On the weekend we took a trip to the Coromandel peninsular. En route we drove along the estuary of the Thames river, with it’s own Seabird Coast. We were rewarded by variable and not so variable oyster catchers, herons and lots of shells on the beach. Though we didn’t make it to the Miranda reserve (one of New Zealand’s top ornithological sites) we decided to come back when someone comes to visit us who is more ornithological inclined (meaning Lorni).
The Seabird Coast.
A giant variable oyster catcher (Haematopus unicolor horribilus), put on the beach to scare away ornithologists.
White faced heron (Ardea novaehollandiae) and oyster catcher (Haematopus spec.)- the scourge of the invertebrate community.
Assorted seashells…
On the road again, and still being somewhat perplexed by the giant bird sculptures presented to us presumably by an ancient, forgotten civilization (or where they aliens?). The next stop was on the Coromandel, and after a good veggie pizza and a lookout over Kiwi infested forests, we were finally at the beaches. Doing a roundtrip we eventually emerged at Coromandel close to night time, where we found ourselves a lovely Hippie-house to spend the night.
Hot water& Hahei Beach
Hot water beach, the cold part.
Pena canaliculus, the green lipped mussel.
„Water, water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.“
Terns.
The next day we went further up north, all the way to Coleville, turned the car around and drove back. It looks like a nice spot to start from in summer with a backpack and some hiking gear. The Coromandel is definitely worth a visit, though I would prefer the pacific side any time.
Going Home
„
There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.“ Buddha .
Going all the way to Colville leads to this Tibetan buddhist shrine.
Last views of the Coromandel peninsular west coast on our way home.
