a rainy day

A few more images from my travels in and around the town of Coromandel yesterday. That chai was heaven to this somewhat soggy walker.

choo choo!

Just got off a very cool little narrow-gauge train just outside the town of Coromandel. Created by an eccentric local potter, it has lovely touches like clay sculptures randomly alongside track, wine bottle retaining walls, an "Eyefull Tower" and runs through a beautiful rainforest.

Rather chilly tho', it's barely above 10degC out there today and rainy. Might as well be back in Vancouver!

Stumbled upon this delightful little hippie cafe just down road from the railway where I can access internet for a few minutes. Nothing like toasty chai beside a wood fire. 25 more minutes to walk into town and the holiday park where I have a nice cabin for the night, and smoked fish from Coromandel Smoking. Mmmm.

Rotorua to Whitianga

A fairly quiet day. Had a damn fine sleep and hopped on a bus around noon from Rotorua.

3 buses and 5 hours later I was plunked down in a light rain right in front of my hostel on Buffalo Beach, in the town of Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula.

On the way, went through many typical small New Zealand towns, saw a boat named the Ogopogo docked in marina in Tauranga, watched the scenery change from flat to hilly and drove through a brief but fierce rainstorm.

So here I am in the Coromandel! This place above all was mentioned by folks back home who've been here in recent years. It damn well better be good!

I have high hopes for improved weather and some beautiful beach walks. Even if it rains, I figure it's all gravy after my time on the East Cape.