Discovering the Mahurangi Peninsula

Grace and solitude on the rocks.

I always had something about peninsulas. They just look so fascinating on the map. Almost like an island. They are attached to the land yet still out there on their own. I can get so excited to walk along the shore, discover the parts that are next to the water, to see how the landscape curves and where it will lead me. Have you ever had this feeling?

As we were planning our weekend, we realised that the place to pick up the piece of furniture we were still missing from our flat is just located in a beautiful area. Well, it is not really hard in New Zealand not to be located in a beautiful place anyway... So we decided to combine the pick up with the discovery of the Mahurangi Peninsula, just about an hour's drive north from Auckland.

Scotts Landing at high tide - New Zealand

We started off at Scotts Landing, the tip of the Mahurangi East, based on the recommendation of the locals. We love to seek their advise as they know their surroundings probably the best, and sometimes we can get to places that are not even mentioned in the guide books. :) In this case, it was also well worth it. 

Scotts Landing, Mahurangi, New Zealand

The peninsula resembles to a dragon's head and this would be the lower part of its open mouth. Yes, I am visual. :) I wonder why I had this attribution, maybe because of the beautiful dragon dance we did on yoga...

The views are great, the water clear blue, the boats rocking on the waves, the trees on the shore breathtaking. Not to mention the bright red pohutukawas in full bloom! Just lovely :)

Pohutukawa on the rocks.

Scotts Landing and the mini harbour.

Scotts Landing vista.

Pohutukawa by the sea.

Our second stop was the Scandrett Regional Park, a relatively new park opened just back in 2004, at the north east tip or the peninsula, or in my view the dragon's ear. :) The path that takes you till the end is breathtaking, driving through a crooked little road on the top of the cliffs and slowly descending to the shore.  

The waterfront at Scandrett Regional Park, New Zealand.

Trees leaning over the water at Scandrett Regional Park.

It felt like we are on a mystical journey. The heavy branches of trees reaching over the water embraced in a smooth layer of fog. Tiny raindrops breaking the silence. Mist over the horizon as someone paddled forth. We only crossed two Chinese men looking for a good fishing spot.

Welcome to the Scandrett Regional Park.

In some minutes, the sky cleared out and the sunshine put everything into a different perspective. We had a quick tour around the little farm established in the end of the 19th century. The land was purchased at that time by an Irishman, George Scandrett - hence the park's name - and the historic homestead built in 1885. One of the oldest Norfolk pine trees of New Zealand grows here ever since the 1870s. 

The historic Scandrett homestead.

Nested between the trees.

Spring is here.

The Scandrett farm.

Farm by the beach.

This pine is almost 150 years old.

Then we headed to the most stunning part of the Regional Park, up the hills, through the farm. Guess who we met on the way! :) Sheeeeeeeeep! 

Hey you guys, what are you looking at? Got no cookies :)

Lovely cute New Zealand sheep, who were extremely happy to greet us with a vivid "Baaaah" and follow us everywhere as we crossed this fascinating farmland. We had so much fun walking around and watching them. :) It is just so cool to suddenly be in the middle of a sheep heard and play sheep... :)

On the way to Mullet Point - Scandrett Regional Park, New Zealand

Baaah baah - cute little New Zealand sheep everywhere!

Look at those fluffy heads :)

Look how happy they are as they jump around!!!

Once we got to the top of the hill and reached Mullet Point, this view welcomed us. "The expansive, sparkling waters" as Maori called it. A truly fascinating view. I felt like I am in love again - the blue colour of the sea leaves me speechless...

The breathtaking view from Mullet Point, Scandrett Regional Park, New Zealand.

A peek through the trees to the turquoise sea - Scandrett Regional Park, New Zealand.

Scandrett Regional Park, New Zealand. View from the cliffs.

This is how it looked like in real! Watch the gentle waves wash the rocks and enjoy the breathtaking views!

As we were standing there, all by ourselves, gazing in the far and enjoying this magical beauty, we noticed a kayaker paddle close to the rocks and cast his fishing rod. He had basically all that space for himself... :) 

Scandrett Regional Park, New Zealand- The best fishing spot ever?!

​And we had all the clifftop and sheep to ourselves. :) Hope you can visit one day!

Follow me into the wild... Scandrett Regional Park, New Zealand

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