We were interested to spot the active gold mine in the town of Wahei. The gold mining process is very similar to our mine in Victor; they also use cyanide leaching to extract the gold.

We have now reached the Coromandel which is a mountainous peninsula fringed with sandy beaches. The road from Wahei Beach to Hahei winds through holiday towns situated on stunning Pacific coast beaches with crystal blue water and views of islands .

Some say that Hahei is the best of the Coromandel beaches. The offshore islands provide great scenic views as well as protection for the beach. It is wonderful for children because the sand is very soft and smooth and and the water has gentle waves and seems to be shallow for a good distance off shore. It is also supposed to be good for diving here, but the water is too cold right now to enjoy snorkeling unless one has a wet suit.

To the south of Hahei is the famous Hot Water Beach where two springs just below the sand emit water at 147ºF. For two hours before and after low tide people flock there to dig out their own hot tubs in the sand with a shovel rented at the store near the beach. You must also carry a bucket to add cool water from the ocean so you don’t burn your body parts.