Woke late, but still managed to get everything done by 9.30, as the incentive of a final dip in the pool spurred everyone into action! Gave back the cabin key & thanked the manager, & spent an hour relaxing in the hot pools (D&L) & playing in the big pool (J&M). Dragged ourselves away & drove north, towards the Coromandel Peninsula. Accidentally took a 20km detour towards Thames until we realised our mistake, turned around, & ended up in Paeroa, just in time for lunch.

After eating, we headed east, towards Waihi, through the Karangahake Gorge, & to Waihi Beach, where we started to look for accommodation. The price at the Holiday Camp at Bowentown leapt from $68 to $105 once the kids were included - nearly $20 per child extra! The Top10 at Waiki Beach was miles outside of our budget ($160), & the final park, 2 streets away, was $116. We decided that we were not destined to stay here, & drove back to Waihi, & then further north, along a very windy road, to Whangamata. At the i-site there, we picked up details of a BP's & a motor park, & D used the ATM for (hopefully) the last time in NZ!

We found the Settlers Motor Camp, & paid $85 for a caravan with attached cabin - 2x single beds in the caravan; dbl + bunks in the cabin. Shared facilities- all clean & tidy, but a little dated & worn around the edges. Very friendly manager, who spent ages giving us information & magazines to read about local attractions - especially the gold & silver mine at Waihi!

Kids played on the trampoline & swings at the front of the park while D&L got settled in. Reheated seafood pasta for tea, had a glass (or 2) of wine, & then a good night's sleep for all!