The pinnacles

The next objectives were the pinnacles. 760m high, really steep last hundred meters and big history in the area as well.

It was also the time of the kauri harvest... those wise and incredible old trees were putted down and the ingenuity of humans brang them to the bottom of the valley. Clever, efficient but truly simple mechanism were used as dams. At the top of the river one of the bigger dam retaining water and logs (pieces of cutted trees) was open letting those enormous pieces of wood flooding down the river. The 7 others following dams were opened at the right time to continue the flood...  those guys succeed to flood down 28000 logs in one water flooding race or whatever it is called. (1 log is around 1m50 in diameter and 2m long maybe. The majority were certainly bigger... ).

Rail and steam engines coupled with cables.
We did the hike. Nadi surpassed herself to go at the top. Nice mountain top for a first one.
We took the horses way where human craft stairs directly in the stone.

Before the top a nice Hut of 80 beds from the doc is standing showing warm and comfort to the tired trampers. Oh my god I would love to have a ecology ministry as the one they have. They are 50 years in advance.

On the way back I took an other non used way longer as well as nice.
A morning bath in the river and on the move we are. Rotorua is close.

Broken hills

Broken hills was our next stop. Located on the east coast in the narrow pukeitui valley.

There 200 hundred years ago gold was found. At the beginning of the twentieth century serious things began and the run to the gold brang many people in Coromandel. Tracks for horses, water race allowing the battery to run, which where breaking the precious stones excavated from the entire of those moutains. Mercure and other stuff were used to filter the gold from the unwanted stone and dust. Tunnels, dam and forest exploitation transform all those peaceful valleys.

We stayed 4 nights in this doc camp. Chilling out mainly. River baths and one hike through the moutain... literally. Ja this marvellous doc managed to secure for the public one 500m long tunnel. We also follow a water race track with some nice remaining holes in the rock ehehe.

Some crossing river leading on wet hiking shoes and unfructuous fishing time were also part of those quiet days.

Ah I forgot a really cold bath in a affluent of the main river. This little stream had created wonderful little pools in its rocky bed. Nice place.

Cathedral cove and hot water beach

The next morning we drove along the unknown by us but famous 309 road. Long and curvy gravel road. Some big trucks are using it and regarding the wideness of this road you really have to take care.
The first stop was in haihei where a marine reserve was waiting for us and a little walk until cathedral cove. Highly famous spot were you can take a waterfall shower (done) and where a huge arch in the cliff is still standing. Pictures will described better how it is.
Back to the car we went to the hot water beach. There the volcanic activity close to the surface is releasing CO2 which go up through the ground making boiling the underground water. Which then reach the surface through the sand of this beach. 2 little spot but highly priced by tourists. As we are... you can dig a sand pool to be able to just burn your skin regarding the incredible temperature of this water. Low tides permit to do this only. A sea bath is just like fingers in the nose after this unrefreshing sandy pool.