CATHEDRAL COVE - NZ

We drove up to the Coromandel peninsula for a quick stop before we had to catch our plane.  Thank goodness we waited until the end of our trip to drive this area! The roads were even more windy and narrower than the great Ocean Road if that was possible.  When we got to Cathedral cove, we hiked down to the beach, knowing of course that we would have to hike back up!

It was really beautiful and we had timed it to be there at low tide, so we were able to walk around and through the rocks.

Again, there weren't a lot of people and we spent a lovely time puttering around.

We had time before the tide turned to walk to the other side of the rock, for a different view.  Then we slogged our way back up the path.  Not too bad considering the spectacular view of the ocean and other various shaped rocks on our way up

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Then on to Auckland airport and on to the next stage of our adventure.  We were so sorry to be leaving New Zealand - we had such a little time to spend there and there were just so many things we wanted to see.  It reminded me of Canada in some way, as the natural beauty was largely unspoiled.  People really enjoyed hiking and camping and there were lots of amenities to do both.  I have a friend who comes here every year and I can see why.  She still feels she has only just scratched the surface of things to explore. We will just have to come back one day!