Author Archives: Peter Rodgers

This was a day trip from our base here at Taupo Bay. Cape Reinga is the northernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island which means it is the northernmost point of New Zealand. So having previously visited Slope Point on the South Island we have now been to both the northernmost point in New ZealandContinue reading “Day 35 Cape Reinga”

This morning we headed for the Bay of Islands, stopping at Paihia where we were hoping to book a yacht cruise for tomorrow. Once again we were unable to get out on the water as all of the yachts were either fully booked or not worth the money. So we walked up to the lookout,Continue reading “Day 34 Tutukaka to Taupo Bay”

We didn’t have a clear destination in mind today so after what could well be our last shop of the trip, we set off heading north. Mangawhai Heads Beach. The water temperature here was 19 degrees Celsius and the air temperature was probably similar without the wind chill factor. Nevertheless there were a few hardyContinue reading “Day 33 Stillwater to Tutukaka”

We had the morning to do what each of wanted. For Keiran it was revisiting Hot Water Beach at low tide And for me, walking to Cathedral Cove

Today we explored the Coromandel Peninsula. We began by contemplating the walk to Cathedral Cove but decided against it at least for today when we discovered that there is no parking anywhere near the beginning of the walk. Our next stop was Hot Water Beach where if you wish to park there is a chargeContinue reading “Day 31 Coromandel Peninsula”

I started the day with a lovely rainforest walk to McLaren Falls Then off to Whangamata for some sunbaking on the beach, but no swimming due to the unacceptable water temperature Then more winding roads and hills to Hahei where we may stay for two nights while we explore the Coromandel Peninsula

This morning started off with a shock, BLUE SKY! having driven through torrential rain yesterday this was a great relief as our Spellbound Glowworm Tour was coming up this morning. After checking in at the tour office we headed off to the Waitomo General Store to meet our group for the tour. At 10 sharpContinue reading “Day 29 Waitomo Caves to McLaren Falls Park”

What to do on a wet and overcast morning in Rotorua? Go to the Redwood Forest

A day of thermal pools, sulphur smells and a waterfall. Not to mention a bit of driving and some rain. Tokaanu Thermal Pools Lake Taupo Taupo Spa Thermal Park Hula Falls Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park Mud Pools

Some shopping and then our journey on the Forgotten World Highway began. Highway is a misnomer as we spent the next 4 hours predominantly in third gear and covered less than 150 km with nary a straight section to provide respite from the bends. The Republic of Whangamomona, which once upon a time was aContinue reading “Day 26 Stratford to Tongariro National Park via Forgotten World Highway”