Coromandel Tramping

One of the great things about being involved in University clubs is the chance to meet new people. It seems that almost every weekend a trip is run through one of the three clubs that I am involved with and I get to meet new people. So far I have gone out to Ruapehu with the snowsports club, gone wondering with the tramping club, and learned to eskimo roll a kayak (albeit it in a pool) with the canoe club. This past weekend I headed east with seven fellow tramps? / trampers? / tramping club members squeezed into an old van dubbed the “looser cruiser” (some high school students apparently don’t appreciate their vehicles that much). Our destination was the Coromandel Peninsula, a mere two hours outside Auckland, but speckled with golden beaches and beautiful bush walks. Unfortunately, the weather was less than desirable, but we made the most of it playing rummycube, cards, and “Bonanza” a new game from Holland centering around bean trading, which is sure it make it big any time now.

In spite of the drizzly weather, we headed out for a few short tramps on Sunday making our way into the Coromandel Forest Park and walking out to Cathedral Cove, a wonderful sandstone arch cut by the wave and erosion. Nearby there was also a nice beach and a small natural waterfall, which made a perfect shower. I’ll have to come back again in the summer—with a towel in hand—to more fully appreciate the cove’s grandeur. I have heard of some spectacular sea kayaking in this area as well, which I would enjoy checking out.

What students will do for good fun… A 08:30 am low tide at Hot Water Beach near Hahei, along with some load noises, and the lights turning on at 06:30 motivated us all to get us early and head north from our batch (kiwi slang for a vacation house) in Tairua. Hot Water Beach is quite unique. Here 60 degree C water comes through fissures in the earth, emerging right on the beach. A hole, properly dug and protected by a small wall to protect it from incoming seawater, will act as a exceptional natural hot tub. Even though we arrived at Hot Water Beach at the perfect time, just before low tide, Poseidon was frowning. All the bad weather had kicked up quite some large surf as well and rogue waves would randomly come dissolve the walls I worked frantically to construct around our hot water spring. The work was futile and after an hour of struggling, I simply gave up and plopped down in my little puddle accepting that fact that every now and again a cold wave would come lapping up on me and spin me around. It was still great fun however—a geologically power experience I will not soon forget.

Tonight I invited two of my good friends, Marcel and Soren, over to my apartment for a nice Mexican dinner. Though I have been cooking quite a bit to eat healthy and save some money, I have not had Mexican food since arriving in Kiwiland. To amend this, I made tacos with all the staples: seasoned beef, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, salsa, sour cream, grated cheese—absolutely delicious. So good in fact, that we have concluded to make it a weekly event. It is very nice to be able to hang out with friends, share good food, and engage in fine conversation. Till next time—remember don’t forget the spice.