So last weekend we went to the Coromandel Peninsula, which is about 2.5 hrs east of Auckland. It was a gorgeous weekend - clear blue skies and temps in the low 70s (the sun is so warm here that you can go to the beach and go swimming even if the temp is kinda low. Although Dad seemed to think it was cool when he was here so maybe we are getting used to it!). Our first stop was Hot Water Beach. Due to thermal activity at one part of the beach, you can dig down and make your own hot tub. The sand is so hot to walk across - steaming in some areas. We made a nice little pool for ourselves. This was definitely the most crowded beach we have ever seen in NZ -there must be 50 people here! You have to pick the right spot to dig in, otherwise your water will be too hot (apparently it can get up to above 140 F!) or too cold. Our little pool had one side that was really hot and one side with cool water, so we could 'adjust' the temperature as needed, haha.
Later that afternoon we went on a short hike from Hahei, stopping at Sting Ray Bay (no sting rays to be found though!).
We continued on to Cathedral Cove. This cavern connects 2 small beaches, and you can only walk through at low tide. Apparently this location was used during the filming of the Chronicles of Narnia, but I never saw it.
The large pinacle behind me is known as Te Hoho and was sculpted by wind and water.
That night we saw the sunset from the west coast of the peninsula before heading off to dinner. Our B&B had great views of the sunset, and I have never seen so many stars as I saw that night - no manmade lights for several miles and a clear sky.
On sunday we braved a lot of windy dirt/gravel roads to go to Waikawau Bay, another beautiful empty beach back on the east coast of the peninsula. The only thing nearby was a camp ground and farms. The waves were great though - I wish I had my boogie board!
The previous night we had stayed at a great B&B outside of Coromandel. The hosts were so nice, and the guy went fishing whenever he could. He had some freshly smoked snapper that he gave to us as soon as we arrived, and Eric liked it so much that he gave us more the next morning when we left. Eric really enjoyed his lunch that day. I don't like fish but I tried some and it was fantastic.
The west coast heading back down the peninsula passed through a lot of pasture land, with great views all around.
Later that afternoon we went on a short hike from Hahei, stopping at Sting Ray Bay (no sting rays to be found though!). 
We continued on to Cathedral Cove. This cavern connects 2 small beaches, and you can only walk through at low tide. Apparently this location was used during the filming of the Chronicles of Narnia, but I never saw it.
The large pinacle behind me is known as Te Hoho and was sculpted by wind and water. 
That night we saw the sunset from the west coast of the peninsula before heading off to dinner. Our B&B had great views of the sunset, and I have never seen so many stars as I saw that night - no manmade lights for several miles and a clear sky. 
On sunday we braved a lot of windy dirt/gravel roads to go to Waikawau Bay, another beautiful empty beach back on the east coast of the peninsula. The only thing nearby was a camp ground and farms. The waves were great though - I wish I had my boogie board!
The previous night we had stayed at a great B&B outside of Coromandel. The hosts were so nice, and the guy went fishing whenever he could. He had some freshly smoked snapper that he gave to us as soon as we arrived, and Eric liked it so much that he gave us more the next morning when we left. Eric really enjoyed his lunch that day. I don't like fish but I tried some and it was fantastic.
The west coast heading back down the peninsula passed through a lot of pasture land, with great views all around.
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