East Coromandal

East Coromandel

So after all the excitement, we still have lots to see and do!

So… we back tracked on the 309 towards the Coromandel Harbour then turned right to Tiki Road which led us to Wyuna Bay in the Coromandel.

It was time to head East on Highway 12 – the heritage trail towards. Te Rerenga. But first we had to make it up the 500 metre hill climb! And we did! We made it to the top, where we found Maungataururu, a scenic lookout, the van was not coping well, and it was very hot outside, but the stunning scenery made up for it. I have never seen something so remarkable. I climbed up the touristy path and wow what a view! I ran back down to grab Mikko. To the west we could see the Coromandel Harbour, the small islands around the Hautapu and Waimate Channels and even Waiheke Island in the distance. And then we turned around to the East and as far as the eye could see, it was hills, gorges, beach, cliffs the Pacific Ocean.

A short time after, we got back on the road again heading for Te Rerenga. The narrow, windy road led us to by Wangapoua Harbour and on to Kuaotunu West, which had a beautiful yet quiet beach, facing the Pacific Ocean. What more could you ask for? ?

As we looked at the map we chose to hit the Highway and go to Whitianga, maybe there’s a wave? Unfortunately not! Then I realised the harbour only had passenger ferry’s. So now, we were on Highway 25, heading through Kaimarama and Millcreek. We turned off at Whenuakite and took the road towards Hot Water Beach. At low tide, and on the right day, you can get to the middle of the beach. Here you can dig a hole, and keep digging until there’s enough space for you all to sit there, and the water will be hot! Underneath the land, part of the earth is hot, and it creates a natural hot pool. But it’s easier said than done, people were attempting and failing miserably as the tide came and washed their hard work away.

Freedom Pigs!

Freedom Pigs!

Just off the beaten track, we took The 309 Road, heading for Waiau waterfall. The rough terrain went on for miles… and miles. We were giving up hope of getting there! We were debating turned around when in the distance we saw lots and lots and lots of Pigs!! A local couple were feeding them apples and veges from their truck. The pigs were roaming free, living happily in the middle of nowhere and feeding off the land. The generous couple came daily to feed them, and so did other locals. And oh boy the Pigs got excited when they know you had food. So of course….we opened the back door to feed the Pigs and before Mikko even got any fruit out he was surrounded! We even fed some from our hands, they were adorable, I didn’t want to leave. Some of them were pink pigs, some black pigs, black & white pigs and  little Piglets. Piglets of all ages, even new bourns! Just before we left we found out the Waterfall was too far to go on the rocky, gravel road for our poor little van. So although we didn’t make this waterfall, it was definitely a day to remember!

West Coromandal

West Coromandel

So from the City we headed south Down Highway 1, we turned off at Highway 2 through Mangatawhiri and Maramarua then got onto Highway 25 towards the Firth of Thames and settled for the evening as it was now 10pm.

We woke up around 6am and got back on the road towards Thames. It was another beautiful day and perfect for exploring the Coromandal. The main Highway was a coastal road for over 100km’s. We went by Wahakatete Bay, Ngarimu Bay, Te Puru, Waiomu, apu, Te Mata and Kereta, which all had beautiful golden sands and blue waters. Just as we got by Wilsons Bay the road went uphill and before we knew it, we were looking at a breath taking view over Kirita Bay, Te Kouma Harbour and out towards The Hauraki Gulf. So we pulled over and ran up a hill, whilst dodging goat poo to get a perfect view! We’re falling in love with this place already.

Soon after we arrived at Coromandal Harbour, which has a daily ferry journey going to and from Waiheke Island, many friends in N.Z say it’s beautiful! But we haven’t explored that area… yet!

NeW hAiR

New Hair!

We spent a few hours at the Afro Hair Salon today to get my new hairstyle! You wouldn’t believe how difficult it is to find somewhere to wash your hair every day, it’s impossible! So the perfect solution… something I have wanted for some years now… 

On the Move

On the Move

Just before we started our journey to Coromandel we heard of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami which unfortunately was a huge 9.0 and has destroyed thousands of lives. We just hope the survivors get the essentials they need and the radiation from the power plants don’t take any more lives at this dreadful time.

More good times in Auckland

Lloyd Elsmore Park!

Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga

Free Indoor Swimming Pools!

East Auckland

East Auckland

Whilst in the area we went to drove to Half Moon Bay to visit friends. This meant driving through the City (which we try to avoid as much as possible). From Highway 16, we turned to Highway 1 past Ponsonby, and soon turned off at Ellerslie-Panmure Highway towards Pakuranga. We soon met up with Vaughn and his friends and spend two weeks here! We discovered some of the local beaches, and also some hidden ones! The best was when we went to Musick Point, we had to drive through a gold course to get there! Ha it’s a road going right through the middle of the golf course so you don’t really want to drive slowly! We took a short walk to find a nice spot at the cliff edge, where we could see Browns Island, Motuihe Island and Rangitoto an active Volcano, which hasn’t erupted in over 150 years and it’s overdue! In the distance we could also see the Sky Tower in Auckland City!