2 months in a campervan around New Zealand - Episode 4: From the West Coast to the East Coast

The fourth part of our epic campervan series encompassing the whole of New Zealand in 2 months. This episode takes us from the northern tip of the country (Cape Reinga) Southeastward via the Coromandel Peninsula to the Eastern Cape for the first sunrise in the world! We take in the stunning coastline hiking, swimming, kayaking and tackling Grade 5 white water rapids!

The video is intentionally quite elaborate to give a complete understanding of the area and our journey. For your convenience this has been broken up into daily chapters. If time doesn't allow to watch the whole thing in one viewing then you can watch chapter by chapter and return at any point. My hope is that the content is entertaining enough to watch in a single sitting. Enjoy!

Chapters:

Introduction 0:00

Day 22: Cape Reinga - Kai Iwi Lakes 01:21
Departing from Reinga we make our way down the west of the cape, driving along the famous 90 Mile Beach and through thick Kauri Forests trying some local delicacies along the way.

Day 23: Kai Iwi Lakes - Piha Beach 05:18
Departing the crystal clear lakes of Kai Iwi we head through Kumara country to Bethells Beach where we hike along the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Te Henga Walkway. After being caught in a heavy rainstorm we drive through misty forests to the nearby Piha beach for the evening.

Day 24: Piha Beach 13:30
A much needed chill day on a picturesque black sand beach surrounded by stunning cliffs and islands in the Auckland Region, a highly recommended spot for a little R&R!

Day 25/26: Piha - Auckland 20:01
Departing Piha Beach we stop along the way for a tranquil rainforest walk out to the magnificent Kitekite Falls. Along the way our intentions to head to the Coromandel are delayed due to mechanical issues with our van (the Glorious Benny), forcing us to spend 2 nights in Auckland. We use our time wisely in Auckland and visit the Domain Museum, war memorial and botanical gardens, something we missed out on the first time around.

Day 27: Auckland - Coromandel via the Pinnacles 30:38
With our van (the Glorious Benny) back up and running we head out to the Coromandel Peninsula. We start of with an epic hike up to the Pinnacles, the highest point on the peninsula made up of jagged rock formations from ancient volcanoes. After taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and valleys below we head to the town of Coromandel for dinner at Sunset and stay overnight nearby.

Day 28: Coromandel - Mt Maunganui via Cathedral Cove 40:15
Leaving our free campground in Matarangi we head to Hahei Beach and kayak to the famous Cathedral Cove, used in the Narnia series for its stunnng location. Afterwards we say goodbye to the Coromandel and head to Mt Maunganui for the evening.

Day 29: Mt Maunganui - Rotorua 47:47
Starting early we head for Kaituna to take on grade 5 rapids and a 7m waterfall rafting with Kaituna Cascades. Afterwards we stop at the Treewalk in Rotorua to explore the Redwood forest during the day before exploring the geothermal town of Rotorua. In the evening we bath in the natural hot springs of the Polynesian spa, overlooking lake Rotorua for sunset then head back to the Treewalk for a spectacular nighttime lighting display in the Redwood forest.

Day 30/31: Rotorua - The East Cape 01:03:30
Departing Rotorua we head northeast toward along the volcanic coastline toward the East Cape, picturesque scenery and volcanic islands in the distance we celebrate the half way point of our journey under a spectacular sunset. The following morning we make our way to the East Cape Lighthouse for the worlds very first sunrise!

Episode 5 Trailer: 01:09:24

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