Whangamata - a sleepy beachside town, and dejavu. We ponder how we are going to amuse ourselves until bedtime. I seem to remember the same conversation when we arrived in Kaikoura, and the nights don't end all that differently!

The litle pub is holding a Texas Holdem comp, so we both take our seats at the table and let the fun commence. Having joked with the locals that we have been funding our trip around NZ by cleaning up in Pub Poker Tournaments, we both make it onto the final table. An hour or so later, more beers and some very random conversations with the locals, Todders has not made any lasting friends as she cleans up, taking the $50 prize money with her! Hoorah! A free night of entertainment.

The next day we treat ourselves continually, starting with a stroll on the beach, and brekkie in a cafe - what an extravagance. We stop in at Paunui, a strange little town really, but with great views, and the other added bonus of spotting stingrays off the jetty.
Next stop, Hot Water Beach. Loads of people standing around with spades, looking confused. We were minus the spades, but still equally as confused. Finally the tide started to go out and it all became clear. Certain areas of the beach were boiling hot just underneath the surface. It had been suggested that we dig a hole and sit in it, but we opted to keep our bottoms with the skin still on, and instead hop from foot to foot.

A beautiful day today, by far our warmest yet. we have a leisurely lunch of pumpkin soup, sat on the grass by Johnny. It was so nice sat here, we could have stayed all day, but instead we headed to Cathedral Cove for a spot of walking. We were very glad we did - the cove was spectacular, as were the clusters of islands out in the distance. Coromandel is definately the best bit of the North Island we have seen so far.

We continue the treat theme that night, and have a party in Johnny, with Pinot Noir and chocolate, as it our last night in him :-(
Our last proper day in Johnny has been awesome. Very relaxing, very scenic, and we both kept telling each other just how lucky we are. Plus the sun has been shining on us, so a perfect last day to end the perfect campervan adventure.
The next day we complete the Coromandel Penninsula drive, and hand back Johnny, a very sad moment. Packing up our stuff was ridiculous - we've accumulated loads. Being back in a city is not much fun.