21.11-22.11.2016 Bay of Plenty

After breakfast, we drive to the southern part of the peninsula to Kharangahake Gorge. This is a former gold mining area where many hiking trails now run. Some of the tunnels and railway tracks are still preserved. The paths lead through tunnels, along a river, and through canyons.

We continue driving to Tauranga in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, where we climb Mount Maunganui. Later, we wanted to find a place to sleep for the night. Our plans were a bit disrupted because Dibi’s van wouldn't start for the second time during our trip in the parking lot of Pak'n Save. A friendly employee of the AA Roadservice (New Zealand's ADAC) replaces the battery and then we can continue our journey. We found a place to spend the night in a small parking lot by the river. The next morning, we discover a hot pool right next to our sleeping spot and enjoy the first rays of sunshine of the day. For lunch, we tried the best fish and chips in the area, and the advertisement kept its promise. ;)

In the afternoon, we drive to Omanu Beach, where we collect seashells, go surfing, and enjoy the sun. We spend the night at a campsite that includes hot springs. This allowed us to relax in the thermal bath in the evening.