New Zealand (Coromandel)

So after a few days in Sydney we were off to New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud. How did we get around once there? Where did we stay? I'm glad you asked, and I can answer with one picture!

May I present our campervan, aka the wicked-wagon, aka the shaggin'-wagon, aka Fern (its actual name according to the key chain). Fern was equipped with 2 sun-roofs, 2 bucket seats, a table that breaks down into a double bed, a sink with pumped water (prime the pump!) and curtains for privacy. Campervans are definately the way to see New Zealand. I would say one out of four cars on the road are rented campervans.

Now the New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road and making it even more confusing is the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. It was disconcerting to say the least. I only drove into oncoming traffic a couple of times. After a while you kind of get used to it, but it was pretty awkward the whole time and I had to really pay attention. What was the hardest thing about driving? I'll tell you. Using the blinkers. Every time I went to make a turn I turned on the windshield wipers and Leah would laugh and laugh. The blinker is on the right side of the steering wheel and up is left signal and down is right signal (the total opposite of what we have).

After getting Fern gassed up and some groceries, our first couple days in New Zealand were spent in the Coromandel Peninsula.

This is after my first potty break along the way. Thanks for waiting until I was done before taking the picture Leah!

Leah carefully crossing the perilous stream to get to Hot Water Beach, a beach with a thermal hotspot directly underneath it causing the water to....well I guess you can figure it our from the name.

Leah enjoying the sand on Hot Water Beach. The hot area is by the rocks in the background.

Leah getting excited the water was hot!

On a hike to Cathedral Cove. It is summer in New Zealand and everything is in full bloom (including Leah's shirt).

I am about to enter a grove. No hobbits in there....this time.

What do Michael Jackson and I have in common? We both like zombies, we both like singing in falsetto and what else?....Oh yes, we both like to climb trees! No hobbits in there either:(

New Zealand has some of the most picturesque landscapes I have ever seen. Leah is pretty picturesque herself!

 I have always been a master of disguise. I have an uncanny ability to blend in with my surroundings. If you look at this picture closely you can see that there is actually only one curly plant. The other one is my finger.

Cathedral Cove. Probably the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. It is very remote with aqua blue water and cool rock formations. And like most beaches in New Zealand there is hardly anyone there if at all.

A rock off the beach in Cathedral Cove.

Inside of the Cove. There was a sign forbidding people to go inside, but we decided to live on the edge.

The other side of Cathedral Cove.

Leah enjoying the clear water at Stingray Bay and me enjoying Leah enjoying the water.

Up Next: The hot springs of Rotorua!