Whangarei (fong-ar-eye) is the northernmost city in New Zealand, part of the Northland region. The name means "to gather" or, alternatively, "to lie in wait", referring both to the harbor upon which it resides and to the various iwi (tribes) that lived and feuded in the area. The Northland has the mildest climate found in New Zealand, and is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna. It's home to some of the few remaining old growth kauri trees, majestic trees sacred to the Maori. Cindy and I enjoyed six weeks in this area, our penultimate home before leaving New Zealand. We left the Northland for Raglan just before New Zealand went into its second lockdown following a resurgence of Covid cases.

Kai Iwi Lake is a so-called dune lake, formed in the Pleistocene about 1.8 million years ago . . .

. . . it's crystal clear waters are sparkling clean. It's a beautiful place for a contemplative walk around its circumference.

Whangarei Falls is a short drive from the city of Whangarei.

A 26-meter (85 foot) tall falls, it is fed by and tumbles into the Hatea River.

Tane Mahuta, the "god of the forest", is a giant kauri tree, the largest in the world.

Seeing the tree, which is between 1,250 and 2,500 years old, up close evokes an awe similar to viewing the interior of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.

The trees in New Zealand never cease to amaze . . .

. . . here, a sampling from our walk in the woods near Whale Bay.

The Whangarei Botanical Garden is small, but with many striking exhibits.

Walking through Bream Head Scenic Reserve.

The track takes you through Smugglers Bay, up and down along the edge of the bay, ending at Bream Head.

New Zealand had its share of WWII military sites. The Bream Head Gun Emplacement stood here, guarding the Northland.