Sunday Jan 21 - The Exotic Coromandel

It sounds exotic doesn’t it? But first, our journey here.  We started out on a misty, drizzly morning in Paihia but before too long the drizzle ended and we were enjoying the drive back down towards Auckland.  On the way up we had spotted something familiar and decided to check it out on the way back.

Guess who was in heaven, and guess who bought some great treats to share with Scott and Monique tomorrow?

Seeing as we were on familiar ground we decided to reinforce that a bit further down the road with a visit to the Matakana wine region.  It all felt a little reminiscent of where we live and we rolled into the Brick winery for a tasting and a lovely lunch.

We had an interesting lunch conversation with a New Zealand couple - he a beef rancher and she a realtor.  The conversation about life in general and real estate in particular was very reminiscent of the same issues we face at home.  He was a former All Black rugby player and the kiwi’s love of the game certainly came through in our conversation as well.

It was early afternoon by now and some distance to go to the Coromandel so we got on the highway and drove.  This time the sun was out as we went by Auckland and we have to say it looked a lot better in the sunlight.

As we turned up north again to the Coromandel the scenery became more and more spectacular!  The road has been badly damaged by a recent storm so progress was slow but by 5 o’clock we came to Coromandel, the town. It’s beautiful here, our favourite place so far.  

And by the way, we have a new leader in the fish and chips stakes.  Second place in presentation but first for taste.  Gurnard and chips at the Pepper Tree - yum!

Here is another great New Zealand wine by the way - a pinot gris.

Tomorrow we drive down to Tauranga to see the family and enjoy Grayson’s birthday with him.  Amazing to have come so far.