Another late start to the day due to a somewhat sleepless night, and then a trip to onetangi beach - apparently the nicest on the island. Initially tried catching the bus, but eventually decided to hitch and got taken straight there. A quick coffee and cake in Charlie Farley's café (Welsh flags outside were a good omen), after a very blustery walk on the beach, then decided to wander through a nearby bird reserve to stay out of the wind. Turned out to be a very pleasant walk, despite not seeing many birds, then walked along the road to a vineyard, which was unfortunately closed. Decided then to try and hitch back as we needed to catch a boat in the evening, and again got a lift very quickly. Went back to the B&B and read for a bit before getting a lift to Orapiu for our boat across to Coromandel.

The boat ride was fast but choppy. The friendly attendant saw our walking poles and gave some advice for us trampers! Everyone is so friendly here! We got dropped off by our German-Kiwi bus driver at the door of the Lion's Den hostel; our double room (the elephant room) was like a glorified garden shed. Cute though.

We read that the Coromandel seafood was not to be missed, so we treated ourselves to a meal of scallops and mussels in the posh restaurant in town. The restaurant competition wasn't tough though. Coromandel Town is like something from 50s suburbia America - very sleepy and old fashioned. Like the bus driver told us though, Kiwis are more into their lifestyle than money which is a refreshing change.

We finished the night off with a beer in a pub with live music. It reminded me (Cerys) of nights out in Aberdare's Market Tavern 15 years ago!