Day Nine: Christmas Day, Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, and Auckland

christmas day had finally arrived. tomorrow we would be leaving this wonderful place and headed to fiji. we didnt have many plans for today, but figured since it was christmas day, almost everything would be closed. we started off doing this hour long hike to cathedral cove, just outside hahei beach. we were both pretty tired from the lack of sleep, so it was a punchy morning. we hiked through this plush coastal ridge untill we dropped down these stairs to the cove. it was gorgeous. the cathedral cove beach was actually through this big hole in the rock (the cathedral) when at low tide you can get to it. we were the only ones there and took some time to enjoy the scenery.

After we made the 45 min. walk back to the car, we chowed down on the last kiwi of our basket and headed off toward the town of coromandel at the top of the penninsula. this is a really windy road that snakes along the outer rim of of the pennisula. very pretty (although i must admit i was dosing in and out alot during the drive). we ate lunch in coromandel at the grocery store (happened to be the only thing open). and decided out best bet for lodging would be to head all the way back to aukland. so we packed up and continued on the road. the west side of the pennisula is right along the water the whole way on a very windy road. it was very pretty also. we passed through thames (not so hot), and went through the only part of the whole trip we didnt think was pretty (as far as the scenery goes). we ended up in auckland and found this great little hotel with free internet. we were able to send out a merry christmas note to our families. we ate at a nice hotel (although the buffet was $635 per person) for more than it was worth. we drove over the auckland bridge and got a good view of the city in some fog. it was a nice relaxing day and a good way to spend it with my hubby. it was nice to get to look back and reflect over dinner on all of the great adventures we had just enjoyed. it had been a wonderful time of fun and adventure that i got to share with this amazing man that i love. he has been so great for going on all my wild trips. we make the perfect team, and i couldn't imagine being here with anyone else.