Coromandel Peninsula

The drive was only a few hours north from Tauranga. Stopped at several places along the way. Lots of amazing beaches but the cathedral coves were absolutely amazing. The beaches there were surrounded by towering white cliffs. The water was turquoise with these strange rock formations jutting straight out. In between the two beaches there was a cave with a ceiling 50-60 ft high. Could have spent all day there. The pictures don't do it justice.

Tauranga

Gonna try to keep everyone up to date about where I am and what I'm doing. Just got into Tauranga the day before yesterday. Woke up this morning around 5am and went out to Mt. Maungnui to explore a bit. The Mount (as it's known around here) is about a 10 min drive from my place. It sits on the end of a pennisula surrounded by the Pacific on one side and the harbor on the other. Lots of paths for tramping (hiking in NZ). The beach there is popular with surfers. Think I'll get some lessons. Then went to the Strand which is harbor side with lots of shops and restaurants.