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.