Whitianga to National Park
On February 2nd, I took Intercity bus from Whitianga to National Park. So I saw a variety of terrain, but for the most part it was hilly farming country.
The driver's pedals aren't reversed! So the clutch is still on the left.
Gas prices are a bit worse here. For diesel you need to purchase kilometres from the government *in addition* to paying the gas price. But it's still marginally cheaper then gas.
The dirt here is orange/reddish in color. Rich volcanic soil that is good for the plants.
This smoke stack looked neat, so I shot it.
Hilly country isn't it! This hill in particular looked really neat- it kind of looks lke Weathertop! (from LOTR) I could barely make out what looked like a cross on top. You can see it in the picture
I've started a photo collection of houses on hill, so here's one.
February 2nd
Auckland to Whitianga
So after a night in Auckland, I set off towards the Coramandel in a GoKiwi shuttle. The driver was very pleasant, so I learnt lots on the journey. Here's some scenery.
Note they drive on the left.
The Coramandel peninsula is rather rugged.
So here I am in Whitianga! I'm standing at the beach in the center of the town, looking north.
This is the same area at night. With a touch of fog.
Here I am cozy and feeling at home. 'On the beach backpackers', the hostel, was very accomadating.
The lovely beach. Whitianga reminds me of Paihia, in the sense that it is an east-side coastal town. However, Paihia was a crowded tourist trap, whereas Whitianga feels natural and more relaxed. Not to mention there aren't NEAR as many tourists.
The New Zealand electrical system! It's interesting to see that they always have switches next to them. Everywhere.
There was an uproar in the town when a local fisherman brought in a gigantic marlin to be weighed. Steve, my host, was kind enough to give me a ride to the wharf. Here it is! 300+ kilos!
One day I rented a bike and headed east/south towards Cathedral cove, a local attraction. It was 14 kilometres to bike one way, and on the way I saw some neat scenery.
On the way I stopped by the Captain Cook scenic reserve. Here's the view of a neighboring village.
I decided to enhance the view myself.
This is really neat. From Hahei beach, (almost to Cathedral cove) I spotted a sailing yacht off in the distance. This became the perfect picture!
So here's looking from the carpark towards Cathedral Cove. You can't see it from here, it's a good 45 minute walk one way.
Here's part of the cove! A tunnel that splits the gorgeous sheltered beach.
When I got there, the sun came out, so I went for a swim. Nice beach isn't it?
I call this "Achilles" because it's this massive rock that juts out of the beach. Kind of looks like a caricatured shaped head.
On the way back I took an alternate trail, that led through some rather large moss covered rocks.
What's this? A tree covered with squatting birds? That's what it looks like! But actually that's entirely plant.
If you see this, you're about to cross one of New Zealand's notorious single lane bridges.
This sign is followed by the bridge itself. First one on the bridge gets right of way!
So I biked back to Whitianga, and spent the rest of my week there.
January 7th - 31st
