Dandy's Grand Adventure: Cape Palliser, New Zealand North Island – April 8th

We have a theory (then a rant): If your culture supports a healthy work-life balance and encourages spending time outdoors with your family and friends, you will be happier and thereby tend to be less stressed and kinder to others. As far as we can tell, the Kiwis, are, in general, easy going and ridiculously nice people that go out of their way to help each other out, even strangers. Conversely, a culture which places more emphasis on work and “success” tends to breed more abrupt people on a mission, who can’t be bothered, because with all of life’s responsibilities, there is little time or bandwidth for genuine compassion (cough cough… America – don’t get your feathers in a ruff, of course, there are always exceptions and very nice compassionate people in America too). Nuff said, here’s an example: While on our way to Cape Palliser, we came across yet another, “Road Closed due to Flooding” sign. After asking some friendly locals, they suggested that we drive up there anyway, because they think it should be open by now. Unfortunately, the road was still closed, but not because the flooding was too bad, because the council hadn’t gotten around to opening the gate yet (they were likely enjoying life). Never fear though, a local farmer and his dogs were spending the morning happily shuttling cars through the first gate (which was unlocked) and on back roads through his property to bypass the locked gate. Thanks Kiwi Farmer, you saved us an hour detour!

Our first stop on the southern tip of the north island was the pinnacles at Putangirua Scenic Reserve for some Lord of the Rings scenery. Here, the mountains have eroded leaving towering spires and pinnacles protruding from the dry stream bed below. After exploring the sandy skyscrapers, we continued up through the brush to an overlook viewpoint, before completing the loop with stunning coastal views the entire way. Loved it! Although the pinnacles hike was unique and incredible, for me, the next stop triggered the childlike excitement of a kid on Christmas morning – a seal colony with curious baby seals everywhere! Andy had to tear me away so we could make it in time to climb the 250 steps to the base of Cape Palliser lighthouse to watch the sunset. It was an amazing day!