We started our journey on the 'Stray Bus' today. Its like the Kiwi Experience bus but a different company (they tend to go more off the beaten track and visit places some of the other companies don't go to). We had done our research- Magic was not appealing after out Bay of Islands trip, and we had heard Kiwi Experience was like an 18-30's holiday for younger people (and we are pushing 25 now!! haha). So Stray sounded the most appealing and we'd had fun on our Auckland trip with them. We have bought the 'Short Moe' pass which takes us around the North and South Island, and we'd got a good deal after our Auckland city tour- the tour guide Nathan had thrown in free sim cards worth $15 and free stray bus t-shirts so we feel rather special- but we don't wear them on the same days now that would be sad! hehe. So that sealed the deal- 'Sweet As'!

Our first destination was Hahei in the Coromandel (one of the best beaches in the Peninsula) and we started the day travelling up Mt Eden to have a last look over Auckland city before we left. Its one of Aucklands extinct volcanoes and you get a great view form up there!

Our driver who is called Nemo next drove us down the mountain South towards Waikato and then across the Coromandel Peninsula stopping off at good old Pak'n'Save (who needs Aldi?!) for snacks and supplies. We arrived in Hahei where we were staying the night in a hostel near the beach. Some people decided to do the optional Kayak trip round to Cathedral Cove but we were feeling lazy so we just chilled out on the beach watching the surfers! Saw a wedding on the beach too- which was nice.

Later on we all got back on the bus for a late afternoon trip to 'Hot water beach' where the natural springs under the beach allow you to dig your own hole in the sand with a spade and make your own little hot spa to sit in! The only downfall was it was absolutely packed out with people! It was madness! People were digging holes left right and centre and some were getting slightly territorial over their spa's!! It was quite funny!

Afterwards we all went back to the hostel and eagerley awaited the BBQ we had all chipped in for- it was well worth the wait!!