Thanks to NZ daylight saving starting overnight and the two hour time difference, we didn't surface until 9am!
And, it was still raining! ☔️
After showers and brekkie headed south out of Hamilton. Stopped for morning coffee (and bought some rolls for lunch) in the quaint little township of Te Awamutu with its Main Street of blossom trees ....famous as the hometown of the Finn brothers.
Continued on through the lush rolling green hills of this dairy cattle country turning off to Waitomo Caves. Booked in for a tour of the Glowworm Cave (three caves can be visited). An abundance of impressive stalactites and stalagmites plus the "cathedral " with is incredible acoustics. The highlight is the boat ride, being pulled along by the guide through the cave illuminated by a multitude of blue iridescent glowworms. Awesome !
We travelled further south on the SH3 reaching the coast at Awakino where the river meets the sea. The road weaved along the coastline of black sandy beaches mingled with irregular limestone rock formations.
We chose our stop for the night on the outskirts of New Plymouth at Fitzroy Beach. Excellent holiday park located right on the (black sand) beach boasting great amenities. Drove slightly further into town to a "Cobb & Co" restaurant for a pleasant dinner.