Highway 25 changes
its face completely once it turns away from the seaside into
Coromandels inland. The steep dark structures of the Coromandel
Ranges come into view and the Highway fights its way through the bush
in endless winding ups and downs. Strong stomach recommended!
The scenic
lookouts along the way are amazing. Over the tips of the green hills
there is always a bit of ocean to see.
Coming to the east
coast we had a detour to Whangapoua and a short, pleasant walk to New
Chums beach, supposedly one of the most beautiful beaches in New
Zealand. It stays true to its reputation: golden sand, turquoise
waters, surrounded by old trees and fascinating rock formations. It
stretches for quite long and there where not that many people there.
A beautiful place to have a rest!
Our next stop where two of the main tourist attractions of the North Island.
Cathedral Cove is
just five minutes drive and ca. 30 minutes walk away from Hahei. It
was quite crowded when we got there, so we didn't have more than a
short look and a few quick shots (and some feet might have gotten
into the water).
It is really maybe
the most beautiful beach, if it weren't for all the tourists. The Cove
itself is a big hole in the rock that indeed could be interpreted as
the shape of a cathedral, but it doesn't have its name only because
of the appearance: there have been plenty of marriages in this place.
The water has the
most beautiful colour and the rocks are almost white. We will try to
come back later next year to enjoy the view without all the people
and boats around.
Just a bit south
of Cathedral Cove is Hot Water Beach. It lies above a geothermal
spring and around low tide you can grab a spade, dig a hole and have
your own natural spa pool. I had a nice day on the beach but skipped
the hot pool part – the thermal area is not that big and three
hours before low tide there was already a hole in every possible
spot, no square metre left. So I had a swim instead – it was far
too hot for a hot bath anyway. :)
Sammy was quite dirty after our gravel road tours... |
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