Blogs from Coromandel Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 9

30 04 2010 Wendy was awake early and took some photos of the lovely sunrise. Today we were going from Waihi beach up north and around the Coromandel peninsula. Even though this was our last full day of travelling NZ didn’t fail us. The views were stunning. We went from deserted beaches where we stopped for breakfast to steep jungle hills. The roads weaved up and round steep turns to reveal fantastic views across the peninsula at the top. Often the views were over 360 degrees and no amount of camera work could do it justice. Highly recommended for visitors to NZ to check this area out. We didn’t have enough time but what we saw was beautiful. Got to Coromondel and spent an hour de bugging the camper van prior to handing it back tomorrow. ... read more

Our few days spent in Coromandel with Kristen's mum Nos quelques jours passes dans la region du Coromandel avec la mere de Kristen... read more

Last night we camped by a huge rock, and John was out quite early taking photos. Unfortunately the day has been sun and showers - everyone seems quite happy that they’re getting rain at last - it’s been 5 months since they had any decent rainfall and they’re using ‘tank water’. We just wish it’d hold off for a few more weeks...!! Last night John had tucked his wallet away safely, so when we stopped for petrol and while he was turning the van upside down looking for it, I toddled in to pay ... Amongst the Sunday papers and popular magazines I noticed one called ‘More-Pork’, with a wonderful cover picture of a chap with a huge shaggy black pig - the cover story was ‘Getting an Old Fella Keen’ and the Product Review was ... read more

We were quite relieved to leave stinky Rotorua after our second day. And at times we still think that we can smell the sulphur!! Our windy roads continued and we snaked our way up the east coast until Whitianga, where we stopped at Hot Water Beach - where (at low tide) hot spring water oozes to the surface and you can have your own personal ‘spa’ bath. It was unfortunately the start of high tide (low tide was about 7pm - the reason why it can only be done at low tide is so that you can access the part of the beach where the hot springs are and dig a deep enough hole to reach the hot water). The sea was a beautiful light turquoise colour and looked very inviting however, the surf was quite ... read more

On day 6, I returned to an area south of the peninsular where the roads are straighter and the crowds less obvious. After filling up at a petrol station in the village of Bombay (honest), I turned off the main A1 road at the very humble village of Ohinewal , and headed past the Hapuakohe Mountains towards the town of Paeroa. Now, I have to tell you that New Zealanders are proud of their production of the internationally famous L&P soft drink. You know the one that tastes of Lemon and Paeroa? A few days back, I had seen this drink in a corner store and asked the cashier what Paeroa was. She asked a colleague, who informed me that it was a sort of kiwi fruit. Of course, I bought the drink, and am now ... read more