Kayaking to Cathedral Cove

Part of the route from cliffs:  Mateuka and Pokeke Islands

Carol really enjoyed kayaking and Roger preferred snorkeling.  So, one day we decided to go our separate ways and enjoy a beautiful morning at Hahei Beach.  Unfortunately, Roger ended up relaxing on the beach instead, as the diving/snorkleing folks said they were going someplace for diving only that morning.  Carol had already left for her adventure.

A small world story:  There were 8 kayakers and a guide for the trip.  Four were single women who the guide paired.  One of the other pair took off her sweats to reveal Mount Holyoke shorts.  Our daughter was a graduate of the same small college in MA.  And, even more surprising was the 2010 Holyoke grad's assigned partner was also an alumna!  What's the probability of that occurring?

We took off on a beautiful morning paddle.  The sky was overcast, but both the air and water were warm and the water was mirror calm, as well.   We paddled out to Mateuka Island and then around Pokeke Island, as there was not enough water to go between them.  There is a slice through one end of Pokeke which we were able to ride through.  That was fun.  We then headed to famed Cathedral Cove.

Once there, we beached the kayaks and roamed around both Cathedral and neighboring Mares' Leg Cove.  The latter was really beautiful.  While the paddlers were roaming, our guide prepared cappuccini or any coffee or coco drink requested, on the beach...impressive.

We kayaked back through several other bays.













By the time we arrived back at Hahei Beach the sun was shining and the day was lovely.  Roger and Carol, back together, then walked to Cathedral Cove along a cliff-side path, stopping at the beaches along the way.  All in all, a lovely day, our last in Coromandel, our last traveling around New Zealand.

Carol lifting the cathedral, at the cove by the same name.

Roger and Carol and Mare's Leg Beach

Then we went to Hot Beach to dig our own thermal baths near low tide - that is, about 10pm.  The water in some spots was so hot it burned to the touch, just a few inches below the surface of the sand.  Ours, once dug, was just right.

Digging the thermal bath.

Relaxed and heading home.