Driving Creek Railway is a narrow gauge railway a couple of KM North of Coromandel Town.The railway started being built in 1975 by Barry Brickell to transport clay and other materials down to his pottery, but due to debt he opened it to the public in 1990 to try and make a bit of extra money. It payed off massively with it has now carried over 1 million people! The track weaves its way up the hill via zig-zag tracks to the top where they have built the 'eye-full tower' which is basically a big viewing platform with some really nice views. 
Our third day in Thames saw us venture out for our first proper beach day. Waihi was our destination, which is about 45 minutes East of Thames. It was a great drive especially through a towering gorge. After lunch the sun still wasn't showing itself so I went on a 45 minute 'ish' walk to Orokawa Bay since the travel guide I had said it was worth it, and it was most certainly right! The beach was as good as deserted - I assume due to the walk - but was amazing. The beach was lined with Pohutukawa trees, also known as the 'New Zealand Christmas Tree'; these trees blossom incredible red flowers in December time. After about an hour exploring I returned to Waihi beach. It was about 5pm by the time I found Holly again, but was by far the hottest part of that day, so I went for my first swim in the New Zealand sea! It was quite cold but I got used to it, there were people surfing on the waves so as you can imagine it didn't make for brilliant swimming but it was nice and refreshing!
No comments:
Post a Comment