The last blog I did was Saturday morning outside the library, sitting on their lawn. Can be difficult to get WI Fi in some places.

We spent Saturday in Whitianga, exploring town and harbour. We had hoped for a boat trip but no spaces so booked one for Sunday morning.

We then went to Hahei beach, some of us swam and then went to the Hot Water Beach. Here we dug a hole on the beach and sat in the hot spring water. Amazing!!!!!

This beach had great waves, John swam here and the rest of us watched the surfers.

Sunday morning we had our boat trip at 9am - this was brilliant. Just the 4 of us in a motorised dinghy, went round Mercury Bay and on to Cathedral Cove. Saw lots of birds and fish.

We then began our journey south. I expect you geographers are plotting our journey!

Having driven up the west coast of the Coromandel Peninsula we drove down the east coast. We stopped at Tairua, where we climbed Mount Paku which gave us views across the estuary.

Our next step was at Whangamata, the surfers were all out here. beautiful shells on the beach and much hotter than we thought.

Katikati was a small town full of murals and also a short sculpture walk.

Our destination for the next two nights was Rotorua. A little smelly in places. The motel is basic but does have a spa pool at the back. Apologies for the upside down picture of Ray and John enjoying the bubbles. I must remember which way up to hold the I -pad.

Ray and I are putting some photos on our Facebook pages so if you want to see you have to be a friend!, This blog only seems to allow one photo.

We are still getting used to the heat and it being January. I think I am now really retired.