On route to Whitianga we stopped for a coffee and a cake at the Waiomu Beach Cafe on the stunningly beautiful coastal road that hugs the western edge of the Coramandel Peninsular. The cafe made quite a statement with its all wooden sides painted bright orange. Loved the old enamel bath which had been turned into a very comfortable outside bench. Across the road from the cafe was a small green on which one of the trees had a curious vine growing on it. Perhaps it ...

No option but to come back through Auckland to get from Omapere to Whitianga. No stopping this time.

Made the long road trip today to our next base at Whitianga on the Coramandel Peninsula. On the way we started to receive some text messages from a shop in Wellsford chasing us for the delivery of their bread and rolls. Clearly, they were phoning the wrong number. Knowing that NZ folk have a great sense of humour we replied with some daft answers. Unfortunately they were not amused. Stopped at Wellsford for a coffee break and made a visit to the shop. Still no br...

Went back to see, in daylight this time, Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest), the tallest kauri tree. An awesome sight. Checkout the photo and see Hilary looking very small indeed.

As we came into Omapere we could see across the mouth of the Hokianga Harbour to a long hill on the other side that was one huge sand dune. Beautiful. After checking into our comfortable B&B we walked along the beach to the Copthorne Hotel, sat outside on the decking and enjoyed a beer and the views across the harbour. Then off on a night walk in the Waipoua Forest with Matthew, our local Maori guide. On the ride out to the start of our walk he told us about ...