We haven't been anywhere lately so thought that we might go and explore Black Jack Rd that runs from Kuaotuma to Opito. We had heard about the gravel road but had no idea that such stunning views and beautiful beaches were in store.
As you leave Kuaotuma the road sign warns you to leave your headlights on for the next 9 km. (Actually it isn't that bad - just a typically windy, gravel Coromandel Peninsular type road.)
There were stunning views as we climbed; lots of picnic tables where you could pull off the road. We decided to keep going until we reached the end of the road.
Soon we reached Opito which was the end of the road. We looked out to Rabbit Is and Greater Mercury Is, as we ate our lunch.
We were curious to see if there was anywhere we could climb to get a view into Mercury Bay, so went for a walk along the beach to see what we could discover. There was a courtesy walking track through private property, across the headland, to Crayfish Bay at Matapaua Bay. (A good idea for another occasion.)
The pristine beaches really impressed us. There was no rubbish to be seen apart from the odd scallop shell.
We stopped briefly at Otama, before heading back home.
