I wanted to spend my last New Zealand days somewhere warm and on the beach. I decided that the Coromandel Peninsula would be that place.

TAURANGA

From Rotorua, I headed to Tauranga. On the way, there are two must-have stops. The first one is the Blue Spring Putaruru. Almost impossible to find another place with this green and blue; the colours are truly mesmerizing, and the walk is really relaxing along the river. If you want to cheat and are only keen on the scenic part, enter from the Leslie Road Carpark.

The other is McLaren Falls, which has beautiful scenery, bush walks, kayaking, and an adrenaline-pumping jumping spot.

Initially, I planned to spend two days in Tauranga, but 24 hours were perfectly enough. You’ll find Mount Maunganui, pleasant beaches, some cool urban art, and an interesting Art Gallery in this sunny city.

The highlight is undoubtedly Mauao, with a semi-easy uphill walk and a gorgeous 360° view.

COROMANDEL

From Tauranga, my way led to Whangamata because I was intrigued by the Donut Island. The only problem was that it was the peak of a long weekend, and at this point, I kinda lost interest in doing anything alone. So, after enjoying the beach for a short time, I headed to the Hot Water Beach. Why? Because I had to see this pigging in a hole you’re digging for yourself.. and it’s not about sitting in a hole filled with warm water; it’s about the crowd I found here. The view was absurd and funny but didn’t sell the vibe.

I happened to sleep in my car again for one night, on the beach of Whitianga. While this setup isn’t the most comfortable if you’re not prepared for it, it’s also what I miss a lot about New Zealand – the dark night with zero light pollution, the crazy starry sky and the Milky Way, the relaxing sound of ocean waves and the midnight radio (good music, no talk).

The next morning, I left early for Hahei to check out the famous Cathedral Cove. Another disappointment? Well.. during my entire walk up to the hill, down to the cove, and back to the car park, I had only one question in mind: Do you know why people don’t trek with a cup of coffee in their hand? Let me help with the answer: Because there’s not a single trash bin all along the way. Sounds unbelievable in a place like NZ, right? Still true. Honestly, the cove is a bit overhyped; the walk and the refreshing ocean are more captivating. By the way, if you want to enjoy the beach without the crowds and avoid walking in the heat, try to arrive before 8 am.

My base for the last three nights was in Matarangi, with a very chatty Couchsurfing host. Matarangi is like a place behind the end of the world. Although I couldn’t imagine living here, it’s really beautiful and peaceful.

I spent these days exploring the peninsula; I visited Coromandel Town and Opito Bay, enjoyed Otama Beach, and trekked to one of my favourites in New Zealand: New Chums Beach. Without a guide, I probably wouldn’t have found the way to this hidden gem. The walk starts at Whangapoua Beach and leads you through the forest after balancing on rocks, but arriving at this secluded white sand paradise felt like being Leo in The Beach. New Chums is wide and empty, the ocean isn’t too cold, and it’s so much fun jumping in the waves – especially when mantas show up next to you. At first, I was shocked because it was so unexpected, but after realizing they weren’t sharks, it was all magic.

I didn’t have big foodie experiences, but I recommend Lukes Kitchen in Kuaotunu for good vibes, good food, and seeing people.

The first rule in New Zealand says to always choose the scenic route, which never disappoints. When the time came, I drove the coastal road back to Auckland. The early morning ambiance on the curvy roads, the mist rising between the hills, and the sunlight reflecting on the low tide coast touches my soul every time. I only stopped at Ray’s Rest (this shell beach has such an extraterrestrial feel) and at Maraetai for a last breath of the fresh, salty air.

My New Zealand experience ends here. The sum of my road trip is 14 days, 3215 km, and 2 speeding tickets – it could be worse, lol (Australia – New Zealand 1:4). I tried my best to explore as much of the North Island as possible in these 9 weeks, and I’m so happy and grateful for all the people and places, the solitude and conversations, the stunning green nature and super cute animals, and especially the incredibly sharp night sky.

And one final observation: Do you know what you can do in New Zealand that you cannot in Australia? Sitting in the grass (Australia – New Zealand 1:5).

E noho rā.

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