Cathedral Cove

Christchurch to Auckland

At the ungodly hour of 4 AM, Gimpy and I set out in the dark towards Christchurch Airport. We needed to do an early morning car drop off, then catch the shuttle to the terminal, before flying to Auckland and driving to Cathedral Cove.

After arriving at the terminal, making it through security was a breeze. (There seems to be little security when it comes to domestic travel within New Zealand. ) After security, visiting the Air New Zealand Lounge is the next order of business. Being so early in the morning, lots and lots of coffee is needed. We also took the time to load up on breakfast.

Soon it was time for boarding, and Gimpy and I made our way to the gate.

The flight from Christchurch to Auckland takes around an hour so you’re not in the air for a long time. Due to our early flight, we were treated to a beautiful sunrise.

After landing in Auckland, we pick up another rental car and hop directly onto the highway. We wouldn’t be heading into Auckland just yet. Instead, we have a two hour drive back to the Coromandel Peninsula. Due to scheduling we weren’t able to visit Cathedral Cove on our first visit. This time we hope to fix that!

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is a very popular destination for many who visit the North Island. Its this beautiful part of the peninsula. During low tide, part of the beach opens up to reveal a cavern that is passable by visitors. Otherwise its normally covered by water.

Getting to Cathedral Cove can only be done by walking. And because of its popularity, the ability to park as close as possible becomes increasingly more restrictive. You need to park in the nearby town, Hahei and then make the 20-30 minute walk uphill to the start of the Cathedral Cove walking path. From there its another hour along the coast with a series of up and downhill switch backs until you arrive at the beautiful sandy beach. While the walk isn’t the worst thing in the world, it is slightly strenuous. Its easy to walk except there’s just a lot of inclines and declines. It does offer some great views over the water at times too.

However, once you arrive the cove itself is spectacular. Gimpy and I didn’t plan to spend that much time at the cove, but you can certainly make a day of it if you wanted. The beach is soft and beautiful and lots of others were enjoying their time out in the sun.

The cove itself is also very cool to see! Especially since its only accessible at certain times of the day (due to the tide). With some careful planning Gimpy and I arrived during low tide.

Gimpy and I spent a good amount of time walking along the beach and exploring the cove. Though the tide did start to come in, so after some exploration headed back to the car.

Hot Water Brewery

After spending the morning exploring Cathedral Cove, our thoughts turn to lunch. One of Gimpy’s friends had told her about this awesome wood fire pizza place on the peninsula. So, after a bit of “mapping gymnastics”, we finally arrive at Hot Water Brewing Company and the pop up pizza oven from Purangi Wines!

Because of the “strenuous” walk Gimpy and I were extra hungry, so in addition to ordering individual pizzas, we shared some curly fries (how could you not!) and I also ordered a flight of beers!

So while the location we were at is called Hot Water Brewing. The owner of Purangi Wines has setup a pop up pizza oven at this location as well. We got to chatting with him and he explained that due to some conflicts with their landlord the actual winery is currently closed. However, he did offer to do a tasting of liqueurs produced using the feijoa fruit. This is something Purangi Wines is known for and both Gimpy and I eagerly agreed.

The feijoa fruit itself is kind of like a guava ish type of fruit? There’s some sweetness to it, but there is also a sour element as well. So to create liquers inspired by the fruit is very unique. I’d like to say I remember all of the different variants, but sadly I can’t!

Regardless, it was the perfect restful afternoon on a patio with some good food, good drinks and a very interesting conversation with the owner of Purangi Wines.

Quiet Evening

After having some time to let the alcohol work through our system, Gimpy and I needed to drive from the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula to the west coast where our Airbnb is.

Google Maps plotted a course that went through the middle of the peninsula, which to us, seemed simple and straight forward. However, once we got on it we soon realized that is is anything but. While roads in New Zealand generally are quite narrow, this part seemed especially narrow. In some parts there could barely have been any two way traffic, which makes for an even more exciting drive. Especially when you’re doing mountain switchbacks and can’t see around the corner. Adding to that, soon after starting this road it turned to gravel for the rest of the way.

And in case that isn’t enough, it just so happens that the day we drive it, some mountain bike rally was going on. So sufficed to say, it was a fairly exhilarating and nerve wracking drive.

I think its a great drive as long as you’re prepared for it and are a confident driver. For those interested feel free to look up the 309 Road. For us, we didn’t know anything about it, and I only realize that there are some really interesting points along it now in retrospect. So if anyone does explore it a bit more in detail, I’d love to hear about it!

Thankfully though, we arrive at our Airbnb safely and settle in. At this point in the day (and on our trip). We really valued a quite afternoon / evening relaxing. So after getting some groceries, Gimpy and I cooked dinner and just enjoyed vegging out a little on New Zealand TV.

Not long after we both turned in to call it a night. Tomorrow we leave the peninsula behind and head into the city of Auckland.