Cathedral Cove

New Zealand really is stunning. We spent a few days on the Coromandel Peninsula about 3 hours drive from Auckland. Oh how I had forgotten those roads! Even the drive between Thames and Whitianga had me car sick!
It was a long time since Stephen and I had been to the Coromandel - we were horrified that the boys had no idea what Hot Water Beach was (photos next round.)
To get to Catheral Cove we parked in a paddock and caught the bus down to the cove carpark which fills up earlier in the day - I have never seen so many tourists in one place in a long time in NZ! All clicking away on cameras.
You walk about 40 minutes on a track to get down the the cove. It's absolutely stunning but my goodness - the water was freezing, hence few people in the sea! Lots of little boats and sea kayakers arriving to have a look. I had no idea the cove was in a marine reserve - Ryan loved snorkelling around. It was so beautiful and the sea was cooling after the trek!
This place really is a must see in any New Zealander's eyes. Coromandel has plenty of amazing beaches and even in the height of the summer they can be pretty empty!