Whitianga

Hadn't been over to the Coromandel for many years so last week's road trip awoke many happy memories of past trips.  Motored over the Hauraki Plains and across the stylish new Kopu bridge over to Thames for lunch at the Checkers Cafe  where the seafood pies were delicious. Indulged my propensity for op shops with a browse around the Thames ones  but resisted temptation as the car was chokka with luggage for 4 already. No time for a real look around at the museum and old houses but a return visit is a must in the near future.

 On up the coast road to Coromandel, a drive with stunning views in places but also a very winding road.  Arrived in Coromandel as the township basked in the mid-afternoon sun.  Walked up and down the main street and was pleased to find another op shop and came away with 2 chokos at 10 cents each.  Looking forward to cooking them up this week and serving them in a cheese or parsley sauce.   Bought some smoked seafood at the little shop just off the main road to enjoy at a later stage - maybe in a chowder or fish pie of my own making.

Over the hills then on to Whitianga , more winding roads but thankfully they were not too busy on a Tuesday afternoon. Arrived at our comfortable unit, unpacked the car and dined after a long wait at the Mercury Bay Club.

Whitianga is quite compact and we enjoyed a stay-put holiday exploring the streets and beaches on our long walks, browsing the shops, including two op shops finding a small orange Tupperware cannister with a fluted lid for a couple of dollars. Took the ferry across the harbour to Flaxmill Beach where the two more intrepid members of our foursome had ventured past on their walk to Cook's Beach.

Tucked away in the side streets we came across a few old buildings which took my fancy.

The above picture is the three sisters at the lookout on the road to Tairua  on our way home from Whitianga. The one beneath is Dieter's  last and best photo taken at the same lookout.