Coromandel Town, Coromandel Peninsular, New Zealand

Orewa - Cathedral Cove - Coromandel Town (308km/191m)

Wanting to make the most of our one day in Coromandel we decided we would try and get a small walk in on our way to Coromandel Town. Stopping in Thames, the first i-Site we came to, a mere 3 hours drive from Orewa, we asked for info on a short walk and visiting Hot Water Beach. Leaflets in hand we went back onto the highway towards Hahei and a costal walk to Cathedral Cove, one of the regions most famous beaches. We were hoping for a costal walk similar to one we had done in St Ives (UK) a few years ago, but once we were on the track and saw the crowds of people in Jandles (Flip Flops) we realised this was going to be an easy hour and half stroll to a very packed beach.

Upon arriving we soon saw the reason it was called Cathedral Cove, a huge limestone arch eroded in the rock by powerful waves looking like a Gothic Cathedral arch.

Taking off the walking boots and putting on the swimwear we settled in the sun for a few hours before walking back to car. By now it was low tide and the perfect time to visit Hot Water beach a short 20 minute drive away. For two hours either side of low tide a natural phenomenon causes boiling hot water (40 - 80 °) to rise up through the sand. Meaning it’s perfect to dig yourself a huge hole making your very own hot spa.

We sadly didn’t have a spade like everyone else but did manage to dig a tiny hole for our feet, however it was so hot you couldn’t stand in it long.

Back in Nora and an hour and a half later we were checking into Anchor Lodge Hotel, and for once a private room. The evening was spent eating fish and chips (which is pronounced by the locals as “fush & chups” and actually came wrapped in newspaper) on our deck and watching telly.