This was the second time a NZ4WD Readers’ Trip had included Pouto Point and the historic Pouto lighthouse, at the entrance of the Kaipara Harbour. The task of actually getting there from Pouto Point was interesting in itself.

On the Sunday especially, many of the vehicles, including a couple of the helper’s vehicles, bogged down in soft sand, close to the waters edge.

Once at the lighthouse, only a few vehicles actually made it to the top of the dune; the rest making several attempts but eventually gave in to the soft loose sand. However, for those that did get up, either by driving or walking, the views made it worth while.

A lot of work has gone into the area around the lighthouse and the trees and vegetation between the lighthouse and the shoreline have been removed allowing the lighthouse to once again stand out prominently, high above the dunes.

As the groups moved further north they had the opportunity to drive the large and very steep, wind-blown, dunes. For many this was a unique experience, driving down such steep descents, and for some of the passengers it was all too much.

With a stronger on-shore wind there were many wind-blown sand-drifts and, in the lower and wetter areas, there was also quicksand.

Usually, a drive along the beach provides interesting items washed up on to the beach, especially after heavy rain, which is what we had in the days before the trip. Unfortunately, there was nothing and only a lone fisherman or two on the beach.

The only interruption, while driving along the beach, was from a motorbike rider, who was seeking assistance for his mate, who had fallen and dislocated his shoulder in the dunes.

Two of the trip helpers, including one local helper, went to his aid and transported the injured person out so he could be taken to town for treatment.

Lunch was provided by the local Te Kopuru School as a fund-raiser; they plan to take the children on a trip to Wellington at the end of the year. They need to raise $20,000 and we were pleased to have been able to assist with the fundraising.

The lunch was served at the Redhill’s Camp, halfway between Glinks Gully and Bayly’s Beach, and a fabulous meal it was; pork with roast veggies, including locally grown Kumara, and followed by dessert.

After lunch it was back onto the beach, before heading off again and climbing the hills, off the beach, onto dairy farmland. Despite all the heavy rain and our concerns that the tracks would be damaged, everyone was able to negotiate these without a problem. In fact, there was a surprising lack of mud.

It was another good weekend with good company and yes the weather did stay fine for both days for a change. Thanks go to the Te Kopuru School for their excellent catering and to the property owners and managers. .: