S is for Sailing in Mercury Bay: sea and just a little bit of sunshine and seasickness too

No one could resist the call of the sea and we went out on a catamaran for a sunset sail around Mercury Bay.

The easterly wind made for some lumpy seas but the cat was tacking as smoothly as it could. Smoked mussels and a drink, all sounds idyllic but my usual queasiness out to sea was a constant companion.

But we laughed. And the scenery is a joy.

R is for Rock Formations: Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, New Zealand

The must-see attraction on the Coromandel Peninsula is Cathedral Cove.

The approach is from a charming little town called Hahei along a 40 minute coastal trail. The rain held back, it was a moody morning but that did not stop us going to experience the huge arched cavern, nor did it stop a steady trail of visitors either.

The arch is remarkable and it joins two lovely, secluded coves, white sands and crystal clear waters. The view through the arch to the imposing rock is quite breathtaking. I will now need to hire the movie, 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian' is it was filmed at Cathedral Cove.

Enjoying our time at Cathedral Cove

Beautiful Coromandel coastline along the walk

Meadow at the start of the coastal trail to Cathedral Cove, good spot for our coffee too