Oohwie in the Coromandel & Auckland

In a raincoat [Enlarge]

Oohwie was a very lucky gorilla. He was going on his first ever road trip. He’d agreed to travel with two travellers for a while – they were going on a couple of road trips to the Coromandel Peninsular and to Auckland. He decided to go with them, see if he liked travelling, and then he’d decide as to whether he’d go on any further road trips.

First of all the three of them drove off to Coromandel. Oohwie was very excited to see the ocean as he’d never been before. He decided not to go for a swim though – he didn’t want to get his fur wet, and he wasn’t really sure how buoyant he was. However, he did want to get a photo in front of the sea and in spite of a brief rain shower which was coming across, he still wanted a photo right then and there. He put on the raincoat which the travellers had made for him (at high cost) and posed for his photograph.

Coromandel [Enlarge]

Further on, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining. Oohwie was stunned by the views of the sea and islands near the town of Coromandel, and the travellers stopped and the three of them took in the stunning view of the deep blue sea, enjoying the gentle breeze on their skin/fur.

Stony Bay [Enlarge]

Past Coromandel town, at the very tip of the Coromandel peninsular, they visited the beautiful Stony Bay. This was unlike any place Oohwie had been before. The vast trees on the mountainside were very impressive and Oohwie yearned to swing in them like the wild beast he was. But he knew there was more to see, and so he stayed with the travellers on the perfect stones of the bay, watching the birds flying, the waves breaking and the humans enjoying the setting sun.

Auckland [Enlarge]

Oohwie had really enjoyed the Coromandel, but he wasn’t so sure about Auckland. Auckland had more people in it than he could imagine and he wasn’t sure whether he’d like them, or indeed whether they’d like him. So, it was with some trepidation that he journeyed to the largest city of New Zealand. Upon arrival he decided he definitely did not want to go out so instead he stayed in the house while the travellers explored the city with the people they were staying with. While in the house, he learned about kitchens, and food preparation.

Lunch, Bananas [Enlarge]

He also learned that humans eat a lot of bananas, and he helped himself to a few. He decided he was quite pleased with what he was learning, and that learning about how humans live was also a big part of his travel experience.

Gorillas who garden [Enlarge]

So, while in Auckland, he learned to garden. Here’s a marrow he grew (incredibly, in just 3 nights), while he was staying in Auckland. Amazing!

To the South Island [Enlarge]

Oohwie decided that he liked travelling. The travellers were going on a big trip of the South Island next. Oohwie knew that without the travellers, there was no chance of him ever seeing the South Island (as he couldn’t swim). He decided to accompany them – he had already learned about seatbelts, raincoats, the ocean and growing marrows, but there was obviously so much more out there to learn! Now infected with the travel bug, he just couldn’t wait to get going.

Round the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Coromandel Peninsula [Enlarge & More]

The time had come to start venturing away from the farm and Waihi to explore further afield, as up to now we had stuck to day trips. On the day we set off to explore the Coromandel peninsula it was a slow start. By slow I mean we were definitely out of practice in packing up and heading to the next destination. We had got it down to a fine art, as it would only take us 15 minutes to have all our belonging packed away in our bags. Having been living at Jono’s Mums, I’d got used to spreading out a bit. We did eventually get ourselves together and were ready to set off.

The Surf [Enlarge & More]

One of the real bonuses of travelling in New Zealand for us is that we get the use of a four by four Toyota Surf, thanks to David. It means we don’t have limitation on where we go and what roads we are allowed to use, as some roads are off limits if you have a hire car. It also means we are not reliant on public transport and this makes us truly mobile.

Port Charles [Enlarge & More]

We packed up the Surf with what we thought we needed for a few days and headed out. The Coromandel is a mountain range that runs along the east coast of New Zealand just south east of Auckland and north of Waihi. Our first destination was Port Charles, a bay at the northern tip of the peninsula.

A Coromandel Beach [Enlarge & More]

One of the things I struggled with before we headed out was how long it would take to drive around. After Australia where the distances were so enormous and you would travel for hours just to get a short distance on the map, New Zealand was more like travelling back home distance wise. If we’d gone straight to Port Charles it would have taken 2.5 hours but we meandered our way up taking the full day.

View from a lookout [Enlarge & More]

We took the west coast up the peninsula and I have to say the drive was so dramatic that it was difficult to take it all in. I think I’ll appreciate the beauty even more in a few months time. What I’ve found so far is that there is never a dull bit when traveling around New Zealand. Each scene you stop to take in is picture postcard perfect. The towns you pass along the way have a certain charm but are similar in feel and appearance, so the scenery is the attraction for me.

The Road to Stony Bay [Enlarge & More]

Jono did most of the driving on this occasion as he’s explored the Coromandel before. This left me free to enjoy the view and take pictures along the way. The roads are narrow and very windy which adds to the dramatic nature. The closer we got to Port Charles the road got worse. It turned into a ‘metal road’ which is a term I had not heard before. It’s a unsealed road but not a dirt road as it does have gravel on it.

The Bach [Enlarge & More]

We’d arranged to stay at a bach in Port Charles, which is basically a holiday home. It was owned by someone Jono’s mum knew and was very affordable. Our first task after arriving in Port Charles was to find and get into the bach. Finding it was not a problem as there were only a few properties in the area. It was pretty secluded and very quiet. The getting in bit was more of a challenge as we did not have a key. I did feel a little odd holding Jono’s legs as he slid in through a gap we’d made after levering the window open.

Stony Bay [Enlarge & More]

Once we’d settled in and I’d had a cuppa we headed over to Stony Bay, a cove further north at the end of the road. The road up to now had been rough but the next stretch was worse as a sign indicated - “Not maintained by the council – proceed with caution”, as a result we were rewarded by a secluded bay with a stony beach. I think the sign must put a lot off. As we rounded the corner after climbing up some hair pin bends, the view of the bay was breath taking. Once down in the bay, it was so serene and made a great place to take some photos. Which always makes me happy.


Video of road from Stony Bay to Port Charles:

Cooks Beach [Enlarge & More]

The next day we were up nice and early . As I was packing up the Surf I pulled my back and was in agony after that. As I’ve already mentioned the distances are not great and we made good time heading back to Whitianga our next stop for the night. Along the way we nipped into coves and beaches, one of my favourites was just outside Whitianga called Cooks Beach. It’s where Captain James Cook planted the English flag and declared New Zealand for King George III.

Cathedral Cove [Enlarge & More]

Once at Whitianga we decided to carry on and head back to Waihi as it wasn’t too far and we had plenty of time. One of the places to see along the way is Cathedral Cove. It’s famous and must be in all the guide books as it was packed when we got there. I’ve gotten so used to traveling off season that it comes as a bit of a surprise to see other tourists. We knew we were in for trouble when we saw a sign outside the tiny town of Hahei saying that the car park at Cathedral Cove was full and to take the park and ride in for $2. We ignored it and did find a space in the car park, pure luck on our part as a car had just pulled out. The walk down to the cove was pleasant enough but the cove itself was really disappointing. There were way too many people for the tiny beach and any charm had left with the boat that dropped off the ice cream vendor for the day.

Puka Hill [Enlarge & More]

The final stop on the way back was at Tairua where we climbed up Puka hill. My back wasn’t happy but the view was amazing so well worth it.

The two day trip has really got me excited about exploring further and in particular the South Island. My camera will be in overdrive I’m sure.