The sun was shining first thing this morning which promised a good day ahead. An early breakfast was followed by ablutions and in the few minutes that we visited the showers it rained heavily for ten minutes and then stopped. Lucky we had closed the tent up otherwise we would have a wet problem again.We left the site at Waihi and headed on the main road through the Paukikauri Gorge which looked quite beautiful but unfortunately there were no places to stop and take photos. There is a walkway along the side of the gorge which would be good to attempt but this will be for another day when we have more time.
The road took us to a place called Thames, which also happens to be the site of the Toyota Motor Company Plant, and this is quite a large town before we started heading North in the direction of Coramandel Township. The journey was very twisty with the road changing direction after each 100 yards or so.
We arrived in Coramandel Town and we were both surprised as we had expected that it would be rather more upmarket but the opposite was in fact the case and many of the old houses still remain and give it a quaint feel. We had lunch in a little café and then continued heading north for a while but realising we would have to return the same way and so we turned round and then headed towards the east coast. Both of us agree that the east coast is far more attractive and dramatic than the west coast, although the road does run right alongside the sea for many miles and lord help you if make a wrong turn or lose concentration as you are in the oggin!.
Back in Whitianga we drove down through the glorious hills via the Twin Kauri forest and back to Waihi where we stopped for a well earned ice cream. The ice cream here from the supplier Tip Top is of very good quality and almost as good as some of the American ice creams.
During today we have travelled about one hundred and fifty miles and at least sixty per cent of the journey was through very twisty roads up and down hill and it was very tiring for both driver and passenger. We would hate to live in this place and have to do this journey on a regular basis as it would eventually make you giddy all the time. Back in camp we started our preparations for packing up tomorrow as we leave for the Kauri Coast which is on the west coast where there are more Kauri trees and forest and National Parks to visit.
Unfortunately, the weather forecasters are promising heavy rain again for Thursday and Friday which may mean we will have to change our plans again due to inclement weather.
