Visited the Hot Water Beach at low tide to experience the hot springs that surface in the sand on this particular beach. Arrived to find that this large, beautiful beach was empty apart from one small area that was very congested with people digging and sitting in holes in the sand. We joined in the fun with the spades we had brought from the B&B. In some places the spring water was too hot to bear whilst in other spots it was only slightly warm. With a bit o...

Went to Coramandel Town in the morning along the twisting coastal road with great views from high up of the coves and bays. Visited the Driving Creek Railway near Coramandel, the result one mans obsession, vision, energy. He started it at the age of 26, laying all 2.5km of the track himself. He is now 77. The railway climbs up a steep hill, through a number of tunnels, switchbacks and spirals steep hill, to the "Eye-full Tower". Spent the afternoon in Whitiang...

Arrived at our B&B in Whitianga, feeling tired after the long drive from Omapere. Soon refreshed by the great views from our B&B, which was set way up the hill overlooking Whitianga and the bay, by the high quality of our accommodation and by the friendliness of our hosts, Helen and Ed and their old golden labrador. Drove down into the town intending to have a fish and chips take-away on the beach. It turned out to a cold evening so we decided in the end ...