a very dull day.

MadSnapper said...

this is the most amazing light house ever.

Don said...

Beautiful. Happy New Year!

janc@mac.com said...

Beautiful photos. It was really fun talking with you last evening. Keep up the great work.

Lisa said...

Here is hoping the New Year Brings you both Many Many Blessings.

and
Wow. Just Gorgeous.Really stunning place.
Enjoyed this so much.

darlin said...

Wow, these photos are stunning! This validates that I am going to try to make time to take a trip to New Zealand while I'm in Australia doing my final practicum. I hope to have time to do so!

Wishing you a very Happy and Blessed New Year!

Babzy.B said...

The first pic is really great ! :)