Coromandel/Waikato

From Auckland we popped south and east to the Coromandel Peninsular in the Waikato region. The area is famous for its beaches and forms the eastern edge of the Hauraki Gulf. On arrival at the Coromandel we made our way up along the west coast, renowned for its rugged coastline. We passed through various villages and bays before reaching Coromandel Town at the northern end of the peninsular. We spent the evening at a campsite on Shelley Beach and watched the sun set over the bay. In the morning we spent some time on a jumping pillow (see photos) before heading away to the east coast.
Our drive took us to Whitianga where we visited one of the numerous I-Site buildings for some information before continuing to Haihei and round to Cathedral Cove where we walked along a hilly path to the beach itself. It took about 45 minutes and having sat in a car or van for the last few months it was a work out! The beach was nice and the sun stayed out just long enough for some good photos.

In the evening we moved down the coast and stayed at Whenuakite near Hot Water Beach where we met some Welshies much to Laura’s delight! In the morning we travelled 10 minutes up the road, spade in hand, to Hot Water Beach where we proceeded to dig ourselves a hole in the sand that filled with hot water from the thermal springs below! In places the water was extremely hot and burnt your feet and bum! That afternoon we made our way south to Otorohanga near Hamilton where we spent the night.

The next morning we had a walk around a bird sanctuary and got our first glimpse of kiwis as well as other native New Zealand birds. In the afternoon we visited the Shearing Shed and witnessed the bizarre sight of an Angora rabbit being sheared on a rack (much to Laura’s horror); however the rabbit (Queenie) didn’t seem to mind! We then popped up the road to Waitomo Caves and went for a tour, looking at the various limestone features and then glow worms. From there we visited a natural limestone bridge and then Maricopa Falls. From there Steve (the van) guided us to Taupo where we found a chip shop and went to bed.

In the morning Stani hit a golf ball into Lake Taupo (221 yards if you’re asking with a club speed of 140 mph) and we visited Huka Falls. In the afternoon we organised to kayak trip down the Waikato River and on the way we stopped off for a dip in some hot thermal streams. The weather was brilliant and it was very relaxing. That night we stayed in a campsite right next to the river for free which was nice!

On Monday we left Taupo for Rotorua and stopped at the Honey Hive to try some honey and other honey related products such as wine, whisky, fudge and ice cream. We then made our way to Kerosine Creek where we had a dunk in the smelly but warm natural thermal stream. Once in Rotorua we took Steve to a garage for some more stove related TLC before bedding down for the night. Today we have been to Te Puia to view the impressive natural Geysers and experience native Maori songs, dances and customs. Tomorrow we are planning to go north again to the Bay of Plenty.

Stani & Laura xx
(and Steve, now hopefully fixed for good!)