Plenty to Sea and Do

Day 13 saw us waking up in Mount Maunganui, on the Bay of Plenty, a beach side suburb of the city of Tauranga. Today our plan was to explore the local area around Mount Maunganui. 

There was a beautiful beach to hike, 

an island to explore,

a mountain to summit,

and a finish with beer in the cute little downtown.  

We were staying in a little apartment, one street over from the beach, a 3-minute stroll on a wooden boardwalk that ran right past our door.  Current temperature 28 C. Humidity bearable. 

The trail up to the summit of Mount Maunganui was steep but well maintained.  It wasn’t the elevation today but the 32 C and climbing humidity making the hike a challenge.  

But we were rewarded with great view while we enjoyed a sweaty lunch. 

Back in town, it was good times, good food and hydrating with some fine ales, all finished with a long, hot, steamy 34 C walk back to our apartment and more hydrating. 

Tomorrow,  we are getting out of town and seeing some of the sights of the Coromandel Peninsula.