Mercury Bay

IMG_0050
see all photos »

Just a quick entry on this one. Got on the bus today and headed out from Auckland to Mercury Bay (also known as Whitianga). Managed a lie-in until about 7:30AM, which was a result after the previous few days.

Headed over the Coromandel peninsula, up some twisty roads, and went to Mercury Bay (so called because Cook saw the planet Mercury while he was there) to do some sea-kayaking. This area is known for having 'bachs;, which are wooden holiday homes were people can come and do some sailing, fishing, or whatever they like.

Cathedral cove kayaking

IMG_0048
see all photos »

It was my first time kayaking, but it was a great laugh. Despite a small technical hitch in the first couple of minutes which sent us bearing back towards the bach (not my fault,honest), I soon got the hang of it. The two guys running it (Nathan and Mike) really made it entertaining with their banter, and the views were amazing from on the water. They even brought out some cookies, and stuff to make coffee with, so we had a little picnic on the beach afterwards.

The hostel itself was a really nice one. It was very small (only us lot were staying there), and even had a spa in it ! The proprietor could do with a refresher in PR course though, she was very pro-active in discouraging us from going into the spa with sand on our feet (told us about 10 times!).