If you come to New Zealand, the 400km drive around the Coromandel is a must do activity. Exploring the 400km takes all day, but it's worth it. The narrow, winding, twisting, hilly roads are some of the most spectacular driving/viewing you'll see anywhere. Bob had to really concentrate (just like you do on a mountain bike). We drove it the last time we were here and wanted Julie to see it too.
The Pacific Ocean surrounds almost the entire Coromandel Peninsula. It's home to 43,000 people. Found in the central North Island of NZ, it's a 2 hr. drive from Rotorua, Auckland, Hamilton or Tauranga. That makes it a popular spot with the locals as well as tourists. It has hundreds of bays, rugged volcanic hills, native rainforests, spectacular coastal roads and over 100 offshore islands. Besides being picturesque, it's unspoiled and rustic.
Our day ended in our cottage across the road from the beach in the old gold mining town of Thames. We walked into town to stretch our legs and had a wonderful Thai dinner.
We got back to Rotorua today (Mon.) at noon; just in time for the Super Bowl to start! ~(:). While Bob, Julie and Art are watching it, I'm blogging at the McDonald's.
We are leaving here tomorrow afternoon by bus. We'll stay in Wellington and catch our ferry to the South Island on Wed. The ferry arrives in Picton. We'll stay there for 2 days to enjoy a walk along the Queen Charlotte Walkway and to do a wine tour. From there, we're taking the train to Kaikoura. We'll stay there for 2 days and then take the train to Christchurch. We hope to rent a car in Christchurch, drive over to the West Coast to see some sights and then spend Julie's last week in New Zealand in Queenstown.
Don't know about wifi for the next 3-4 days, so until I find the next McDonald's, adios for awhile!
Awesome shots, Mar! You're going to some of my favorite places. Have a great time.
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