The Coromandel is a popular destination this time of year and Cathedral Cove is probably the most crowded spot in the area. Fortunately we were there early in the morning so we avoided most of the crowds.

It was a really pleasant 45 minute walk down to the cove and there weren't many people on the beach when we got there. In a short while, though, more and more people were coming down the trail and tour boats were crowding the water. We knew it was time to leave when the banana boat showed up.





























There are actually three bays along the trail so we stopped to check out the others on the way back. The first is Gemstone Bay, where Scott went snorkeling. It has a snorkel trail of buoys with photos and information about the species that live in the marine reserve.