Monday 10th March
This morning we followed the Twin Coast Discovery Highway which led us to the ferry across the Waima River estuary.

We next reached the enormous sand dunes at the river mouth.

Near here is South Head where there is a stretch of beautiful beaches. We walked to the viewing point on the headland.

Further south we entered Waitoua Kauri Forest where there are several well-marked trails through the lush undergrowth.

The first tree of note that we visited was the Giant Kauri which loomed over everything in the forest. It is said to be about 2000 years old, is over 50 metres tall and has a girth of nearly 14 metres.

There were very many good boardwalks on the routes so that the tree roots are not damaged.

This group of trees is called The Four Sisters. We wondered if they would grow together in time.

Our final stop before Dargaville was the Forest Sanctuary. This is on the Waipou River which runs through the heart of the forest.