New Zealand - Waihi Beach

We left Rotorua early today and drove up to Waihi Beach, a small seaside town popular with surfers, but quiet at this time of year as it's getting close to the end of the season.

Drove through acres of Kiwi plantations on the way, and stopped briefly in Tauranga which is a big port but still retains character with lots of restaurants, bars and cafes; not to mention several Deli's and Sushi bars where we stocked up for dinner.

Waihi Beach is a lovely place to stay, on the Pacific Coast, with lovely beaches and a great coastal walk we did this afternoon; took us to an almost deserted beach just to the North.

Last night in New Zealand. We drive back to Auckland tomorrow morning to drop the van off, before getting a flight over to Sydney. In just a few days we have seen amazing caves, forests, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, geothermal terrain, some beautiful countryside and now finally the pacific ocean and a stunning beach. Everywhere has been very laid back and the driving was quite easy. There was so much more we could have done however we can save that for next time.