Coromandel

A couple of days in Auckland was all we needed before we were back on the road again.
Eight of us piled into one campervan and drove east to Coromandel. We pulled in late and found a random parking spot by Papamoa beach for the night. The morning brought rain, but it didn't stop us from having a great day.

A pancake breakfast, wine tasting, watching a Jr. lifesaving competition, trying fish n' chips for the first time, watching movies and bonding at Hana's aunt and uncle's house on the mount.

Karla and Hana in the basement of the winery

My first fish n' chips experience.

Hana was the lone Kiwi on the trip with seven Americans. As we were driving through town, she realized we were near her aunt and uncle's house, so she gave them a ring. They graciously invited us to come spend the night at their cozy house on the mount and even supplied us with pizza for dinner. We goofed around all night and snuggled up to watch a couple movies.

Our morning view from their porch

Imagine coming up this driveway every day 

Next stop, Hot Water Beach:

Dig a hole in the sand and the geothermal water rises up, giving you a hot tub on the beach.

Karla taught us how to surf...DREAM COME TRUE!!!!

Dinner, entertainment, and a parking spot for the night:

Cathedral Cove and a tow truck:

Thank the Lord for insurance. Our breakdown actually ended up saving us money. We didn't have to pay for gas on the way back and we got dropped off right in front of our apartment. Not to mention the fact that we got to ride in the car as it was being towed.