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Published: November 24th 2010
Blog #7 - Coromandel Town, Fantail Bay, and Fletcher Bay –
The Coromandel Peninsula was magical. The first day we did several short hikes, as mentioned in Blog #6. Then we arrived at our Backpackers ‘The Lion’s Den’ where we stayed for two nights. As Emily described it, “It had lots of character.” Attached is a photo of Jim and Carole’s room “The Elephant Room”. The next day we spent driving up the west coast of the Coromandel Peninsula to the very northern tip. There were great stretches of pohutukawa trees, old and gnarled and soon to be bursting into red blossoms. We saw numerous ‘shags’ (cormorants) sitting on the shore, some drying their outstretched wings. We stopped and hiked at Fantail Bay, going straight up and earning a fabulous view of the ocean and surrounding farm land. The slopes were covered with Manuka (tea tree) bushes in bloom. There were interesting fields of spider webs encasing daisy like flowers. Also got a good shot of the traps baited with eggs used to help control possums. Jim and I had a great conversation with a retired Kiwi who goes camping a lot in his campervan, complete with microwave and TV and
TV aerial. He told us he was pleased we made it to the Coromandel because he thought it was the best place in New Zealand. We continued to Fletcher Bay for a picnic which we had to diligently defend from the resident ducks. It’s interesting….every outdoor meal we’ve had has required an avian defense committee…so far chickens, ducks and of course gulls have been the birds who most want to share our grub…After the picnic we set out to walk part of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. The views of the ocean, the sheep, (and eventually the fog) were all quite spectacular.
This drive, as many others, was enlivened by the interesting signs that one wouldn’t see in Canada. Note: what to do if you encounter a stranded whale. Also, check out the Appaloosa Tatoo advertisement – Emily wondered if they only do tattoos on your butt? We also encountered our first ford which was underwater. Jim examined the water level and decided our trusty station wagon could manage – and it did. As we went home, the tide was in and we marveled (as we had elsewhere) at the vast swampy areas of trees which were now underwater up
to their canopies. How well adapted these species must be to endure their regular soakings in salt water.
This alas was the trip on which we lost our hubcap. We watched carefully for it on the return trip, but were unable to spot it. We couldn’t find a similar aftermarket hubcap at a car wreckers, but have since bought 4 new aftermarket hubcaps to install before returning the car to the agency.
Thus ended our day on the west coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Tomorrow – journey across to the east coast!
Thanks to all of you who are reading our blog, and a special thank you to those of you who take time to make comments. We really enjoy hearing what you have to say about our notes and snapshots!
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Kate Dawson
non-member comment
Lovely rounded hills
Hi Carole, Jim and Emily, I like your hair style Emily:suits you! Yes all that walking. You must be getting fit by now. The style of camping sounds so simple and easy. I get your point about being lucky you are early in the tourist season. One can only imagine the possible crowds.