Coromandel + Watimo

We were so exited on seeing the van and after being given the guided tour we were on our way.

We stocked up the van and headed to the Coromandel Peninsula. We found a campsite and paid extra for a pitch with a view! It was an amazing view too. We went for a walk along the beach which appeared pink in places(!) as crushed pink shells filled areas of the beach.

The next morning we left early and headed for Cathedral cove. It was a triangle cave that went to another beach which was also very nice. Unfortuately the cave is starting to collapse in places so they have put ugly signs everywhere, which sort of spoils the view!!! So no great photos there!

We drove to Hot Water beach. At either side of low tide you can dig a hole and it will fill with hot water on the beach creating a spa! We looked down the beach wondering where to start digging, but then we saw the mass of people that were already there.

There was a clearing where people were standing around looking, so we thought this would be a good place to build our spa. After 2 seconds we knew why nobody was there. The sand was actually boiling (bubbling) and we had to make a quick dash off it to avoid having burnt feet!! We eventually found a good spot which was a bit too hot but could be cooled down with sea water (that we carried in our washing up bowl!). We obviously had such a good idea with as other people asked to use the bowl! Geniuses.

Time was ticking so we headed to Watimo, famous for it's glowworm caves. We had a tour around the caves and then a boat ride. The cave was pitch black apart from the light from the glow worms lighting the way!! There were hundreds of them and it looked like stars in the sky. We had to sshh the Japanese tourists though as they would not shut up!! It was a truely amazing sight though.

We ended up camping at a YHA for cheap. It had an amazing view, a swimming pool, a trampoline and 2 very well placed hammocks. That is camping luxury people!!