Exploring the "real far North"

Furthest point North where Maori spirits are said to leave earth and fly to heaven when someone dies.




At the north lookout. Fun to see which direction I'll be heading home in.

Great view of the ocean below.

Today we got up and took a windy drive to 90 mile beach and ultimately the cape on the northern most point of the north island. This point is important for two reasons. First this is where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean join.

Secondly, in Maori culture when a person dies, their spirit flies to this point, then leaves earth for Heaven (Hawaki sp?) On this point, there is a tree that grows, clinging to the side of the rocks that has been there for generations. The roots of this trees form stair steps that the spirits use to fly off to heaven from. Scientists say that based on the type of tree this is, and it's location with wind, salt water, the beating surve and no ground for it to grow... that this tree should not be able to survive. And yet, this single tree flourishes.