The drive up the coast through winding roads, was broken up with a stop off & a stroll down Hot Water Beach. At low tide you can dig a hole in the sand that allows the water heated by volcanic rock to create your own spa pool. We were not in a digging mood however so we continued on to Whitianga.
Lunch was had overlooking the marina, where I had some fantastic fresh Bluff Oysters. With the sun intermittently being covered by cloud, sun bathing was not an option.
The afternoon was spent out on the sea. We boarded a glass bottomed boat to explore the coromandel coastline. Here we learnt this was where Captain Cook first claimed NZ for our glorious empire.
After relaxing in the hostel we headed out for the NZ V Ireland rugby game. There seemed to be only two main bars here. So we settled down in one for the night. A live band took over the entertainment once the rugby had concluded. I stayed on for a few drinks as Alan headed back at a sensible hour.