The recommendation from Roge of Rotorua was to drive up the west side of the peninsula via Coromandle to Whitianga rather than the east side we had planned. He said you get the better views. The roads are small, windy and on the edge of cliffs. In comparison to the great ocean road in Australia, this place came up trumps. It was fantastic and I think Erich has the strongest stomach from his sailing days to survive the drive
A delicious ice cream on one of the beaches on route to keep us cool as the temperatures started hitting 27 and above. At our accommodation in Whitiange I had booked a one bed room studio. We ended up with a semi detached house to ourselves with beautiful balcony… We have really been lucky with all our bookings and glad we booked so many things in advance when I hear what they were then charging people for rooms!
The next morning we headed for hot water beach. We were told no matter what time of day or night there’s always about two hundred people there at low tide to dig a giant sand pit which fill with hot water from the underwater springs and bath in the water and sun. We weren’t too keen to join the spade wars and Erichs puddle was enough before we set off to a quitter area on the beach for a siesta and a stroll.
We were again given some great advice where to go and when, including a fantastic winery with home made cider and wood pizza over. You eat in a beautiful garden under your own little kiwi tree. Ah, such a hard life! I was driving so after a jug of cider and some liquer tasting, Erich left in a very “good mood” I had to wait till later to enjoy my take away bottle of cider.
We then headed to Catherdral cover which was a small walk to get to. You are rewarded by the most stunning beach, Rock arches and sculptures
The beached just got better and better as we next went to lonely beach, rated one of the top beaches in the world and were surprised to see it so empty apart from a few locals chilling or rowing a boat.
We finished off our chilled day with a chilled evening and home cooked fish and salad… And of course the bottle of cider to wash it down. We both slept well that night!