Whitianga

Last proper day 11.03.25

We want a bit more action and to see the Cathedral Cove. However, the original hiking trail was destroyed by a cyclone in 2023, and the new one starts at a location that is primarily accessible by shuttle. It was too complicated for us, so we booked a boat tour from Whitianga. And like every tour on this trip, it was great. On a small boat, we explored caves, rocks, and the marine reserve. There are many large red snappers that could be admired through the glass bottom as well as otherwise. Then we made a detour to Cathedral Cove for a few photos. The highlight of the tour was navigating a 14 x 14 m cave where red snappers and bluefish are known to frequent. Here, a little feeding was done for effect. Piranhas are nothing compared to this. To finish, we returned to the edge of the reserve for optional snorkeling. I found the water to be predictably too cold. However, a sea urchin was brought on board for us to touch.

Afterwards, we walked along the entire beach and ate on site. It was my first time having lamb, which was good in combination with pumpkin puree, tomato stuff, and spinach. The brownie that followed was an insult to New Zealand's brownie art and unworthy of the day.