Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

When we did the North Island in 2008, we skipped the Coromandel peninsula entirely. Too many other things to see and a boat to catch for South Island and reservations for the Abel Tasman tramp. We have a bit more time now and so wanted to make sure we saw what is one of the North Island's premier destinations, and especially its Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

Islands all over the Pacific coast here

Thus

And thus; bird sanctuaries, many of them, all in a marine reserve

The big arch at Cathedral Cove; we never did find the cathedral; maybe it's only
a high-tide cathedral

Cave in the arch

A flotilla of kayaks approaches, and I am thinking Abel Tasman definitely has a
rival here, plus it's warm and sunny and the water is nearly warm and there are no
sand flies...

The larger beach beyond the arch

Fun in the sun

Sun worshipper; I bet she was taking a picture of a topless guy

Very neat place