The Giant Pohutukawa Tree

After leaving Te Kaha, we had spent a night at Waihau Bay before heading for Te Araroa. On the way, we followed Garth off the main road in search of Hicks Bay. 

Driving along a very narrow road and wondering how we would ever manage to turn around to get back out, we found a beautiful small bay (Onepoto Bay) with firm sand that we could drive onto—plenty of room to turn around here.

People launch their boats directly from the beach. Around that small point jutting out from the left is Hicks Bay.

After Helen had her first swim of the season and we’d had lunch, we were on our way again.

Te Araroa. A small community between a huge bluff and the sea.

And on the edge of the school grounds, a famous tree.

This tree has a name: Te Waha O Rerekohu, meaning "the mouth of Rerekohu". It is believed to be over 600 years old, although the sign says "over 350 years old".

Standing 21.2 metres tall, it had a branch span of 37 metres at its widest point when measured in 1950. It is also reputed to be the largest and oldest of it's species in New Zealand.

We didn’t stay the night in Te Araroa. Garth had other plans, and once more we were following the pink and white bus up a no-exit road—this time heading for the East Cape.

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