Sunday 15th April – Mount Maunganui to Hamilton

---

Today we are heading South East to visit one of Kirstens friends Lynton in Hamilton. We head south via Waihi to Mount Maunganui a major surfing destination. Mount Manuganui is basically a large hill perched in the end of a natural harbour, which provides 360Degree views of the surrounding area. Unfortunately you have to walk up the hill to see them.

After a really steep 40min walk we arrived at the summit welcomed by the spectacular views. It’s well worth the walk! The beaches along this coast seem to go on forever! Mount Maunganui is famous for its man made reef proving surfing whatever the weather.

We continue east along R29 via the Kaimai-Makuku forest park and Cambridge to Hamilton.

Cambridge is famous for it’s racehorse breeding and Hamilton it’s large University.

We meet Lynton and drive to his lovely home 5 mins from central Hamilton before freshening up for dinner. We eat in a restaurant called “Granite” which was lovely.

After a long drive we hit the sack early after setting up the bed in the campervan. Tonight is our first night in the van, which I’ve got to say at this point, has grown on us. I’m sure by the end of the trip we are going to be really fond of her!

Lynton is going to join us tomorrow on our trip to the Waitomo Caves, which is great news!

Ta Ta for now K & M

---

Photos

On the way up
Mount Maunganui

View from the top
Mount Maunganui

On the way down
Yes its sheep. You don't see many in NZ!

After night out
Matt, Kirsten and Lynton