Coromandel Peninsula

02.03.09

After looking around the vicinity the next morning, we decided to continue on our trip, rather than stop here another night, as it would make the journey to Keri Keri a long one the following day. This meant that we were able to enjoy the scenery and the route much more by taking it steady and not having to cover so many kms.

Following the Pacific Coast Highway, the route wound around the cliff, with the beautiful blue waters of the Firth of Thames on our right all the way. We went through little coves with a handful of houses hugging the shoreline, eventually arriving at Thames. This town is located at the South eastern corner of the Firth of Thames and is the principal town of the Coromandel region.

We hit our first traffic as we neared Auckland, but sailed through with no problems having taken a few tips of what lanes to stay in from our motel host in Coromandel. We did manage to get a glimpse of Auckland CBD and the city’s most distinctive landmark, the Sky Tower. Tracy tried to get a photo whilst we were going along, but it wasn’t easy. The City looked lovely sat on the edge of the sparkling harbour, but we would have to visit on another occasion.

We stopped the night at a small town called Warkworth. This had been recommended by our host in Coromandel. It was a pretty town with a river running through it and ducks on the village green. We pulled up at a motel recommended to us, and Tracy managed to negotiate a rate for the night. It was the first time we had just turned up in a town and gone into a motel without pre-booking. (We are now applying for ‘intrepid explorers of the year’ award)! It was a lovely room, not like a motel at all.

We walked along the river, enjoying the evening sun and had a meal in a riverside restaurant. Tomorrow we start our next assignment.

04.03.09
After a leisurely breakfast we packed up and headed off to Kerikeri, arriving about 4o’clock. We were met by our homeowners Ken and Lynn Ford. We took our hire car back to the airport and Ken showed us around the town, showing us where the vital facilities were, i.e. Bank, Bottle shop and Supermarket, anything else is a bonus!!
We have had a lovely time touring, and have seen some fantastic places along the way, but we are looking forward to being in one place for 6 weeks, and unpacking.

People think we have it easy………………………………..