Tags 126-128 'Auckland and Coromandel'

Tag 126

Our journey continued south. Since we didn't visit Auckland upon arrival, we wanted to make up for it this time. We found a central spot for R2.0 and armed ourselves with cameras and thin jackets. Because even though it was sunny, the wind was blowing quite a bit, and we quickly learned that it got chilly in the evenings.

After just a few meters, we saw cranes and construction workers everywhere. Construction was happening everywhere -- new houses, new parking areas, new train stations, and so on... In the evening, we went to the SkyTower. We got lucky there. A local had a season pass and wanted to earn some pocket money 🤑. So we got discounted tickets and could enjoy the view.

The harbor with numerous small boats and two large cargo ships, the volcanic landscape on which Auckland is located, and the countless bays. A great finale. Afterwards, we indulged in Mexican food 🌮🥗🍻.

Tag 127

We passed through Auckland. The city was nice. New Zealand is less known for its cities and more for its impressive nature.

On the next day: After digesting breakfast, tucking away the bedding so nothing falls out, and putting away the dishes, we got R2.0 ready to go! Next stop: 'Coromandel Peninsula'.

The peninsula on the northeast side of New Zealand has a special significance for geologists. The layer of earth is noticeably thinner than elsewhere. A perfect spot for hot springs. To get there, we drove on alpine-style switchbacks. 2 hours for 120km is extremely long and nerve-wracking at the same time. We made our intermediate stop and overnight camp in Tairua at the beach. For almost 3 weeks, we finally got to splash around on the beach again. Yipi.... With a magnificent night view of the clearest starry sky since our sailboat trip, more than 10 objects suddenly floated unassumingly above us at even intervals. Mrs. Ulli, also known as 'Googleulli,' brought a great insider 'nerd' story to our light. Those were satellites from Elon Musk's (Tesla founder) 'Starlink' project of the space company 'SpaceX.' It was spectacular and also sparked many discussions. Just do some research yourself.

On Tag 128, R2.0 took us to Hahei to hike to 'Cathedral Cove.' But the highlight was still to come at 'Hot Water Beach.' If you understand a little English, like I do 😁, you won't miss the 'HOT' before the 'Water.' Take a folding spade, dig a hole about 30cm deep in the beach sand, and enjoy the 60°C hot broth 🥵. It was a feast day for both of us. We all became children again and built sand castles and trenches with wet sand.

Thank you for the amazing impressions, New Zealand.

Ps .: while I'm writing this report, Ulli hits me on the chest and shouts, 'there's the satellite 🛰 🛰 🛰 train from yesterday.'

Whow.....