New Zealand 5: North Island Rotorua to the Coromandels, up to Paihia and back to Auckland
The second half our North Island adventure consisted of visiting the Coromandels then driving up the east coast to Paihia before returning to Auckland.
On the way to the Coromandels we stopped off at some gardens created in an old quarry at Tauranga to look for Monarch butterflies.
We stopped off in Katikati to say hi to this dude.
South of Cathedral Cove, hot thermal water surfaces at the beach
One of the highlights of the area were the dramatic cliffs and archway at Cathedral Cove, accessible only by foot or by sea.
We explored the Coromandel coast:
We by-passed Auckland on our way north to Paihia on the east coast where we house sat three cats for three weeks.
The Paihia area is lovely, now a home to some good friends who are due to open a small lodge in the trees on the coast. I’ll keep you posted once it has opened. While in Paihia we explored the rolling green inland:
as well as some local sights
and the craggy convoluted coast,
We went up to the northern tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga, driving past 90 mile beach, which isn't 90 miles long, to the Lighthouse.
went inland to see the Horuru Falls
and crossed the bay to the picturesque village of Russell.
We finished off our trip in Auckland wandering through town, reflecting on the Sky tower and visiting the local art galley.
I think I’d rather sleep than read!
We went to the west coast to view the Muriwai gannet colony and generally looked around
We were in Auckland primarily to celebrate birthdays for three members of close family friends, which took place on Waiheke Island, a 40 minute ferry ride off the coast.
