Thursday, August 30, 2012

Cape Reinga to the Coromandel Peninsula

Welcome Back!

Since I last wrote, Andy and I visited Cape Reinga on the northern tip of the island and have made our way back down south through Auckland to explore the Coromandel Peninsula.

The morning we visited Cape Reinga was a cold and windy one, so though I was able to see the famous lighthouse from a distance, I waited in the car while Andy got these awesome close-up shots!


We then traveled south, stopping once in the cute little town of Paihia by the Bay of Islands before driving through Auckland once again. This trip has been one of self discovery for me. For example, I've learned that I am not a fan of big cities. They overwhelm me. I much prefer to explore small towns like this one:

Paihia
Once we drove through Auckland headed south, the weather became noticeably colder (which makes sense since the Northland area is after all known as the “winterless north.”) We spent the next few nights freedom camping (staying in free campsites which are generally empty parking lots approved for overnight stay) as we made our way towards the peninsula.

Heading south

Sunrise at Boat Club Reserve

Sunset in Tairua
 
When we finally reached the peninsula, there were only two places on our must-see list: Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. What we didn't anticipate was the weather and the fact that Cathedral Cove requires a 40 minute hike to reach. But we were motivated. Battling fierce winds and pouring rain (okay, I am exaggerating), we emerged victorious!

Entrance to Cathedral Cove

The hike there and back also offered some great scenery:

 
Our next stop was Hot Water Beach, where you can basically dig a hole on the beach and create your own personal jacuzzi. However, due to the weather, we decided to sit this one out.

Andy on Hot Water Beach contemplating whether we should or should not risk pneumonia
After all, we have a full day ahead of us and cannot wait to share with you all in our next post. Stay tuned, you will not want to miss this!

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