To the North! To the North!
We headed farther north and hit upon 90-mile beach (it is not really 90 miles long, more like 50). You see beach for as far as the eye can see. A stunning wild place. The sea full of wild energy that pulls and tosses you about, it is not a good idea to wade out too far but the water is irresistible. We found a lovely campsite just behind the dunes and after a day of vanlife relaxing, snoozing on beach and dinner the sun goes down.
Waitangi Day is when NZ celebrates the signing of the treaty and is considered New Zealand’s founding day. It is still controversial but is a good excuse to get out and have fun in the sun. It is a real mix of real NZ and what NZ wants to be. The culture is very vibrant and to be celebrated. Again I am drawn into thinking about what NZ culture is and I have to admit I have not worked it out. So far I have found it void of pretense and with a distinct lack of motive. I find these real strengths and I really enjoy it. Yes, of course, there are the pretentious wankers somewhere but I have not met them yet. There are obviously a lot of social issues but that is the case with every country but there is something special here that I am really enjoying figuring it out and it seems to really suit my mindset. I have not had a chance to really dip into Māori culture as yet, they are all around and are friendly and open enough. I hear Māori spoken around the place and I am picking up the odd word. Learning place names and the names for fauna and flora is a good feeling and I will try to study the language better at a later stage, I think it is really vital if I want to get to know them better, I guess that will all come in time. The Māori culture is rich with feeling and energy.
