"Aquatic" Pleasures”
After visiting the area of Tongariro and Egmond we go up quietly to the Coromandel peninsula.
1) Rotokare Nature Reserve
Our first stop is the Rotokare reserve fully fenced over 8kms since 2004. This project was successful thanks to the inhabitants of the region who over time noticed the degradation of biodiversity.
The entrance is through two automatic doors that close one after the other. This system prevents rats from, possums or cats do not exterminate wildlife and especially Kiwi birds that can now breed in favorable conditions.
We had read in our quide that the reserve only accommodated a limited number of campers.. We arrive in the early afternoon and we have all the desired space on the grass facing the lake except
that after an hour the campers begin to arrive, including one who settles right in front of us! Too bad for the breathtaking view...
The next day we make the loop around the lake, the singing of the Tui, Saddle back, Hi Hi or Stitchbird ( sparrow ) etc... accompanies us throughout the journey.
The place is very peaceful and we enjoy the silence until the first jet skis arrive and start chases on the lake until late in the evening.
2) Whanganui National Park
The Whanganui River is the third longest navigable river (190 Kms) from New Zealand. It crosses rugged terrain, wooded landscapes and passes through small villages like Pipiriki not far from the campsite where we spend two nights. The region is conducive to cycling, canoe kayak but what makes the curiosity of the area is the bridge of nowhere : "The bridge to nowhere" .
For the record... in 1919 farms were distributed to soldiers returning from the war. In order to access the valley a wooden bridge was built for horses and then another concrete. The soils became less fertile because of successive wars the farmers abandoned their land in 1942.
Instead of going to see this famous bridge that goes nowhere, we prefer to take advantage of this beautiful day to go down the river by canoe kayack for about ten kilometers. We spot the perfect place in the shade to picnic and then return to our meeting point downstream of the river where the campsite shuttle awaits us.
3) Waiotapu Hot Springs
We pass through Waiotapu which is an active geothermal area located in the volcanic region of Lake Taupo. After doing the "tourist" circuit around the steaming mud sheets we will "soak" in one of the many boiling basins. The temperature around 40 Degres we don't stay there too long!
4) Coromandel Peninsula
We go up the peninsula along the east coast to the beach "hot water" also located in the geothermal area. Two hours before and after the tide hot water naturally rises to the surface and everyone can dig their own pool to swim in.. We do not see this phenomenon because the tide is high so we are content with the ocean and a picnic in the shade.
We continue our route to the Port Jackson campsite at the northern tip of Coromandel. The first part of the road is paved and then it turns over twenty kilometers into a narrow and winding track covered with gravel. Halfway the track is shaded and vast hills appear dotted with sheep or cows.
The campsite faces the long sandy beach, we find a location with sea view and
herds of cows in the background!
We do some walks on the coastal path
that give us the impression
to be "at the end of the world"!