We had this view looking to the left.

This was the view to our right.

This is the campsite from down the beach toward town. The mountain is a peninsula with the campsite occupying the isthmus from shore to shore. The mount is surrounded by a seaside walk and has many hiking trails up it’s slopes. It’s crest offers a 360 degree lookout over the surrounding seas and countryside.

This shows the beach with our lime green Jucy van on the left in it’s seaside campsite.

The town of Mt. Maunganui is a seaside resort further in on the isthmus. A variety of cafes and pubs overlook the open ocean on the outside and the harbour on the inside. If you’re looking for a place to hunker down for a few days and enjoy seaside walks, hillside hikes and a variety of dining and entertainment options, this would be aa very good choice.

Heading out to Matamata we passed several New Zealand sheep farms.

The drive through the countryside was very scenic.

Fern trees were abundant in the roadside forests.

Driving through Matamata to the Shire, we were impressed with this piece of street art. As well as the neighbour to the Hobbiton movie set, Matamata is also a horse racing and training centre.