Our first excursion in New Zealand was to the Coromandel Peninsular. First stop, Thames. We checked into our first motorhome park and managed to plug in our new home and settle in for our first night. Amazingly slept well and set off for a walk up, up and up a hill behind the campsite past several old gold mines. The views at the top were worth the haul and the climb over rocks down the other side was pretty exciting. Another good nights sleep and we got up bright and early for the Pinnacles walk in the Coromandel forest. Unfortunately this was another uphill slog (3 hours of only up) but again the views at the top were worth it. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) the final part of the walk was closed for maintenance so we never actually made it to the Pinnacles themselves, but we got as far as the hut. After another long slog down the hill again we then headed north via the winding coastal road to Coromandel. Great scenery including lots of Hobbiton-like fields! Treated ourselves to some great fish and chips that evening. Spent the morning in Coromandel and took a trip on the Driving Creek Railway which was slightly quirky but good fun. Yet again, great views from the top. Drove to another great viewpoint for lunch and did another walk to the top of another hill for yes, you guessed it, more views! We then drove the "309 road" (a 26km unsealed road) to Whitianga which took us past a kauri grove and a pretty waterfall. We also learned that when travelling on unsealed roads it was very important to close all windows and air vents to avoid getting dust EVERYWHERE!!! The next day Stu somehow persuaded me that we should try the local high ropes course. I thought I'd go along and have a look, but before I had chance to decide if I fancied it I was already wearing the harness and about to climb up a 12 metre telegraph pole! It actually turned out to be good fun and we both walked along the tightrope and a horizontal telegraph pole (with no handrails). Stu then opted for the crazy "try to stand on the top of a telegraph pole (the top of which was smaller than his feet) and then jump off and catch a trapeze swing"! Amazingly he did it without falling off. I opted for the easier wobbly bridge. We both then finished off with a big swing that sounded pretty easy but actually involved a freefall from 15 metres before falling into a swing. Something I am not keen to repeat! Next was Hahei where, after a dip in the sea, we walked to the impressive Cathedral Cove. We then visited hot water beach where clearly the hot water had been turned off for the day! Spend a night in Miranda where we relax in the hot-spring pool before a cosy night in the van. Have another chilled out day working our way back to Auckland to meet Amy's parents. Had a picnic on another great beach and a stroll afterwards.