Many cast and crew on the US television productions, notably the warrior princess herself, are New Zealanders. But the beach has another, definitively local heroine. A point to the north is named for legendary Erangi. Forbidden to see her lover, she strapped their child onto her back, dove off the point and swam north to reach him. The Maori named this beach Te Henga. for the way the sand dunes formed, like the upturned hull of a canoe.
Simple batches line the slopes.
1998 Bethells is the preserve of a national icon, the classic kiwi batch. Kathy and Kent at Bachelor's Rest, which is now acclimatising to coupledom. Behind the beach a trail leads into the shady reserve of Lake Wainamu, where there are swimming spots and walking tracks. The Way 50 mins drive from central Auckland. Cheeky plots his break into Here and Xena stardom with trainer John.