From Auckland to Whitianga

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Leaving the big city and winding through to the coastal roads. Yes, this is what we came to NZ for. Taking a wrong turn, we are rewarded with drop dead GORGEOUS vistas. High rolling hills filled with lush greenery. Now, if only we could navigate, gawk, and take pictures at the same time. Country roads are extremely narrow and very curvy. The highway is dotted with olive estates and dairy farms.
Thames town provides lunch and quaint shops. It is named by Capt. Cook as he felt the Waihou River resembled the British Thames. Am on a quest to purchase a children's book from a local author and artist in each country. Found 'The Fish of Maui' (named after a child) which has wonderful illustrations and tells the indigenous story of how NZ was formed.
Kuaotunu beach offers beautiful white sand. Onwards to Whitianga which is named after a Polynesian explorer who arrived in AD950. Fishing, diving, and kayaking are popular on this Mercury Bay.

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Comments

[Marilyn & Flemming]

New Zealand
Loving the beaches & the colours of the Pacific!

[Shring]

Driving time
As you are finding out, it isn't easy driving in NZ! That short route between dots does not take into consideration the going up and down between! Enjoy!

[Kate Bennett]

Glow worms!
I read some other comments and I agree, you have to go see the Glow Worms, I want to know all about THAT! Well, one wrong turn deserves another, and perhaps there are no wrong turns over there :) Serendipity is often very sweet. Beautiful, beautiful! And Chris has gotten the hang of the driving, sounds like. I take it you've washed and re-packed for the first time. Aren't you glad you invested in those wonderful undies? Snap dry! lol So, why is there nobody on these beaches? Have you tested the water at all? Are there jellyfish around? Interesting that you'd comment on mining with a photo of a dairy... I appreciated another comment on the cheeses over there. I hope you sample lots and take notes. I can live vicariously through your taste buds... xo