So we left Auckland on Thursday (7th Feb) on our way to Mercury Bay. As we left Auckland we drove up Maungawhau, Mount Eden) which is one of 70 dormant volcanoes in the region, and is the best spot to get 360 degree views of Auckland City, the waitemata Harbour etc etc… Then we headed towards the Coromandel Peninsula over the Coromandel ranges. We stopped at Hot Water Beach where Steph and I hired spades and buried Laura (and gave her big boobs). Once we hit Whitianga (or mercury Bay) we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening chilling out at our hostel called Turtle Coves which was by far the nicest hostel so far this whole trip! We cooked a lovely vegetable stir fry with Oyster Sauce on top - again one of the best meals.In the morning (Friday) we set off towards Rotorua and stopped at Karangahake Scenic Reserve and explored some native bush. We went on a walk which followed the river, crossed over swing bridges (which were really scary) and walked through pitch black tunnels that were used in the old gold mining days. Steph and I also walked out in the river along some rocks for some pictures, then on the way back Steph slipped and fell in which was so funny (but now I have written it it seems to be one of those had to be there moments). We then headed to Hot Rocks Backpackers in Rotorua.