So far, our time in New Zealand has been packed full of adventure and it was time to slow down and relax on the last portion of our road trip. This started in Tauranga after completing the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and departing Middle Earth. Besides being the starting point for a road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga also allowed us to climb the iconic Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit. The views from the top were spectacular and the beaches below were so inviting that we decided to swim afterwards in the Bay of Plenty. It was a nice change of pace to be able to relax at such a beautiful place without as many large tourist groups around.
Our Coromandel Peninsula road trip had a few top attractions planned but most of the journey was left open to enjoy less traveled nature areas. First we started by visiting the two most famous places on the peninsula, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. However, by staying in the small town of Hahei we were able to visit Cathedral Cove late in the day when very few people were around. Visiting Hot Water Beach at sunset was a memorable experience, but felt very New Zealand since it was free to dig your own hole in the sand which was then filled with geothermal water, creating your own hot tub. Besides a fun time there was a sense of community relaxing with others outdoors. The rest of the peninsula included stops along completely empty coastlines, swims in barely populated beaches, and hikes in pristine nature.
We left the wonderful tranquility of the Coromandel Peninsula for Auckland, the busiest city in New Zealand. Nearly 1/3 of the country’s population lives there but we found Auckland offered the benefits of a global city mixed with the New Zealand culture. There were plenty of green spaces and beaches throughout the city, and the water was clean enough that a natural swimming pool was added in the Viaduct Harbour downtown. We even took a day ferry trip to Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf and within an hour were able to escape the hustle of the city. It is no wonder Auckland ranks high on the most liveable city lists.
Our final stop on the road trip was the Northland region, which extends to the north of Auckland. Similar to Rotorua, this region is rich in Maori culture but unlike it does not have as many crowds. Some of the important cultural sites we visited included the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Tane Mahuta, and Cape Reinga. Like most of New Zealand the nature in Northland was stunning such as Ninety Mile Beach, the Bay of Islands, and the bays of Matapouri. At the end of the Northland road trip we headed back south towards the Auckland International Airport. New Zealand surpassed our high expectations and was one of the favorite countries we have visited. It left us with a lot to reflect about from the trip and more we hope to share soon.
