We had some very bad days, rains, winds, cold ... and our stay in Coromandel was coming to an end. We looked at the weather forecasts and it seemed that it was not improving ... And very smart of us, we had left for the last minute (as always) the essential visit of the entire Coromandel peninsula: the Cathedral Cove.
Finally, time gave us a day of truce and we didn't think twice. We ride in our little van, which had already forgotten us, and we go for a ride! And as always happens in New Zealand, the walk itself is worth it. The road always gives you surprises as an incredible landscape, villages that seem taken from a movie of the 70s, friendly people, animals everywhere ... total, that the Cathedral Cove could well be a mere excuse.
Well, in this case the excuse was almost an obligation. The Cathedral Cove It is a rock-donut on the beach, that is, a cave at the end of a beautiful beach with access to a cliff with incredible formations. Already from the parking lot, 40 minutes walking from the beach, one realizes the beauty of the place. But it's once you get to the beach when you get all the high! On one side the rock-donut and on the other ... a waterfall that falls directly on the beach!
A nice excursion if you have a sunny day in Coromandel. But our life here isn't like that, huh? If there is a good day we can go on an excursion ... or we can opt for the plan B:
- Jacuzzi and a little sun in the morning.
- Paellita to eat with magnificent views.
- Iced coffee.
- And I could not miss ... The nap!
Where is the Cathedral Cove?
It is 32 km from Whitianga. In this town (quite large) you can find gas stations, Countdown, restaurants, Chinese fish & chips ... we recommend the last of the main street, with an offer of 2 Hoki (one of the best fish to make the fish & chips), squid and potatoes for NZ $ 11
From Thames it is 75 km.
How to get?
From Whitianga you can not cross with the ferry (it is only passengers), so you have to make a good detour along the coast road. Then it's simple, just follow directions. You can follow the direction of the "Hot water beach", which is 2 km from the turnoff (we went, but the bad weather started and we escaped quickly). Once that detour is over, the Cathedral Cove will be about 5 km away. You have to leave the car in the free parking and make a walking path for 40 minutes. It's simple. But as always, do not load many things!
