Cathedral Cove

The Coromandel Peninsula

Anne here…

Three years ago, it was a rushed visit to the Coromandel. This time we had a lot more time to explore a bit more and really appreciate its beauty.

We rented a house in Hahei with the most stunning views and slept, with the windows open, listening to the waves crashing gently on the beach.

The walk to Cathedral Cove is one of the most popular activities nearby. But the description on TripAdvisor underplayed the steepness, up and down, of the path. My FitBit calculated that we walked the equivalent of 53 flights of stairs.
But we made it. Just! And it was worth it. Looking through the gigantic stone arch into Cathedral Cove was a classic view and very beautiful. The whole bay with blue sea and islands dotted around, drew regular gasps of appreciation from all of us.

Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach

Then in the evening we went to Hot Water Beach. It was both magical and very surreal. The sun was just starting to set, and bathed the beach in a lovely soft light. Most of the beach was empty apart from a few hardy surfers. But then in one fairly small area there were about 80 to 100 people – strangers – all clustered together, digging holes in the sand!

Hot geothermal water flows just under the surface, from cliffs at the back of one part of the beach. In the right places, you can dig into the sand at low tide and easily fill a pool in the sand with either pleasantly warm, or scaldingly hot geothermal water.

Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach

There is lots of laughter and community spirit as friends and strangers share the very surreal experience of very hot water running down a beach into the sea. One of life’s memorable moments. I loved it.

Once the sun had set, Paul preferred the absolutely awesome view of the Milky Way and Jupiter in the inky black sky.

British and NZ cousins

A Second Family Reunion

Anne here…

After a lovely day on the beach with Chris, Belinda, Amelia and Ben, we then had a second really special reunion with Kate, Max, Zac and Ross. It was quite emotional to see them again. We are so blessed to have so many special people out here in New Zealand.

So obviously we celebrated… with all ten of us going to a restaurant in Raglan for good food and good wine. A truly memorable evening.

Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan

Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan

Then all ten of us got together the next morning for coffee, before all heading off to the magnificent Bridal Veil Falls. After all the recent rain, it was really spectacular.

Then sadly Kate and family had to say goodbye to us all too quickly. But we will cherish our short time with them long after we return home.

But it wasn’t all bad news. We are so lucky to be able to spend the rest of the holiday with Chris, Belinda and the family.

Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan

Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan

View of Raglan Beach

Busy in Raglan

Paul here…

Apologies for the lack of posts.

We’re in Raglan with our New Zealand cousins and its been pretty hectic… canoeing, walking on the beach, meals out and catching up after 3 years.

Heading off to to the Coromandel today – about a 3 hour drive.

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Anne here…

As I said in an earlier Blog post, Hamilton Gardens was a real highlight for me especially. Here are some of our favourite pics:

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

 

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

Lion Rock, Piha

Piha Beach and Karekare Falls

Anne here…

Piha Beach

Piha Beach

We’ve had a great day on the beach…

And what a beach! Huge rolling waves, clear blue water, golden/black sand – (the sand is volcanic hence black!) and perfect weather.

A lovely day.

A couple of notes of caution:
the currents are very strong but as I was only paddling in the shallow water,  I wasn’t too affected 🙂
And there is more rain in the weather forecast but not today. We’ve been so lucky to have breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and a glorious sunny day on the beach.
Karekare Falls

Karekare Falls

Oh and we did tear ourselves away to visit the Karekare waterfall… Our fourth waterfall of the holiday. This one was tall and cascading and quite majestic.