Of course, you are fairly quickly reminded that you are not in the UK when you drive through somewhere like Tirua, the next town along, where a local obsession with corrugated iron is highly apparent, with everything from school signs to a giant corrugated dog being rendered in the material.
Both of us certainly found something. Well, I found staggering views, from the top I could see the Coromandel peninsula stretching out before me in one direction, with a great part of the southern half of the North island stretching out the other way. A map optimistically laid out the entire North island for my viewing pleasure, unfortunately the weather was a little hazy for seeing more than about 100km, but that seemed like far enough.
From Paeroa, the road winds to Waihi (a town which is essentially a giant open cast gold mine), via the seriously scenic Karangahake Gorge. This drive is billed as one of New Zealand’s most scenic, and it’s not difficult to see why. Giant rocky walls go up on either side, to the almost 600m high peak of Mt Karangahake. The Ohinemuri river wends it’s way through this gorge, and all along the sides are evidence of the gold rush that occurred here back at the turn of the century. This was New Zealand’s premiere gold mining location, with gold practically oozing out of the ground, and it was certainly the industry of choice to be in in this area for nearly fifty years. All around are the remnants of this time, from mine holes to train lines to large rusting cogs.
Our base for the two nights was the stunningly located Bowentown Beach holiday park, set at the end of a 10km long stretch of white sandy beach, which Vera thoroughly combed for shells. Again, being part of the Family Parks group, we were given free camping for the two nights, many thanks going out to them for that.
Our last few days of roaming this area are to be spent exploring the top end of the Coromandel peninsula. This has beaches, coves, caves and more to explore. Unfortunately it is currently pouring down with rain, but being British, visiting the seaside in the rain is practically a national pasttime anyway. More photos of the trip are also available on the site’s Facebook page!
Robert Beale says
I went to New Zealand for 19 days in May and planing my next visit soon. I am in love with those islands. How can i learn an get to know people there .
Laurence Norah says
Hey Robert – in our experience the best way to get to know the locals is just to talk to them! One way is to take local walking tours run by locals, or visit local bars 🙂