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We headed north out of the Smoke for the long weekend, destination: Tutukaka. The first surprise of the day was spotting a heron's nest in a pohutakawa tree with two chicks.
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Tutukaka harbour boasts a pretty marina, with more than a few "gin palaces"
From here we set off to Poor Knights Islands, a marine reserve 22km offshore.
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The stunning volcanic landscape was the perfect backdrop for what Jacques-Yves Cousteau described as the best sub-tropical diving in the world
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We took the plunge... the snorkelling was fantastic. Huge snapper, kingfish, rays, stripey mado etc.
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Our boat took us inside the worlds largest sea cave
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, Rikoriko, where the light in the entrance gives a stunning blue grotto effect.
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We returned full up with subaqua experiences, with the shearwaters following us for company.
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The following day we journeyed further north, stopping at Whananaki South, a pristine sandy bay where the oyster catchers outnumbered the people.
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