Holiday hot spots on The Coromandel

ALL OF THESE MAGIC PLACES WILL PUT YOU IN A BARE FEET AND TOES IN THE SAND KIND OF MOOD.

Chillax in Whitianga

Whitianga Town Centre has a lively mix of cafés and shops, as well as a small ferry that scoots to Ferry Landing within minutes. From here you can venture to Cooks Beach or rent an e-bike and zip up the coast to Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. If more time on the water is desired, small cruises and banana boats sail to Cathedral Cove, skimming across the dazzling Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.

Cruise to the secret bays of Aldermen and Mercury islands, or if it’s the right week in September, the Whitianga Scallop Festival will be in full shucking mode. For take-home keepsakes, Whitianga’s Bread and Butter Gallery has a retina-pleasing selection of prints, ceramics and jewellery.

A five-minute walk from central Whitianga leads to relaxed Buffalo Beach. Norfolk pines flank the promenade and The Lost Spring Thermal Pool complex is just steps away. A little further north is Lonely Bay, a golden nugget of beach that’s seldom busy.

Whangamata says relax!

The quintessential Kiwi surf town of Whangamata boasts the typical white-sand beach and laid-back main street, while nearby Waihi has prospered from mining over the centuries but it’s the beach that now shines brightest. Tackle some waves or watch the surf pros from the shore. Just across from Waihi Beach is The Secret Garden, an oasis of lush greenery reminiscent of Bali. Plant yourself in a hidden corner or a wooden pavilion with strong coffee and a good book. Try a traditional Balinese massage or, if it’s summer, lie back and enjoy live music.

TOP TIP

One kilometre offshore from Whangamata lies Whenuakura Island (Donut Island). This little nugget of tropical splendour has two small beaches at its centre, which is in fact a collapsed blowhole. Entry into the cove is via a 12-metre-high cave which emerges into the small lagoon. To get there, go with a certified kayaking company and treat the island with respect to ensure it’s preserved for the future.

Have fun at Hahei

Collect a vial of Hahei’s twinkling sand, it’s the beach equivalent of Swarovski crystal! Hahei is, of course, so much more than just pretty beach. Start by visiting the Hereheretaura and Te Pare pā sites which are now scenic reserves.

For adventure, Hahei Beach Bike Rentals have fixed a pannier rack to their bikes, so you have extra space for a spade – perfect if you’re heading to Hot Water Beach. In addition, Schwinn Bikes have added a purpose-built picnic box to some of their bikes, and picnic baskets to the others. Ride them together and you have the perfect picnic date for you and your compadre.

Guided Cathedral Cove kayak tours depart Hahei, or to get completely off the beaten track, the Remote Coast Tour traverses coastline rarely visited by travellers. Kayak to sea caves, rock gardens and old volcanic islands, before paddling deep inside a blowhole.

Dig yourself a jacuzzi at Hot Water Beach. For two hours either side of low tide, make a hole and watch as hot water from natural springs seeps up through sparkling sands.

Hot Water Beach © Destination Coromandel

Make the most of Whitianga

With easy access to the Mercury Islands, Whitianga is an ideal base from which to go diving. You can also sink into the thermal hot waters at adult-orientated Lost Spring Spring spa or walk along the nearby esplanade.

The always-popular Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio weekends are held annually over the first two weekends in March and combine everything from local sculptors and printmakers to photographers and woodworkers. If you arrive outside of these dates, the stunning self-drive art tour covers the length and breadth of the region. The Mercury Bay Art Escape Art Guide is updated yearly and can be picked up at artist studios, libraries and local i-SITES, or you can download it. You’re strongly encouraged to contact artists ahead of your visit to arrange a good time to pop in for a yarn and look-see.

Sovereign Pier, Whitianga © Destination Coromandel

Discover Cathedral Cove

You can walk to Cathedral Cove from Hahei in 45 minutes, but a boat tour adds a little extra kapow.

1. SCENIC CRUISES

Boat tours come in all shapes and sizes, but Cave Cruzer boasts a small 10-person motorboat which can access smaller areas. Zip around Cathedral Cove, various blowholes and New Zealand’s second largest sea cave, Orua. Cave Cruzer also holds a Marine Mammal Watch Permit allowing the vessel to get closer to penguins, seals and dolphins.

2. BANANA BOAT

Bump through the marine reserve on a banana boat, skipping past stunning beaches, caves and the world-famous Cathedral Cove. Bring your own snorkels for swims along the way, or for something extra special, book the Sunset Tour for an early evening ride.

3. GLASS BOTTOM BOAT

By looking through the boat’s glass panels, you get all the perks of snorkelling without the need to get wet. Explore the reef systems in and around Cathedral Cove and keep your peepers peeled for crayfish, stingrays and even octopus. Should the water prove too enticing, snorkelling equipment is also supplied.

With its photogenic stone arch, pearly white sand and aqua marine water, Cathedral Cove is every inch the beauty you've been sold in the guidebooks.

Cathedral Cove

Getty Images

TOP TIP:

Brush up on your Kiwi lingo at the Whiritoa Store and café, 15 minutes south of Whangamata. Burger options include the ‘yeah nah’ and ‘choice aye’.

Whiritoa General Store

AATP

ABOVE MAIN IMAGE: Mercury Islands © Jamie Wright

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