Plan B - Escape from the drizzle

Wednesday 19 March - Rain at Rotorua, but sunny and warm on the coast 24C Drove 170km

Rotorua had not got out of bed the right side this morning and it was tipping down with rain when we woke up. Our plan had been to leave this morning and head south, further inland, to Lake Taupo. By the time we got on the road, we could see that this wasn't to be, so we opted for Plan B.

Taupo got booted out the window and we set course for the Coromandel Peninsula instead. A drive around the south and then west side of Lake Rotorua confirmed our change of plan as we couldn't even see the late for low cloud and rain.

Heading up the SH33 north toward, Te Puke (Pookay) if you hadn't guessed, the clouds began to break up and it had got warmer. Te Puke yielded a bakery for a mid morning snack before the large town and port of Tauranga. The outskirts of Tauranga are not much to look at, but the centre of town down by the waterside had been improved with lots of cafes and bars.

Heading north out of Tauranga on the SH2 was a bit like travelling on the A46, very busy! The road to Waihi Beach was a welcome break from the traffic and the beach looked pleasant but we didn't stop. Rejoining the SH2, we continued up to Waihi town. Here the Pacific Highway, now the SH25, turned off toward the coast. Once out of Waihi, the road was very switchbacky and provided the odd glimpse of the sea, but at least there was little traffic on it.

Continuing on north, passing through Whangamata and Taira, we finally made it to Whitianga. The town is on a large inlet and surrounded by lots of islands and bays. After a brief look around town, we went to the Tourist Information office to find some accommodation. They suggested 'Eleanor's Place', a beautiful house directly on the estuary with a pretty garden. We also found a laundrette and got our clothes washed and hung out in Eleanor's garden. The supermarket was the next stop so we could eat at the house, and then after dinner, we walked into town and had an ice cream followed by a beer