Corrmandel 3 - driving to Hahei

After Cormandel, we drove over the hill to make our way towards Hahei.  Here is the view looking east:


Earlier in the year, several locals had told me that the Cormandel had changed a lot since I was there in 1999. They spoke of huge mansions, million dollar bachs, and ugliness. I was very worried.

I was relieved to see that my worst fears weren't not realized.  Then we drove to Buffulo Beach, while not my worst fears, I suspect this is what the people were talking about.  It is a very odd place now.  Lots of big fancy houses, at least by kiwi standards, that sort of reminded me of a less tasteful Sunriver.  The point of the Cormandel is a place to get away from it all - its about 3 hours from Auckland and unlike Sunriver, the golf thing here just seems really odd to me.  My car trip mates also made similar comments.  It is like a suburb--- for vacations.  yuck!



That said, the beach was really pretty and I enjoyed walking in the surprisingly warm water!