Mt Maunganui

We took the scenic route from Rotorua to Coromandel, via Mt Maunganui and were just in time to climb 'the Mount' by sunset, which was made more impressive by the Paragliders who were catching rides on the thermals for our viewing pleasure. Awesome.

Zorbing

To roll down a New Zealand hill inside a big plastic ball and a pool of water might not seem like everyone's cup of tea. In fact, most people would not want to pay for the privelege, but it has always been on Tom's NZ to-do-list so he thought it only right to tick it off- and it was great fun! a bit like being in the swimming pool when the wave machines go off... or a washing machine on a slow-spin cycle...

Rotorua: Wai-o-Tapu

Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, south of Rotorua

Easter weekend

We had a lovely Easter weekend, exploring Auckland and its surrounding regions by car, which we hired for the duration. Good Friday we took Cyril (our car, so named because of his CYL55 car registration) north of Auckland to Browns Bay and Long Bay before heading back south to Devonport for a drink.

Unfortunately we had not realised that New Zealand laws prevent anyone from drinking booze on public holidays unless ordered with food, in the few places that are even allowed to open on these days.

Needless to say we were a bit shocked at this news (we didn't realise how 'religious' NZ was!) so immediately ordered chips so that we could buy some beer (well for Rachel anyway as Tom was driving)!! Later we headed to Parnell in Auckland to meet up with Duncan and Leanne to drink at one of the bars there but of course it was closed!

The only place open to drink at was the Irish 'Bog' bar (which served food of course, so that patrons could actually drink), but charged 15% extra (most places do this on public holidays as they have to pay their staff 15% more). So all in all, it seems the New Zealand government don't really want the public to enjoy themselves too much over Easter and if you insist on enjoying yourself (and can find somewhere to do so), then you must pay extra for the privelge (not that we are at all miffed but at least we'll be prepared next time!) :p

Saturday we drove across to Kawakawa bay where we had a breezy picnic lunch. Then round via Kaiawa to Papakura, where we dropped in on Loz & Miriam. After a fish & chip supper we headed to the local Stampede bar for a couple.

Sunday was spent driving further North to Orewa beach and then onto Waiwera. We stopped at Wenderholm Regional Park and then continued to Warkworth for a bite to eat (again finding somewhere to eat was a mission!). We headed home hitting all the slow returning traffic and then Rolling Stones concert-goers.

beautiful Orewa beach just north of Auckland

Wenderholm Regional Park

Coromandel Town: Tui Lodge

Our Weekend trip to the Coromandel was cut short by a downpour on the Sunday but it still gave us enough time to bathe in the very hot waters of Hot Water Beach and to enjoy the free facilities at our hostel...



Tui Lodge, Coromandel Town