From Waihi Beach to Cathedral Cove

Morning pic

Hey, the sun is shining again.

After breakfast, a long walk on the beach.

There are fantastic shells here. I've even considered starting a business with shells 🫣

We continue on to Whangamata and then to Onemana.

Another great beach without people. The next turn leads us to Opoutere.

Here, there is a lagoon and a bird sanctuary.

But since we have other plans for today, we will continue on to Tairua (also very nice) and then to Hot Water Beach.

At low tide, there are thermal springs on the beach and you can dig your own pool with a borrowed shovel. But we currently have high tide 😂😂

So, another change of plans. We continue on to Hahei and find a spot at a campground. You can't camp for free in this area.

The campground is pretty empty, but right by the beautiful beach.

From here, you can also hike to Cathedral Cove. The path is just as strenuous as yesterday, stairs up and down 🏔 takes about 1.5 hours.

We arrive at Cathedral Cove and it's the first place with lots of tourists. Somehow, it reminds me of Thailand with the offshore islands.

The rock bridge is impressive and the beach is beautiful, but also very crowded.

We spare ourselves the arduous return trip and take a water taxi back to Hahei Beach.

Today, we have to do laundry again, and it's so warm that we have to take a dip in the ocean.

In the evening, we grill the asparagus that Lou brought with a steak. The seagulls are trying everything to get to our food ☹️