Two nights in Hahei

My original plan was to go to Rotorua, but my bus schedule had other plans. Stray would first take me to a small village called Hahei, and let me experience a wonderful part of the 'Coromandel' in New Zealand. I'm used to sleeping in the cheapest hostels with the most people, but this time was different. We were based on a campsite for two nights, right next to the beach. Every group of 6 people had their own beautiful wooden cabin with new mattresses and NO BUNKBEDS. I couldn't believe it, no snoring person on the bed above me! I felt like a princess in a castle. Even the kitchen had new material that was not half broken, I could actually cook! So as you can tell, I really liked that place. In the evening we had a cozy BBQ together and when darkness came, we took some blankets and sat down by the campfire. I felt warm inside. The next morning, a lot of people got up really early to do the famous 'Cathedral cove hike'. It's a two hour walk on a little mountain and you finish at the beach with huge rocks in the water. People go there because they want to see the 'hole in the rock'. Ofcourse I wanted to do it myself as well, but I wanted to wait until sunset. I believed that it would give a more magical light and that there would be less people surrounding me. I ended up making the right decision. It took me a while to get there, but it was worth it. I arrived and sat down on the beach for half an hour, just wondering around and enjoying the amazing view. This is why I came to New Zealand.

Although seeing cathedral cove was magical, it wasn't the best part of the day. In the morning I went on a small hike, to a viewing point. While walking, sometimes I would randomly stand still and take a picture of the inspiring roads. This one time I sat down in front of a house and this cute little dog ran up to me, I think he just wanted a cuddle. Then this lovely old lady came out of her garden and apologised. I said that it wasn't a problem, that he reminded me of my own dog. She came closer, picked up the dog and said: "Darling, would you like a cup of coffee and some muffins?" She invited me in her house, asked for my story and we ended up talking for quite a while. It was lovely and I will never forget my first invite.