Whats on Coromandel Peninsula 2014 15

An independent guide to what’s happening summer 2014-2015whitianga coromandel town northern coromandel peninsula

coromandel peninsula what’s on

the great kiwi bachfavourite coromandel walksfeaturing...

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What’s On - Summer 2014-15

Events 5-7

Calendar of events 6

The great kiwi bach 8-15

I want to be at the beach house 8

A brief history of the bach 10

Decided to rent it out? 12

Communty carols & church services 14

Gig guide 14

A day at The Lost Spring 16

Beauty and hair 17

Michael Smither on Public Art 18

Coromandel Peninsula map 20

Whitianga 22

Kuaotunu, Coromandel town & north 24

Beaches within easy reach 26

Fishing calendar & boating 27

Eight of the best walks 28-34

Activities 29-33

Eating out & food 35-37

What to do on a wet day 36

It’s a great place to get married 38

Medical care/childcare Inside back cover

Kauri dieback information Inside back cover

Useful Phone NumbersEmergency Services 111DoctorsWhitianga 07 866 5911 or 07 866 4621Coromandel 07 866 8500Tairua 07 864 8737Pauanui 07 864 8404Whangamata 07 865 8032Thames 07 868 9444VetsWhitianga 07 866 5314Coromandel 07 866 8556Tairua 07 864 9009Whangamata 07 865 8109Information CentresWhitianga 07 866 5555Coromandel 07 866 8598Tairua 07 864 7575Pauanui 07 864 7101Thames 07 868 7284Whangamata 07 865 8340HarbourmastersCoromandel 0274 809 767Mercury Bay 0274 931 379Tairua/Pauanui0274 762 651Whangamata 07 865 8600or 021 594 563Thames027 480 9767Noise & Dog Control07 868 0200 24 hours

Cover image: Mercury Bay sailors enjoy the spring breezes. Photo by Sue Collins

Contents

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Each year the Coromandel Peninsula Post produced this What’s On guide for visitors to the northeastern Coromandel Peninsula. The Post ceased publication in May 2014 but we felt that What’s On needed to continue - and it has.We welcome you to this place we are so happy to call home.This year we’ve changed our magazine around a little with a section on the great kiwi bach. Having spent the best part of 60-odd years around this neck of the woods, it’s been fascinating to watch the evolution of this area, from a very small town to a larger entity with a very large summer population. Basic baches have been bowled and in there place are beach houses, and in some cases beach mansions!We’ve also added a map to the centre page spread (page 20-21) which we hope you’ll find useful. Eight of the best Coromandel walks are featured this year. It’s great to be able to get out and see some of the most picturesque places we have to offer. If you’re going walking in the bush, please take the time to read the message from the Kauri Dieback team on the inside back cover.The magic of the Coromandel goes on year after year for those of us privileged to be able to live and work in this paradise at the end of the universe.

Please have an enjoyable holiday on the Coromandel and come back and visit us soon.

Lisa PeehikuruSue CollinsPublishers

Useful linkswww.thecoromandel.comwww.whitianga.co.nzwww.coromandeltown.co.nzwww.tairua.org.nzwww.pauanuionline.co.nzwww.thamesinfo.co.nzwww.whangamata.co.nz

What’s On is published by Lisa Peehikuru and Sue Collins18 Coghill Street, Whitianga. Phone 07 866 [email protected]

read this issue online atwww.coromandelwhatson.co.nz

Enjoy the magic of the Coromandel Peninsula...

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NEW YEAR RACE1 January 2015

MERCURY BAY BOATING CLUBissues a warm invitation to all sailors to join

our traditional New Year eventThis is a low key enjoyable event, designed to

start the New Year in a relaxed mannerSTART TIME: On the line, 11am - 1100hrs

ENTRIES: will be accepted by the control tower on channel 77 up to 15 minutes before start time. Skippers’ briefing at the

clubhouse 9am on the day of event. Entry is $10.

AFTER EVENT BBQ AND REFRESHMENTS

4pm ✮SPOT PRIZES✮

Prospective new members welcomePhone 866 5749 or 021 286 6060

Taxi or walk from ferry

Cooks Beach Richardson’s Real Estate

Sunday 4 January

Events - summer and beyondEvery summer, there’s plenty going on to tempt you to leave the tent or the bach and head out for some fun. From the one off spectaculars - make sure you’re out on Buffalo Beach on New Year’s Day to watch the start of Mercury Bay Boating Club’s annual race - to the weekly Farmers’ Market at Coroglen - our regular Sunday morning rendezvous - there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Whitianga Wellbeing Fair offers alternative therapies

The school and community fundraisers are out in force with their galas and carnivals - all the fun of the fair while you’re contributing to a good cause.In January we love Show Me Shorts, New Zealand’s short film festival; we’re so lucky that the Monkeyhouse Theatre hosts this event each year.Later on come the autumn events like the quirky Hahei Tractor Bash celebrating a vehicle dear to the hearts of so many in this country.

All proceeds to Mercury Bay Area School

a whole lot of fun by the beach!

9am to 3pm

stalls music games rides

food tent waffles•bacon & egg rolls

kebabs•mussel fritterssausage sizzle and more...

all freshly cooked

eftpos on site

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What’s On calendar of events 2014-15Recurring/longer eventsDecember 2014 - April 4 2015Whitianga Art Craft and Farmers Market, Soldiers Memorial Park, Whitianga. Mostly Saturdays 8am to 1pm. Local crafts, art and homegrown produce from the Mercury Bay area.Until Easter 2015Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday morning. Coffee, fresh food and produce, ice blocks and so much more.27 December - 2 JanuaryWhangamata Summer Festival. Multiple nights of free entertainment as well as kids activities, Annual Craft Market and live music.More information www.28 December - 10 January (page 7)Whitianga Health & Wellbeing Fair 2015. Whitianga Town Hall, 14 magical days of healing, wisdom & wellbeing! Lots of stalls, on-site natural therapies, free daily talks, art, music & organic foodsJanuary 5 - 11 (page 7)Show Me Shorts Film Festival, Monkey House Theatre, Whitianga. This annual film festival showcases some stunning short films – both NZ-made and international.30 December - 3 JanuaryPrana New Year Festival, Whangamata. A unique, boutique festival for about 1000 attendees. It is smokefree, and has a low tolerance for alcohol abuse.6 - 8 March, 14 - 15 MarchArt Escape Mercury Bay. This Coromandel art event is held annually over the first two weekends in March and showcases a diverse group of working artist studios. A self drive Open Studio tour.07 March - 15 MarchThames Heritage Festival. A celebration of the rich history of Thames with a week of entertainment, informative tours, and activities with a heritage theme.

Events27 December Matarangi Fire Station Open Day, 11am-1pmTractor and Quad Bike Decorating Competition, Village Green, Matarangi

3pm; parade 4pm.28 DecemberScavenger Hunt, Village Green, Matarangi, 10am29 DecemberKids Disco, Matarangi Fire Station, Matarangi, 4:30-6:30pm30 DecemberThe Big Dig Matarangi Beach, 10.30am.31 DecemberFire Station Collection & Garage Sale, Matarangi2 JanuaryKeltic Fair, Coromandel Town 10am - 4pm. One of New Zealand’s most

successful fairs and the highlight of the Coromandel holiday season. A fundraiser for the Coromandel community.Interislander Summer Festival , Thames Races. Experience the iconic

summer races set in the gateway to the Coromandel.3 JanuaryCooks Beach Summer Gala. Over 100 stalls; games, rides, food, music,

white elephant and the Daisy Dung Drop. A fundraiser for Whenuakite School.Thunder Cat Boat Racing/Prizegiving, Matarangi Beach 10am-4pmSausage Sizzle The Village Green Beach Entrance 10am-4pm4 JanuaryThe Great Outdoors Expo, Pauanui. Showcase for the latest offerings from

up to 100 leading local and national suppliers.The Rings to Matarangi Beach Swim, 6:45 registration, 7:30am race starts

5 JanuaryHahei Market, Hahei. This annual market always has a huge variety of

stalls, so come along and join the fun. A fundraiser for the Hahei Library.Sand castle Competition, Matarangi Beach,1pmThames Goldrush Market Day. Enjoy a day in Pollen Street with loads of

stalls from local businesses and visitors. Buskers and great food.6 JanuaryCardboard Cup The Matarangi Boat Ramp 4pm7 JanuaryFamily Sports Day, to be confirmed. The Village Green, Matarangi8 JanuaryTairua Wine & Food Festival, Tairua. An awesome day of top class

entertainment on the harbour’s edge in beautiful Tairua. A fundraiser for Tairua School.Mercury Bay Seaside Carnival, Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga. 9am to

3pm. Enjoy an exciting range of stalls, rides, etc.Bike Decorating Competition, Matarangi Shopping Centre 3pmBingo, Matarangi Fire Station, time to be confirmed10 JanuaryMiss Matarangi Beach Girls 2015, The Village Green, 3pm11 JanuaryMiss Coromandel Peninsula 2015, Matarangi Fire Station, 1pmWhangamata Lions Craft & Farmers Market. Nearly 100 stalls offering a

huge variety of craft, food and produce. 24 JanuaryFast25s Thames. The Coromandel’s newest summer party. Entertainment,

food, beverages and FAST 25m swim races. 6 - 8 FebruaryLeadfoot Festival, Hahei. A unique weekend bringing together a mix of

classic cars, vintage motorcycles and motorsport legends.13 - 15 FebruaryTairua Pipe Masters. Top international wakeboarders with two days of full-

on amazing sport action, sliding big rails, kickers & other obstacles.14 - 15 FebruaryCoromandel Gold Rush and Gum Diggers Charity Cruise. Starts and

finishes in Thames and takes in Tairua, Whitianga and Coromandel Town.21 FebruaryTairua Wet ‘n’ Wild Weekend in conjunction with NZ Jet Sports

Association, a fun community event with jet ski racing and wakeboard, flyboard and freestyler races.Colville Connection. ‘Le’Originale’ - Coromandel’s original mountain bike

event; circumnavigates the northern most tip of The Coromandel1 MarchThames Children’s Day Event. CAPS Hauraki annual Teddy Bear’s picnicHot Water Beach Charity Trail Ride. Ride in one of the most spectacular

areas in NZ. Register from 8.30am, Purangi Road, Hot Water Beach 14 MarchThames Surf 2 Firth Bush marathon. Enjoy bush running & trekking at its

best with 42km across the ranges or 22km & new 12km run/walk options.21 MarchBeach Hop, Whangamata. Rock N Roll Festival. Beach Hop is home of

New Zealand’s biggest celebration of the 50s & 60s.25 - 29 MarchHahei Tractor Bash. A celebrations of the iconic Hahei tractor. Friday

night get together, Saturday night Quiz and Sunday the Tractor Parade!11 AprilA Taste of Matarangi, Matarangi. Enjoy a day full of delicious seafood,

local produce, fine wine and cold beer.

Looking aheadBuffalo Week is coming! July 28 to August 1 2015 in Whitianga. Next July

marks the 175th anniversary of the grounding and subsequent wrecking of the HMS Buffalo, the ship that gave the beach its name.Whitianga Scallop Festival 2015 – date to be confirmed. Whitianga’s

annual seafood festival.

Christmas Carols & Church Services pg 14, Gig Guide pg 14, Fishing Calendar pg 27

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Events - summer and beyond

9th Annual Festival!! MONKEY HOUSE THEATRE,

Coghill Street, Whitianga Mon 5 Jan: Art Will Save the World Tue 6 Jan: My Generation Wed 7 Jan: Listen Up Thu 8 Jan: In the Neighbourhood Fri 9 Jan: Bromance Sat 10 Jan: Time Travellers Sun 11 Jan: Audience Choice

Theatre opens 7pm - films start 7.30pmAdmission $10pp - Bar available

Bookings & programmes available at Marketplace, 18 Coghill Street, Whitiangaor phone Nicola 866 5115 or Athena 869 5529

Whitianga

WELLBEING FAIR28th Dec 2014 to 10th Jan 2015

Whitianga Town Hall10am-5pm, free entry

Lots of stalls, onsite natural therapists, eco-friendly products and services, crystals, nutrition, free daily talks, organic skin and suncare, massage, readings, books, herbal remedies, art, handmade crafts etc.

www.wellbeingfair.co.nz facebook whitiangawellbeingfair contact: Peace 027 292 9699 [email protected]

COROGLENFARMERSMARKET

Open Every SundayRain or Shine9.30am - 1pm

GUMTOWN HALL, SH 25 COROGLEN

Enquiries Kevin or Fiona 866 3315

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I want to be at the beach house in Whitianga. I miss it so much - every little thing, the sand dunes, the deck, the sound of the waves at night when we’re laying in bedI miss the kitchen and the drawer that pulled out on both sides and the folding doors and the couches and fireplace. the driftwood leaning off the deck, the stairs and how we used to hang on our arms and swing down themI miss mucking around and playing backyard cricket and throwing the rugby ball around.I miss all the dirt and old stuff under the house and playing with those little farm animals in the back room and the marbles and cars.I miss playing all those random games with Kels and Brad and Cam always being the cool big cousin in the background.I miss standing in Mother Browns Creek and feeling the cold run up my legs and how you always used to make me piggy-back you across. I miss hanging out in the water for ages and ages just playing around and floating.I miss pipi fritters even though they never really tasted good and taking the ferry across to the other side.I miss the ice creams and the vege pies, the crafty little shops in town and even the markets. I miss the 5Oc bags of lollies and the horses in that paddock on the way to town.

The great kiwi bach

I miss the permanent pile of sand in the bottom of the downstairs shower cause we always had sand in our togs.I miss the shells in the driveway and how we’d always walk down the strip of grass so our feet didn’t hurt and how there was always that puddle of water where the hose was cause we always flooded it.I miss walking along those little white fence things to the beach so we didn’t get prickles in our feet and running across the road with boogie boards and surfboards.I miss the swingy doors to the shower and the little ledge thing with the plants and seahorses and stuff hanging around it. I miss lying in the bach watching tv or just hanging out.I miss always having sand stuck to the bottoms of my feet.I miss Gramps so much.I even miss Granma Mary - I can’t really remember her which makes me sad but I’ll never forget how she used to let us play with her seahorse necklace and we’d put it in that little hollow in her neck.I miss those sand cars we used to make with Kels so we could sit in them. I miss every corner and every inch of the place. I even miss waking up with sand in my bed.I could go on forever about it all but I might cry.

I want to be at the beach house....

We grew up as a bach family - well, first of all, the bach and then a beach house after my grandparents built a house in front of the bach.Summer weekends meant the long haul over the Tapu-Coroglen road for two days at the beach but school holidays, then we were here for the long haul.We swam year round regardless of the weather, with our wooden short boards, the precursor of the boogie board. Sometimes it was just too bad to go outside, so my mother would entertain the seven of us (plus

friends) by deciding to teach us all boys and girls to knit. We still have one of those blankets made from peggy squares!After my father died the house on Buffalo Beach Road was sold. Ten years ago my niece Jenna Collins wrote to her sister - a heartfelt piece about our beach house. I’m absolutely sure she’s not alone in her feelings about a kiwi icon.Sue Collins

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Nationwide Housemovers Ltd

Ph 09 298 2195 Mob 021 950 575Email: [email protected]

Web: www.nationwidehousemovers.co.nz

Free quotes and expert advice Lift and shift all types of buildings Houselifting and supporting Repiling Releveling

Over 28 years experience on the move!

Robyn Turner0275 500 120 or 07 866 [email protected]

7 The Esplanade, WhitiangaMH Realty Ltd, Bayleys

Licensed under the REA Act 2008

We are looking for good quality homes for quality tenants. If you are considering having your investment property

professionally managed by an experienced property manager and a well respected company we would love to

talk to you. Please call me for more information.

The great kiwi bach

First things first! You’ve got to find the bach. The Coromandel Peninsula has a number of real estate companies just raring to find what you want. Marie Osborn of Harcourts is typical of her company’s helpful attitude and patient guidance of potential bach owners.Maybe you’ve found what you want but it’s not where you want it. Then you the team at Nationwide Housemovers to pick it up and put it in the right place.When you’re not in the house, someone else might as well be. Property manager at Bayleys Robyn Turner would love to hear from you if you’re looking for to have your investment property proefessionally managed.

One of my favourite ever baches belongs to friends of mine. Calloway House at Kikowhakarere, north of Coromandel town is a fantastic place - the oldest remaining house on the Peninsula. I love that my friends have left a lot of the house intact but where they’ve made modern additions, they really don’t look out of place.

A favourite bach

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A brief history of the bachWith thanks to Mr Google and Wikipedia

Drive along just one Whitianga road - Buffalo Beach Road and there you’ll find the great kiwi bach. They come in all ages and all sizes and of vastly differing value.

The original bach (pronounced “batch”) was a small, often very modest holiday home or beach house; in the southern half of the South Island, it’s also known as a crib Baches began to gain popularity in the 1950s as roads improved and remote places became more accessible. The increasing availability of cars allowed for middle-class beach holidays, often to the same beach every year. With yearly return trips being made, baches began to spring up in many family vacation spots. In some New Zealand beach towns examples of these original baches are still standing, made of corrugated iron, fibrolite and used timber and often painted crazy colours. The most authentic will still have a ‘long drop’ toilet out the back. Such properties rarely enjoyed amenities like connections to the water and electricity grid or indoor toilets. They were influenced by the backwoods cabins and sheds of the early settlers and farmers. Other baches used a caravan as the core of the structure, and built extensions on to that. Many cities were dismantling tram lines in the 1950s, and old trams were sometimes used as baches.At the basic end of the scale, baches are like little museums - full of odd furniture, kitsch art works and often hilarious knickknacks from previous decades, hand-me-downs from the ‘real’ house.Browse any of a number of New Zealand bach rental sites and you’ll get the full spectrum - from occasional 50s relics with formica tables through the memorable orange and brown tones of the 70s to super-stylish minimalism.

Department of Conservation figures estimate that more than 50,000 baches exist around New Zealand (population 4.5 million people).In more recent times the basic bach has been replaced by the modern “holiday house”, more substantial, more expensive - reflecting increasing affluence, and vastly increased coastal land values - and usually professionally built - due to stricter building codes. Many have become interior decorating projects, complete with floor to ceiling colour coordination and designer accessories. Another important change has been the subdivision of coastal land, with increasing numbers of residents and visitors, bringing traffic, cafes, mobile phone coverage, craft shops and other conveniences to what were originally empty beaches and bush-filled gullies. Some bach-dotted beaches in the 1950s have today become suburban areas.

These days renting a bach or beach house is regarded as an excellent alternative to booking into a motel or hotel, largely because of cost and location. Depending on where you choose to go and the time of year, a three-bedroom bach might set you back $80-100 a night; while at the other end of the scale a four bedroom beach or lake front property could set you back more than $500 a night during peak times. Booking a bach means you can enjoy parts of New Zealand that a too small and too remote to have a motel or sometimes even a camping ground.Certain elements of bach life are common to all - barbecuing, sleeping at any time of the day, not getting dressed up (jandals and shorts are standard bach wear) and embracing the great outdoors at every opportunity. If the bach is at a Coromandel beach, nine months of the year (spring, summer and autumn) should see you in or on the ocean. In our own Mercury Bay Museum curator Ron Morgan has set up a replica of a room in a typical 1960s Coromandel bach while at the National Maritime Museum you can find a reconstructed example of a typical bach from the 1950s.

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Tricky Trees Tel: 021 240 9909

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL ARBORISTS FULLY INSURED

crown reduction ● tree felling ● thinning ● stump removal consultancy ● difficult removals ● waste recycling

hedge & shrub maintenance

The great kiwi bach

Now stocked at MARKETPLACE, 18 Coghill St WhitiangaJorma & Katarina Lee

Ph: 07 866 3904 021 023 47112 tentswithzen.blogspot.co.nz

GROW NATURALLY GROW SUCCESFULLY GROW WITH ZEN

Driveways Drain digging Septic tanks Retaining walls Borer for pile work Truck & trailer hire Cart & supply – metal/

sand/fill

Please ask us about other services we provide

279 Link Road, Hahei Phone 07 866 3571

Fax 07 866 3918Laurie 027 472 5461

Tim 027 237 [email protected]

LAWN MOWING

The outside of your bach or beach house often needs as much attention as the inside. Who knows what you may need to do, once you’ve had a good walk round.If it’s earthworks of any sort including septic tanks and drains, Donovan & Son contractors are the ones to turn to.Trees and shrubs got out of hand? Chris and his team from Tricky Trees are your professional local arborists and will deal with jobs large and small.Donna Smith from Home Highlighters deals with both the inside and outside, from gardening and lawn mowing to getting your bach ready for your arrival..If you’re putting in a garden and want to keep it green, Jorma and Katarina Lee are your local stockists of Roksolid organic fertiliser.

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Decided to rent it out? You’ve bought yourself a bach or beach house and decided that when you and the family are not using it you’re going to rent it out. There are a number of options you can choose. You can manage the process yourself though that has obvious drawbacks such as proximity. You can put it in the hands of a local real estate company which often have divisions devoted to both permanent and holiday rentals. You can choose to list with one of the bach rental websites which again offer a number of options including full management of the property.Here are a few basic dos and don’ts….DOAlways respond to inquiriesThis seems so obvious yet it’s amazing how many owners fail to respond quickly and some don’t respond at all. Remember you’re competing with hotels and motels and you should respond to your booking inquiries as soon as possible.Always honour the rates you’ve postedIt happens frequently – your rental season comes to an end and you forget to update your rates for the new year. It may be a simple oversight but travellers will see these rates and inquire. Best case: they’ll be annoyed but pay the extra anyway; worst case: you lose the booking. It’s best to come clean, honour the rates on your site at the time of inquiry and change them as soon as you can. Guests will appreciate the gesture.Always keep your calendar up-to-dateDon’t drive potential customers to a hotel or motel by not keeping your calendar up to the minute. People do get frustrated after finding that their preferred dates aren’t available when the calendar indicates otherwise. Always send reservation confirmations, invoices, check-in and check-out policies and rulesGuests shouldn’t have to guess what you want them to do when they check out. Send them paperwork to explain the process from beginning to end and make it all crystal clear. If you want anything turned on or off when they leave, let them know.Always equip your house with essentials and amenitiesConsider what the essentials are for the area in which you own. If you own property in a family holiday destination, you may not need bunks or a porta-cot but your potential guests might. If it’s a bicycle friendly town, provide a cycle or two – they don’t need to be flash.

DON’TNever ignore local council regulationsThis is the fastest way to land yourself in hot (make that scalding hot) water and do a major disservice to our industry. By following all the short-term renting regulations in your area, you are legitimizing your own business and the industry as a whole.Never embellish your listingBe truthful about what your property has to offer and you’ll attract visitors that are best suited for you and your home. Just stick to the facts: so much of the holiday rental experience is subjective. List what you’ve got: hot tub or pool, an ocean view, a quick five-minute walk to town and cafes. Make your strongest attributes prominent in the listing. But always be honest! A beach view isn’t one when it’s really a beach view obstructed by the building across the street. Never cancel without a just causeJust because your family decides to come to town and need a place to stay is no reason to cancel a booking. Even if your renters have booked a short stay and you’d rather have the family, this is not a just cause to cancel on your renters! You already signed a contract with your guests and their travel may have already been arranged - it is your duty just as it is theirs to honour that contract.Never enter your home while guests are thereSome owners just can’t seem to stay away. Even if you’re well-intentioned, your presence may not be appreciated. When’ it’s rented , your home is a holiday for someone else. Having someone pop in on you isn’t exactly relaxing or “getting away from it all.” Imagine it’s your holiday and treat your guests the way you’d want to be treated..Never get slack on returning deposits in a timely mannerAfter renters have departed and you’ve checked for damage and there’s none, refund their bond immediately to show that you appreciate their respect for your property. Your attention to detail and quick response may win you future bookings from them.

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The great kiwi bach

Window cleaning inside and out Specialist cleans Spring - Builders - Moving in or out Office & commercial - Sanitary bins

WHITIANGA PROPERTY SERVICES Meet & greet holiday homes Meeting guests for instructions & rules Exit cleans & reports to owners for bond release Key service for maintenance entry

Let us take care of it for you!

If your new bach or beach house is in need of a revamp, then look no further than Guthrie Bowron in Whitianga. From floor to ceiling, they can help you put your mark on your new place. Check out their ad above to get some really great deals.Often baches and beach houses don’t have a lot of storage or don’t make the best use of what’s there. Wardrobe World can help you with custom-designed wardrobe and storage systems.When you leave, it’s got to be clean - and if you don’t want to do it, Coromandel Cleaning Services will. Larry and his team also offer a property management service.

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Community CarolsWhitiangaFriday 19 December, 7.30pm outside at Soldiers Memorial behind the Information Centre. Dramatic celebration of 200 years of the Christian Gospel in NZ from 7.30pm, carols from 8pm Bring a candle and something to sit on - and maybe arrive earlier with a picnic?Cooks Beach HallSunday 21 December 7.30pm. Kuaotunu HallChristmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December 7.30pm

Mercury Bay Church ServicesAnglican ChurchSt Peter the Fisherman, Dundas St, WhitiangaSunday 21 December 9.30am, Advent Readings and CarolsTuesday 23 December 10pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion and Carols Thursday 25 December 9.30am Christmas Day Holy Communion and Carols Hahei Community Hall Christmas Day, 10am, Holy CommunionServices at Whitianga every Sunday at 9.30am For further information: phone 869 5577 www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz Crossroad Encounter FellowshipCrossroad Encounter Fellowship Centre, cnr Cook Drive & Joan Gaskell Drive, WhitiangaNo Christmas service day but every Sunday 10amMercury Bay Co-operating ParishSt Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Albert Street, WhitiangaEvery Sunday 9.30amTuesday 23 December, 2pmChristmas Communion and afternoon teaThursday 25 December, 9.30am Christmas Day Family ServiceSunday 11 January 11.30am Community Service Kuaotunu Hall For further information ph 869 5356www.standrewsbythesea.org.nzBaptist Church112 Cook Drive, Whitianga24 December Christmas Eve 7.30 pmNo service Christmas Day. Every Sunday 10am Whitianga Catholic ParishSt Patrick’s Church, Campbell Street, WhitiangaWednesday 24 December Carols and Midnight Mass starting at 11.30pmChristmas Day Mass 25 December 8.30am & 10.30am Saturdays 27 December and 3 & 10 January, 5.30pm Vigil MassSundays 28 December, 4 & 11 January, 8.30 am Mass.Whitianga C3 Church 23 Coghill Street , Whitianga 10.30 am every Sunday

Community Carols &Church Services 2014-15Everyone is welcome to all of these Gig Guide

Summer 2014-15

December 26 – January 4 The 10 Day Weekend, Whitianga Hotel. 10 days of live music every night from 9pm

December 26 The Black Seeds, Katchafire & Sons of Zion, Coroglen Tavern.

December 28Shihad FVEY live with Airbourne / I Am Giant & Cairo Knife Fight, Coroglen Tavern.

December 30Devilskin Surrender Summer Tour, Coroglen Tavern.

December 31 New Years EveClash of the Titans Concert, Coroglen Tavern.

January 24Concert in the Vines, Cooks Beach, sample great food, wine and listen to some talented local musicians.

January 25Whitianga Summer Concert 2015 - Heart, Foreigner, & Three Dog Night, Whitianga Waterways.

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quality builders - renovation specialists

“Renovating your home is a big investmentWork with a builder you can trustWork with a company you can trustWork with Smith & Sons”Richard & Helen Oram: Owners Smith & Sons CoromandelPhone Richard on 027 263 7246

Bought the bach or beach house but it really needs to be revamped. Richard and Helen from Smith and Sons are the Coromandel renovation specialists. They’ll guide you through what can be a stressful process with the minimum of fuss.Whether it’s a sudden emergency, a hot water cylinder in need of replacement or a whole new plumbing system for a brand new build, the teams from Laser Plumbing and Doug Russell Plumbing are right here to help.If your bach or house needs a paint job or some brand new wallpaper, the men from Keith Mahon Painters will get right onto it. They’ll also do moss and mould spraying.

The great kiwi bach

Whitianga 07 866 0070

Whangamata 07 865 7151

Waihi Beach 07 863 5621

www.laserplumbing.co.nz

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The magic begins before you even get here. Just the name of The Lost Spring is enough to conjure visions of some enchanted place - and this place does not disappoint.From the funky oh-so-Coromandel manuka gates through the avenue of tropical palms and succulents and native trees into the car park again bordered with mature specimens of all sorts of plants including hibiscus, red hot pokers and cineraria. In the early days the naysayers shook their heads over some of the planting but owner Alan Hopping followed a sensible rule, leaving those that flourished and not replacing those that didn’t survive. This is a place that took nearly 20 years of work, so it does look like it’s been here forever and that does make for one of the nicest parking areas you could ever drive into.The attention to detail flows into the old schoolhouse, built around 1865, renovated to house The Café, the reception area and luxurious changing rooms and bathrooms. The Pavilion, an outdoor covered area, was been added to cater for hen parties and functions. The Day Spa was built in one of the gables of the old schoolhouse and features a sundeck overlooking the lagoon with a magical view over the resort.There’s a luxurious feel to The Lost Spring buildings; the accents of red and orange set against the blue water of the decorative lagoon and the green of the foliage work wonderfully well as do the accents of brass. A quick change into a bathing suit and it’s time to take tentative steps through

the double doors into what looks like ancient forest. Everywhere there is lush green foliage and everywhere there are those little details that make this place so special; the gemstone cascade inside the waterfall cave is magical and fascinating and more jewels are everywhere dotted along the clever lava-like paths. The Amethyst Cave with its giant geodes is special.Where to swim? There is a choice. Take a left turn out of the cave and you’re heading for the Crater Pools, the smallest and warmest that The Lost Spring offers. In the warmest pool, the tiniest trickle of cool water down the rock face is inspired. Temperatures range from 33 – 41 C, which make these pools ideal for lolling and relaxing in with – well, whatever you fancy. The staff regularly come by to offer your choice of beverage; cocktail,coffee, fresh juice.If you’d prefer to stretch your legs a little, the larger pool - turn right out of the cave or off the very cool swing bridge – offers all sorts of options. There’s a stretch long enough to do some serious water walking; there’s the swim-in cave with its floodlit geodes and the adorable welcome swallows who’ve been nesting in here since long before the resort opened. They raise a couple of broods of chicks each year and are fascinating to watch as they dart in and out of the cave.The bird life is spectacular, particularly in spring and summer when the sounds of birdsong can sometimes almost drown the Pacifica music that plays here all the time. Tiny finches hang upside down from the bottlebrush

tree which hangs over the pool and the wax eyes love the red hot pokers. Tui sing and the blackbirds perch on the highest point to sing a morning song.Nearly 20 years ago and after several failures, a 667-metre deep well sprang to life, producing thousands of litres of hot spring water an hour at 50 degrees Celsius. Recent investigations by GNS Science have dated the water at not less than 16,000 years old. It is soft and leaves your skin feeling smooth and silky when you get out. It feels so good that when I do get out I decide not to shower because that water must keep on doing my skin good. It’s now six years since The Lost Spring opened its gates to the public. Since then it’s hosted thousands of visitors from all over New Zealand and the world and their comments make it clear what they think. The words “fabulous” and “fantastic” are writ large and often. It’s very easy to spend a day here – or a good part of it. There’s great food, whether you want a snack or a full-blown meal; there’s great drinks – try a freshly squeezed juice and if you really want a treat, there’s all kind of pampering to be had, from a foot pamper to a facial or a full body massage. Hang on into the evening and as the sun starts to set, the lights come on and there’s even more magic to be had at The Lost Spring.

See our advertisement on the inside front cover of this magazine.www.thelostspring.co.nz

Leaving the world behind: a day at The Lost Spring

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Phone 866 2679 for appointments 14 Victoria Street Whitianga www.coastalsanctuary.com

COASTAL SANCTUARY HAIR, SKIN AND BODY THERAPY

Manicures Gel Polish Pedicures Facials Waxing Massage Make-Up Weddings Gift Vouchers Electrolysis Body TreatmentEyelash Tinting Eyebrow Shaping Eyelash Extensions St Tropez Tanning Hair Cutting & Colouring

Hair & Beauty

Down the garden path14 Coghill Street Whitianga

07 869 5000

Beauty and hairSummer’s the time you really need to think about your skin and hair. It’s great to enjoy the sun and the sea but both can do serious damage. Louise and her team at Coastal Sanctuary will advise on skincare solutions to suit you. If you’re in the market for a bit of serious pampering book in for a luxurious facial or massage.

Or check out Leanne and the girls at Mint Hair & Beauty - theyve got hair products to help minimise summer damage. Book in for a cut and colour and a whole new summer look.While you’re on the Coromandel Peninsula why not try the locally made soap from Soap Plus. Lisa’s products are made with pure Coroglen water and there’s something to suit every skin. And you’ve got to love those soaps in woolly jumpers and alpaca coats - perfect for travellers and perfect presents.

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Otama artist Michael Smither has his say....

What is public art? In simple terms, memorials and tombstones, then entertainment in its various forms, theatre and music, buskers and pavement artists, sculptures, murals and wall paintings. Out on the technological edge, the IT industry could be considered to include some aspect of public art.Generally public art could be anything that entertains or amuses us for no noticeable cost.Our earliest concept of public art comes from familiarity as tourists with beautiful mediaeval towns where limited resources and practical architecture combined with philosophical wisdom and religious fervour created some fascinating environments.Understanding the inherent values of what they had created and strict restrictions kept away any form of additions in the way of crass advertising that has become the public art of our time.Aesthetic considerations are completely submerged in the battle for dominance of our eyes in frantic efforts to get us to buy things. A few hanging flower baskets, maybe a row of inappropriate trees, a flower bed or two outside our ugly toilets. Our town Whitianga is a fine example of these problems. Apart from a few colonial cottages we have no architecture worth comment. The estuary and its entrance are a mess both environmentally and visually, housing in the marina an opulent display of plastic boats. The marina has proved disastrous as it has so altered the tidal currents that the one remaining naturally satisfying environment, the beach and dune system, is almost a thing of the past. The engineering expertise of our council is dominated and driven by the protection of real estate that logically should never have been allowed to exist.In the case of towns like Whitianga, blessed with tourist-enticing environments,

the work of local artists representing that environment obliquely become public art if a valuable nature, helping both visitors and locals to interpret their own environment. It is curious that once we name a local feature, eg “Cathedral Cove” in a very real sense we claim ownership. Artists, in rendering images of particular environments, offer emotional and aesthetic ownership of those features.Often the public art gallery is seen as a desirable form of public art; however, they are expensive to run and prone to being overcome by elitist and politically driven content, seen as ways of ‘raising the bar’, often to the general exclusion of local artists, and in so doing become a source of local frustration and disappointment.Murals are seen as an acceptable way of introducing public art to a town. Katikati is often quoted as a good example, though

a series of conventional images derived from local history feels more like entering a museum lacking any stimulating aesthetic excitement. Personally I’ve been involved in many public mural projects in Taranaki. Very few of those murals survive. Change of ownership of the walls has seen beautiful murals replaced by advertising or just removed (painted over) when the wall’s owner is not prepared to finance the restoration or repair. This is the case in Whitianga where the only mural on the south side of the old supermarket has now been replaced by Subway advertising and a pitiful plastic council historical shrine. In Whitianga we still have some public wall paintings but again the content stays safely in the area of educational history.The question to ask regarding permanent public art is do we go to the expense and artistic trauma of making a mural or sculpture without ensuring its long term future and inevitable maintenance.Some hope exists in the newly formed Guild of Public Art, begun by Colin Broadly in his lifetime struggle to enliven the artistic environment of Thames. He initiated the ‘Underfoot Gallery’, a project

to turn the three kilometre coastal walkway concrete path into a ground for artists to make their design upon, with paint generously donated by Resene. Generally the public using the walkway are happy with the results but as usual in any public art project, there are naysayers, virulent critics and vandals to contend with.So, to sum up, the argument for public art in our times where every single gesture must in some ways line the greedy pockets of our capitalist system, there must exist the trinity of the Artist, the enthusiastic and enlightened Municipality and finally Public approval.

The views expressed in this piece are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Michael Smither on Public Art

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OPEN 7 DAYS from 10am in summer

18 Coghill Street, Whitianga

TEC

EKRAMALP

INDOOR MARKET

If you’re interested in becoming a stallholder txt 0274 866 111 or email [email protected]

Paintings, crystals and paua hearts by Justine WilliamsMrs Mearns Takeaway Gardens

Roksolid organic fertiliser & worm juice from Katarina & Jorma LeePaintings by Wendy Algie

Gwen Hamilton’s Hush-A-Bye dollsLocal cards & artmounted photos by Sue Collins

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Te Whitianga-a-Kupe is the original place name of the town, meaning Kupe’s crossing place. It is one of the few places in New Zealand to commemorate Kupe. Following his visit in about 950 AD, many of Kupe’s tribe settled here so Whitianga can lay claim to over 1000 years of continuous occupation. The original European settlement was situated on the opposite side of the river from approximately 1836 to 1881.The past industries included boat building, kauri milling, flax milling, gold mining and gum digging. For many years, it was a leading timber port, with sailing ships from Norway, Sweden, France, Italy and Great Britain coming to load timber. Overseas vessels of 2000 tons, with a draught of 18” and carrying with their deck loads over a million feet of timber worked the harbour entrance. The larger ships were towed into the port from near Centre Island.Over a period of sixty years, it is estimated over 500 million feet of kauri timber was exported from the Whitianga district. The first kauri gum was exported in 1844. It reached its peak in 1899 when over 11,000 tons of gum was exported at an average of $120 per ton. Today Whitianga depends on fishing, farming and tourism for its prosperity.Mercury BayThe people of Hei commemorated their leader in a few place names, one being the bay at the head of which he had settled Te Whanganui o Hei (the Great Bay of Hei).This large sheltered bay was later renamed by Captain James Cook when he came here in November 1769 to observe the Transit of Mercury. Cook was accompanied by Charles Green, the Royal Society expedition astronomer, who died on the homeward journey in 1771.From Cook’s journal - “my reasons for putting in here were the hopes of discerning a good harbour, and the desire I had of being in some convenient place to observe the Transit of Mercury, which happens on the 9th instant and will be wholly visible here if the day is clear between 5 and 6 o’clock”.Cook also named the Whitianga Harbour “River of Mangroves” and this area is still referred to as the River.The sighting of the Transit of Mercury is commemorated on Cooks Beach by a cairn of Coromandel granite which tells the story:“In this bay was anchored 5 Nov. 1769H.M.S. Endeavour, Lieutenant James Cook RN, Commander.He observed the transit of Mercury and named this bay.”

Whitianga

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BIKESTRIKES

SCOOTERSPARTS

ACCESSORIES

16 Coghill St, Whitianga Phone 866 0745Email: [email protected]

We service and repair all makes and models

OPEN 7 DAYS25 Albert Street, Whitianga

WHITIANGA'S ORIGINAL

VARIETY STORE

ToysGiftware

HaberdasheryKitchenwareGardeningHardwareFishing

Joan Gaskell Dr, Whitianga Phone 07 867 1978

Open 7.30am to 9pm daily through December & January

We’ve got you covered for your holiday!

and there’s so much more

Rain

or Shine

beach and urban outfittersBags, Jewellery, Hats, Sunnies, Block Art, Harems

Men’s Hoodies, Tees, Boardies and Tanks Women’s Skirts, Dresses, Shorts, Pants and Tops

28 Albert Street, Whitianga

LG - PANASONIC - MITSUBISHI - BOSCH - SIMPSON - F&P - HAIER

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THE BRANDS YOU WANT - FROM THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST

Phone 07 866 5207Grant 027 512 1500Email [email protected] Albert Street, WHITIANGA

●Local Sales & Repair Agents ●Deliveries & Installs throughout the

Eastern Seaboard

PENINSULAWHITIANGA

Grapefruit GullyYour 1 Stop Gift Shop

13 Monk Street, Whitianga Ph 866 5711www.facebook.com/grapefruit gully [email protected]

Gifts Home Fun

Shop at leisureCome summer, there’s time to wander at leisure through Whitianga’s retail offerings. Grapefruit Gully’s quirky offerings are lots of fun while if you need a little something new to wear, drop into Eye Spy. If it’s variety you’re after look into The Glasshouse, a treasure trove of things you’d forgotten you wanted and city retail tastes are met with the big red shed of The Warehouse. This is a great town and area for cyclists - grab a new bike or get the old one mended at The Bike Man in Coghill Street, then wander down to check out Marketplace, Whitianga’s new indoor market.

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Kuaotunu, Coromandel & northKuaotunuKuaotunu is a favourite weekend destination all year round for locals. It has a small but thriving local market well worth a visit and there are some great food options available. The beach is gorgeous with a reef that keeps the surfers and fishermen happy, great fossicking (look for sea glass and tiny pieces of amethyst), safe swimming and a little stream for the kids to play in. Just over the hill are the gorgeous Otama Beach and Opito Bay.

Coromandel townCoromandel town is a great place to visit whether you’re a day tripper from Auckland - catch the 360 Discovery ferry and pop over for the day - or staying for a holiday. Wander the charming main street with its heritage buildings and enjoy some quirky shopping .Make sure you visit the escellent Coromandel Museum.. There are some terrific cafes including the fantastic Coromande Mussel Kitchen.Close to town visit Long Bay and Wyuna Bay. Head north for Shelley Beach, Oamaru Bay, Golden Bay and Waitete Bay. Check out Big Sandy Bay and Stony Bay at Port Charles or Waikawau Bay, Tuateawa and Kennedys Bay on the east coast. Take SH25 and have a look at Whangapoua and New Chums Beaches on the eastern side.

Head north and aroundTravelling up and over the hill from Coromandel town to Papa Aroha reveals splendid scenery of islands and blue seas. Next is Colville, formerly known as Cabbage Bay and named by Captain James Cook who insisted that his crew and officers eat the leaves of the native cabbage tree to guard against scurvy. After Colville you head into the territory of gravel roads, so it’s comforting to know that Coromandel Glass is on hand for repairs.At the top western tip, Port Jackson (Poihakene) is a long spacious beach which is popular for camping and fishing. It was once a bustling timber port.Fletcher Bay situated at the north-east tip of the peninsula, where Captain Fletcher built a fine house, is rich with legends of shipwrecks and mariners tales, and gold and gum digging. The proud Moehau Range (Sleeping Wind) watches over the tip of the Peninsula as the road winds along the shoreline.Cape Colville, 58km north of Coromandel and named by Captain Cook after a Rear Admiral Colville in the British Navy, looks out on the Watchman, and Little and Great Barrier Islands. Little Barrier Island is mountainous, rising steeply out of the sea and is densely forested with pohutukawas, rata, kauri and tawa trees. The island is also a bird sanctuary with the only access by launch or amphibian aircraft, with landing by permit only.Little Barrier was once the home of the Ngati-wai Maoris as can be seen in food pits, a burial ground and the fortification terraces. Captain Cook named both Great and Little Barrier Island due to the effective barrier that the two islands make across the Hauraki Gulf.Cross the range to Waikawau Bay and Port Charles or Kennedy Bay where great teams of horses hauled their coaches and carts up the steep inclines to the summit where a convenient hotel could be found.

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Kuaotunu, Coromandel & north Open 7 days from 9.30am to 4.30pmOpen for dinner through January & February

Live music in our beer gardenevery Saturday through January & February

COROMANDEL ACCOMMODATION SOLUTIONS & COROMANDEL APARTMENTS265 Kapanga Road, CoromandelLong Term Rentals, Casual Rentals, Holiday Accommodation & Full Property Management services available

Key cutting available on site

Susan Lysaght - Property Manager, mob 0274 361 729Office 07 866 8803 susan@accommodationcoromandel.co.nzwww.accommodationcoromandel.co.nz

Coromandel Museum841 Rings Road, Coromandel Ph 866 8039

Open daily from 26 December 2014

to Easter 2015 1pm - 4pmAdults $5

Children under 16 Free

GLASS REPAIRCoromandel Glass

Established 1996

Complete Glass & Glazing ServiceIncluding

Available throughout holidaysMatarangi/Kuaotunu

Whangapoua/Coro townPh 866 8869

2330 Tiki Rd, Coromandel Mob 027 661 0190

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Buffalo BeachNamed after the ship that was wrecked while transporting kauri spars in 1840. This beach offers excellent surfcast fishing at either end and safe swimming.

Wharekaho Bay (Simpsons Beach)The old pohutukawa trees described by Captain Cook still stand today.

KuaotunuOnce a thriving gold mining town, Kuaotunu has a great beach for swimming and fishing.

MatarangiA residential resort type development offering 4.5km of beautiful beach and safe swimming.

Otama (pictured), Opito & Matapaua BayThese are approached by the Black Jack Road, beautiful white sandy beaches offer good swimming & surfcasting.

WhangapouaA good surf beach with large harbour. Take an easy 30 minute walk to the attractive New Chums Bay (Wainototo Bay).

Shakespeare Cliff & Lonely BayNamed for the profile of the rocks, resembling the face of the bard. Lookout from the top to take in outstanding views of the Mercury Bay. There is a walking track to Lonely Bay.

Front Beach & Flaxmill BaySheltered north-facing beaches provide great swimming and rock exploring.

Cooks BeachThis is the landing place for Captain James Cook and his viewing point for the Transit of Mercury. Picturesque Purangi River is where he took on fresh water and oysters in 1769.

HaheiVery beautiful beach on the edge of the marine reserve. Drive to the lookout at the far end of the beach. The carpark is the start of the Cathedral Cove Bay walk, approximately 45 minutes down and one hour up.

Cathedral CoveOne of the jewels of our crown. A visit to Mercury Bay is not complete until you have driven to Hahei, onto the Lookout and then walked to Cathedral Cove. It features a spectacular natural cave - accessible at most tides. Te Hoho Rock stands alone in the middle of the beach.

Hot Water BeachHot springs surface at the low tide mark. Best time to dig your own hot pool is within two hours either side of low tide. Take a spade, dig a hole and adjust the temperature for your bath!

Beaches within easy reach

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Mercury Bay Game Fishing ClubDecember 28Kids Fishing Competition, Whitianga wharf.January 24Ladies TournamentFebruary 5-7Bonze Skins sponsored tournamentFebruary 21-28Tristram Marine Mercury Bay Open Fishing TournamentFebruary 21-23Billfish Classic Tournament March 12 -14Trailer Boat Tournament March 21ALTO Fishing Competition sponsored tournamentApril 4Kids Easter Fishing Tournament, Whitianga wharfApril 11-12Junior Fishing Tournament Whitianga

Matarangi2 JanuaryMatarangi Fishing Competition, the ocean.9 JanuaryKids Fishing Comp. Matarangi Wharf, 9:30-11am

Let us make you feel at home at Whitianga MarinaContact the team: Ph 07 8662456 Fx 07 8665545

Email [email protected] Web www.whitiangamarina.co.nz

Pamper yourself and your boat in the beautiful Mercury Bay. We are only a short boat ride away.

Discover the best kept secret that is Whitianga Marina.

Professional people to help you every step of the way, and right in town so you can walk everywhere.

2oo berth, certified clean marina Pristine, sheltered haul out facility 35 ton travel lift

Boat repairs Painting Electrical Electronics Mechanical Engineering

Refrigeration Upholstery/Canvas We can even arrange Rigging and Sailmaking

Fishing calendar 2014-15

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This year we’re treating you to this little series of great walks in the top half of the Coromandel Peninsula. Walks vary in duration and level of fitness required but all offer the opportunity to experience the many wonderful places in this area. This series originally appeared some years ago in the now defunct Peninsula Post. Before you head out please take time to read the Kauri Dieback information on the inside back cover.

8 of the best Coromandel Peninsula walks

View from the track.

Whitianga Rock & Maramaratotara TrackTake a walk around one of the most historic spots on the Coromandel Peninsula.Start at Ferry Landing Wharf, the oldest stone wharf in Australasia, and carry on up to nearby Whitianga Rock, with its clear signs of a 600-year-old Maori pa and great views over Whitianga.Then take the Maramaratotara Track down to Back Bay, where huge rafts of kauri logs used to be stored. Continue on and climb the steep hill over to Front Beach and enjoy magnificent views of Mercury Bay.A descendant of the first European settler at Hahei, Rob Wigmore, offers guided walks. Ph: 866 0445.

Where: Ferry LandingTime: About 1 hourDifficulty: Steep climbs, track a bit rough in places, slippery if wet, good footwear required.

Te Pare Historic ReserveA significant part of the history of Mercury Bay iwi Ngati Hei is clearly etched on the prominent headland at the southern end of Hahei Beach.Te Pare Historic Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation, encompasses the remains of two prominent Ngati Hei pa sites. From here the peaceable iwi tried to defend itself against repeated incursions by a number of expansionist tribes, the most devastating from Ngapuhi around 1820.Hereheretaura Pa is perched on the tip of the relatively bare headland and surrounded by steep cliffs. The cliffs, coupled with a ditch and bank on the landward side, created a very good defensive position. You can still see the remains of the ditch and bank, several terraces, storage pits, and the living platforms. DOC has repaired the outer earthworks bank, and formed a staircase on to the pa to prevent damage to the midden deposits on the slopes below the terraces. Te Pare Pa is on the ridge above the track leading to Hereheretaura Pa. Steep cliffs on the south drop down to a bay, while on the north side seven terraces fan out around the main platform. Defensive earthworks appear to have been minimal. Ngapuhi apparently occupied Te Pare, using their muskets to devastating effect on the people sheltering below in Hereheretaura Pa. For many years the site was tapu.The reserve is easily reached by a short walk from the end of Pa Rd or from the beach. From Pa Rd it’s a lovely walk through an ancient pohutukawa grove and out onto the headland. From the beach, you climb a short set of steps to join the track.The views from the headland are spectacular, stretching for miles out to sea and up and down the coast.

Where: At the southern end of Hahei Beach. Enter the track at the end of Pa Rd (first road on the right as you enter Hahei) or walk along the beach and go up some steep steps to join the track. Time: 30 minutes return Difficulty: Mostly easy. Steep steps up from the beach. Headland is exposed to sun and wind. Note: Information from Department of Conservation and Ngati Hei websites.

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Activities

Open all year, tours 9am & 1.30pm(also 6am & 5.30pm during peak season)Duration 3 - 3.5 hrsPrice Adult $105pp, Child $65pp Family pass (2 adults, 2 children) $320Shuttle bus available from Whitianga ferry $10ppNo experience necessary

It’s no surprise to find that many Coromandel Peninsula activities involve the water. If you want to go underwater, have a talk to Dive Zone in Whitianga or Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel in Hahei. Our scenic coastline is seen to best advantage from the sea. Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours take you to a world of sea caves and rugged rocks and clear blue water. If you like to fish, Infinity Charters will take you out to try your luck. Boat trips with experienced local skippers such as Ocean Leopard and the Hahei Explorer are entertaining and educational. And the next pod of dolphin or orca could be just around the corner. For thrills and spills hop on the Banana Boat for a wild ride with the bonus of a swim at the end!On dry land, there’s plenty to do. Go ‘overseas’ on the ferry and head for Mercury Bay Estate for a spot of wine tasting. Feeling a bit sporty? Birdwood Springs Mini Putt offers an entertaining time for both kids and adults while Whitianga Bike Park is a great free facility with tracks suitable for everyone from toddlers with trikes and the teenage BMXers to veterans on mountain bikes.If the night sky fascinates you, book an astronomy tour and check out the planetarium at Stargazers at Kuaotunu who also operate a luxury bed & breakfast.

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Fantail Bay. Picture: DOC

Fantail BayTo access this walk you take one of the best drives on the Coromandel Peninsula.The 28km stretch of road between Colville and Fantail Bay on the northwestern coast is especially stunning when the pohutukawa are in flower but lovely at any time of the year.At Fantail Bay you’ll find a small, shingle cove and a Department of Conservation campsite nestled in among pohutukawa and puriri.A tramping track leaves from the campground and climbs 1.5km to the bushline on Mt Moehau and outstanding views out over the Hauraki Gulf and across to Auckland in the distance. There is no access across the range.Mt Moehau is the highest point on the peninsula, rising steeply from the sea to 892 metres. The walk takes you up through retired pastureland to an altitude of 320 metres.

Where: Fantail Bay, 44km north of Coromandel townTime: Between 1hr-1hr 30 minDifficulty: Steep in parts

Among the young kauri on the Long Bay Scenic Reserve & Kauri Grove Walk.

Long Bay Scenic Reserve & Kauri Grove WalkAbout 3km north-west from historic Coromandel town lies the curiously named Long Bay, which isn’t particularly long but has a pleasant beach and a lovely outlook to islands just off the coast.Access to the Long Bay Scenic Reserve & Kauri Grove Walk is through the small motor camp which operates at the bay.The start of the track is signposted under a wooden arch at the northern end of the camp. From there a metal track slopes gently uphill to a majestic old kauri, a survivor of the wholesale axing of the giant trees in this area and all over the Coromandel Peninsula.Its progeny, to quote from Marios Gavalas’ book, Day Walks of the Coromandel, “are sprinkled in the vicinity and these youthful trees, with their columnar trunks, give an ecclesiastical feel to the forest”.After a contemplative wander through the kauri grove, you emerge onto a metal vehicle track. Turn left to return to the motor camp or right for a short walk to Tucks Bay. Like Long Bay it’s a typical, tidal Coromandel west coast beach, with rocky outcrops encasing a curve of sand.From Tucks Bay, take the path which goes around the headland back to Long Bay. There’s a lovely view out over the Hauraki Gulf and on a fine, calm day, Motukopake, Motuoruhi and Waimate Islands appear to float on the impossibly blue waters.

Where: 3km north-west of Coromandel town.Time: 45 minutes Difficulty: EasyNote: This reserve is managed by Thames-Coromandel District Council. There are public parking and toilets at Long Bay.


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Mercury Bay MuseumAcross from Whitianga Wharf Ph 866 0730

Experience Mercury Bay History! Captain Cook, HMS Buffalo, Gifts, Books & Souvenirs

Interactive displaysChild-friendly displays

Experience a 1960s bachFishing display

Open 7 days 10am to 4pm

INFINITYCHARTERS

Fishing DivingSightseeing

Ph 07 866 5936Mob 0274 864 126

ZI Whitianga [email protected]

Open 7 days - 10am till dusk or later by request

101 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga. Tel: 07 866 0064 [email protected] www.birdwoodsprings.co.nz

russ cochrane & wendy helms48 hahei beach road, hahei

phone: 07 866 3955mobile: 027 271 [email protected]

NZ Free Phone: 0800 223 483

stocking AquaLung, Beuchat and TUSA gear

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Coromandel WalkwayOne of the curiosities of the Coromandel Peninsula is that you can’t drive right around it. SH25 stops at Fletcher Bay on the western side and Stony Bay on the eastern side.There are two ways to traverse the 10-km bit in between – walk or bike.The renowned Coromandel Walkway runs between Department of Conservation campgrounds in the two bays and follows the coast mostly through regenerating native bush on the northern flank of Mt Moehau. There are spectacular views out to Great Barrier and Cuvier Islands.The walkway is part of an old bridle path formed by early pioneers. It’s a steepish haul up over farmland out of Fletcher Bay and there’s also a short steep section in and out of Poley Bay. But most of the track is an easy, pleasant, often shaded walk.There and back takes about six-seven hours but could be longer with refreshment stops along the way.If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can do a loop track, using the higher mountain bike track one way. This track is much steeper and slippery in places but the views are even more spectacular.

Where: Top of the Coromandel Peninsula between Fletcher Bay and Stony Bay.Time: 3-3.5hrs one wayDifficulty: Mostly easy, with a steep haul up from Fletcher Bay and in and out of Poley Bay.Note: There’s camping and limited accommodation available through DOC at both Fletcher and Stony Bays. Coromandel Discovery runs a one-day bus tour, which drops people at Fletcher Bay and picks them up at Stony Bay.

On the track above Fletcher Bay..

Waitaia Track. Picture: Vivienne McLean

Waitaia TrackA wonderful little microcosm of New Zealand bush can be experienced on the Waitaia Track on a Department of Conservation reserve between Whitianga and Kuaotunu.The track crosses private land before branching into a loop track of mostly easy gradient. It passes through regenerating coastal forest, including kanuka, tree ferns, nikau, tanekaha, kauri, puriri and hard beech.There are a number of old mining tunnels and several small stream crossings, some of which are bridged. Picnic tables and seats provide convenient stopping places.The area was extensively logged and mined in the past. It is now part of the Project Kiwi Kuaotunu Kiwi Sanctuary and Kauri 2000 has planted trees at the start of the track and at the beginning of the reserve.

Where: 1 km south of Kuaotunu turn into Waitaia Rd. The track is signposted 1km from the turn-off.Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hrs returnDifficulty: Reasonably easy, with one steep section; can be slippery after rain. Note: Keep to the track to avoid dangerous mine shafts in the area.


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Cathedral Cove trips 9-10.30am

bookings requiredPhone Kali or Steve on 07 866 5617 and leave a message or see us on the beach

Check us out on www.whitianga.co.nz\banana boat

$15Cooks Beach

from $35Cathedral Cove

SCENIC RIDE

THRILL RIDE

$10

THRILL RIDE

$15

HELLBENDER

$10

KIDDIES CRUISE

BEST VALUE FUNIN WHITIANGA

at The Esplanade beachBoxing Day until end of

school holidays. No bookings required.

CONCESSIONS10 rides

$120

The

ULTIMATEWATER RUSH

FREE OFF-ROAD CYCLE AREA

Moewai Rd is beside the airport at the SH25 crossroads, 2 km from town - Donations welcomed

Fun area for all the family with bush walks, kauri walks, toilets, drinking fountain, BBQ & car parking

Developed by Whitianga Bike Club who have produced a park map with trail information and a guide for other rides in the Mercury Bay area.

Both available at The Bike Man, Coghill St or the i-Site.

Mountain Bike Trails

10km of single track in bush

Grades 1-7No motorised bikes permitted

Skill Zone

Where you ride beams, planks,

seesaw and ramps beside the carpark

BMX Track & New Dirt Track

Lets you get air if you want to

Pump Track

An open riding area with hills,

jumps and bridges

34


Shakespeare CliffThe glorious white cliffs between Flaxmill Bay and Cooks Beach in southern Mercury Bay are one of the bay’s outstanding features.Shakespeare Cliff is popularly thought to have been named by Captain James Cook after he saw a similarity in the cliff face to the profile of William Shakespeare. But the good captain is now thought to have so named it because it reminded him of another cliff ‘back home’, part of the White Cliffs of Dover.A track that winds its way from Flaxmill Bay up onto Shakespeare Cliff Reserve and down to Lonely Bay and Cooks Beach is a wonderful way to explore this area.Flaxmill Bay is 1.5km from Ferry Landing. At Flaxmill Bay there’s a good information sign with some of the area’s history. The track starts at the mouth of the Flaxmill Stream at the north-eastern side of the bay.The safe and well-formed track heads straight up the side of the cliff through regenerating bush and comes out onto a wide expanse of grass. The upper levels of this area have stunning views out of Mercury Bay.In 1970 a royal picnic was held here for Queen Elizabeth when she visited the area to celebrate the bicentenary of Cook’s visit.There are some lovely, old pohutukawa on the reserve, which is gradually being replanted by a local group, and there are various paths through the reserve.Just down the metal road from the grassy area, there’s a loop path leading out to a cliff-top lookout, which commemorates Cook’s observation of the Transit of Mercury in November 1769. Cook actually observed the transit at the north-eastern end of Cooks Beach but Shakespeare Cliff was perhaps deemed a more dramatic place for the memorial, which also identifies the various features of Mercury Bay.From here, you can head down a signposted track to idyllic, uninhabited Lonely Bay, and then make the steep, but mercifully short, climb back up and carry on to Cooks Beach. To get to the beach, you will need to cross an estuary, which can be quite deep at high tide, or continue along the track to a bridge.

Where: Between Flaxmill Bay and Cooks Beach, Mercury Bay SouthTime: About two hours return. If you throw in a swim or two, this is a full-day excursion. For a quicker walk, return from Cooks Beach to Flaxmill Bay by a track which runs alongside the road from Cooks Beach. Difficulty: Mostly easy, some steeper partsNote: The main gate to Shakespeare Cliff is on the road between Flaxmill Bay and Cooks Beach and there’s another information panel just inside the gate. There’s vehicle access to the lookout and parking space at the top of the Lonely Bay track.

Opera Point Historic Reserve, WhangapouaLess well-known than the famous walk to New Chums at the western end of Whangapoua is a wonderful little gem of a walk around Opera Pt Historic Reserve at the eastern end.Start at the carpark and meander along the Whangapoua Harbour. The track follows an old tramway and leads to a lovely beach with some of the clearest water on the peninsula. The area is the site of a former saw mill built in 1862.If you’re feeling adventurous you could also walk up and around the hill, which is the site of Ruakawa Pa. There are excellent views from the top over the harbour, Whangapoua, Matarangi and out to sea.

Where: Eastern end of WhangapouaTime: 15 min to beach, about 1 hour to explore furtherDifficulty: Easy walk to beach, steep climb up the hill, which doesn’t have formed tracksNote: Little shade at beach

View down onto the track.


35


5 Albert St, Whitianga Ph 866 0323 Open 7 days from 7.30am for breakfast brunch lunch morning & afternoon tea

Time to entertain but no time to spare?

With great menus and tons of experience let the Jandals team take

the hard work out of organising a party - whether it’s a wedding, birthday,

summer lunch, work or family event. Call now for a quote!

Not just your friendly local cafe! Check us out - www.jandalscafe.co.nz

Enjoy a glass of wine and summer treats in our

sheltered courtyardFabulous cakes and slices, all baked

on the premises - sample Paula’s famous lemon tarts and caramello brownie

Our all-day blackboard menu has something for everyone and we have fresh daily sushi, panini, filled bagels, pies, scones & muffins

Celcius coffee

Packed lunches available by order

Eating out & foodThe Coromandel is well served when it comes to eating out and food. There’s even a local coffee roaster Coffee Lala whose coffee is found in a number of cafes and is available from local supermarkets and shops.There’s a great number of food choices; great food with all the flavours of Asia comes from the kitchen at Blue Ginger - and there’s a new kid on the block, Japanese restaurant Umino Hoshi. Al fresco dining is popular when the weather allows. In town the sheltered courtyard at Jandals Cafe is the ideal place to while away the afternoon with a glass of wine and delicious food. Colenso Cafe on the way into town has been one of the Peninsula’s favourites for more than 25 years while en route to Coromandel town check out Castle Rock Cafe which also has chutney and relish for sale. If you’re looking for food with a view, Grace O’Malleys on the Esplanade offers the often entertaining vista of the boat launching ramp and the estuary.Icecream on your mind? Take a stroll down Albert Street to Shellz and enjoy real fruit icecream, smoothies and milkshakes. Having a party - call the Ice Cream Team who’ll come and set up and serve their wares at your event.For food with a brew, head out to the Hot Water Brewing Co at Whenuakite, taste the beer and enjoy a meal.

catering - kitchen - providorescatering for all occasions

sushi fresh daily hot wok & dim sumcoffee lala fresh juices nutritious smoothies

phone 07 867 17771/10 blacksmith lane whitianga

takeaway menus at www.blueginger.co.nz

all the fabulous tastes of asia

36


Indoor MarketCheck out the new kid on the block. Marketplae at 18 Coghill Street, Whitianga is a permanent indoor market, open 7 days from 10am in the summer..

Information Centres Pop into the Whitianga and Coromandel Information Centres for some suggestions for wet weather activities.

Eating Out in Mercury Bay While away your day at one of our many eating out establishments.

Libraries Become a member at the Mercury Bay library, located at the rear of Soldiers Memorial Park next to the Information Centre. If you’re in Coromandel town, check out the library in the main street.

Museums Find out all you want to know about our area rich in history. Mercury Bay Museum is situated across the road from the Whitianga wharf. A section on the history of fishing in the area opened last year.The Coromandel Musuem in Rings Road is also well worth a visit offering fascinating insights into the interesting past of this area.

Pamper Yourself Holidays are designed for rest and relaxation. There are a number ofoptions for massage and beauty and other therapies. Check out Eden Clinic on the back cover or turn to page.17

Hot Pools You’ll be wet anyway, so why not try The Lost Spring luxury hot pools and spa. No children under 14. See the story on page 16.

Where to go and what to do on a wet day

Open 7 days 9am to late(except NY Eve - closing 3pm)

❀Coffee ❀Breakfast❀Brunch ❀Lunch ❀Dinner

SH25 TE RERENGA Opp Te Rerenga School 12.5km from Coromandel Town and 300m from the

Whangapoa turnoff

PHONE 866 4542 www.castlerockcafe.co.nz

TAKEAWAYS AVAILABLE

ALL DAY, EVERY DAY

Chutney & relishfor sale

37


Where to go and what to do on a wet day

www.colensocafe.co.nz

SH25, WHENUAKITE PH 866 3725

LICENCED CAFE l SHOP

Colenso

The perfect any time treat - morning or afternoon tea,

a leisu rely lunch...a nd great shoppingGift vouchers available

One of the Peninsula ’s favourite cafés

& Juice Bar

We do the best Ice Creams &

Cold Drinks this side of the Coromandel!

Scoop Ice CreamsWaffle Cones

Real Fruit Ice CreamsSmoothies

Fresh JuicesMilkshakes/Thickshakes

24 Ice Cream Flavours

23d Albert StreetWhitianga

Ph 07 869 5953

Whitianga’s only

INSANELYGOOD

COFFEE

WWW.COFFEELALA.COMOR EMAIL

[email protected] 07 866 5373

15 NZ COFFEE

AWARDS

69 Albert Street, Whitanga

Phone orders 07 866 5858

SushiHot food

Dine in or takeaway

Open Monday to Saturday

10am to 7pmLocally owned & operated

Alan & Helen AndersonMob 021 044 1151

[email protected]

THE ICE-CREAM

TEAMAvailable for all

your Events, Birthday Parties,

Weddings

Snapper Jacks

Fresh fish & takeawaysDine in or takeaway

Summer hours 11am to 9pm

PHONE ORDERS 866 5482

Cnr of Albert & Monk Streets

Open 7 days11am to late

Ph 866 48289 The Esplanade

Whitianga

Fabulous location - enjoy a casual drink or a great meal on the spacious deck

38


catering - kitchen - providorescatering for all occasions

sushi fresh daily hot wok & dim sumcoffee lala fresh juices nutritious smoothies

phone 07 867 17771/10 blacksmith lane whitianga

takeaway menus at www.blueginger.co.nz

Catering stunning weddings in timeless

settings on the Coromandel for

twelve years.www.blueginger.co.nzfacebook Blue Ginger

A great place to get marriedThe Coromandel Peninsula has turned out to be an extremely popular place to get married - and if you’re about to tie the knot, it’s time to look for venues and caterers.If you’ve decided to go for the traditional marquee on the lawn or beachside, Rebecca and Gareth from Peninsula Marquee and Party Hire are incredibly helpful and will work to any budget. If you’re looking for a tent with a difference, Katarina and Jorma Lee have come up with Tents with Zen.

When it comes to caterers, Becs and Stu from Blue Ginger and Paula from Jandals Cafe both offer very good food, great menu choices and tons of experience. We’ve been to recent events catered by both these companies and we can heartily recommend either as an option for a wedding or party.

Not just your friendly local cafe!We’ll cater for any event - whether it’s a

wedding, birthday, summer lunch, work or family event. See our ad on page 35 and call

now for a quote! Check us out - www.jandalscafe.co.nz

What’s O

n 14-15

For Christmas, birthdays or to remember someone special... let Kauri 2000 plant a kauri in our specially created forests on

the Coromandel. Every recipient receives a Commemorative Certificate inscribed with

your message.□ Seedlings @ $20 includes a Commemorative Certificate□ Commemorative Plaque to be placed

at site @ $10 extra□ Additional donation towards ongoing maintenance of sites and young kauri

Kauri ...the ideal gift

Name/message for certificate and plaque:

(no more than 50 characters)

www.kauri2000.co.nz

Name..........................................................

Address......................................................

...................................................................To the Secretary, Kauri 2000 Trust,

PO Box 174, Whitianga

24HR ACCIDENT & MEDICAL

EMERGENCIES ON CALL SERVICE

AVAILABLE PH 07 866 5911

All calls are answered by our afterhours

triage team. Due to high demands you may experience occasional delays.Free accident care to

all under 6 yearsFree sexual health care to

all under 25 years

mercury baymedical centre

87 albert street whitianga

No appointments required

Thursday 25 DecemberClosed ON CALL ONLY

Surcharges applyFriday 26 December

Clinics 9am-11am, 5pm-6pmSurcharges apply

Sat & Sun 27 & 28 DecemberOpen 8.45am-5.00pm

Surcharges applyMon - Wed 29-31 December

Open 8.45am-5.00pmThurs & Fri 1 & 2 January

Open 8.45am-5.00pmSurcharges apply

Sat - Fri 3 - 16 JanuaryOpen 8.45am-5.00pm

Surcharges apply Sat & Sun

Drop in clinics will run from 27 December to 16 January

Appointments available for our enrolled patients

Accidents and emergencies will be triaged accordingly

PLEASE NOTE: Whitianga is a considerable distance away from the nearest Hospital facility so please err on the side of caution when you are

feeling unwell.

Kauri dieback disease has been identified in this region. It kills kauri of all ages and is spread through soil movement.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELPALWAYS

Scrub footwear and equipment clean of all soil before and after entering kauri forests.

Stay on tracks.

Stay off kauri roots – never hug a kauri!

NANNY NEERAChild Care

Specialist in Children with Autism

Neera GiriQualified Primary [email protected]

Ph 866 4925021 776 039

A great place to get married We hope you enjoy your stay on the Coromandel Peninsula- but please stay alive; don’t drink and drive!

It’s all about loving the lifestyle

82 Richmond Street THAMES Ph 0800 868 5484www.richmondvillas.co.nz

Richmond Villas offers• Family owned & operated villas. Weekly fee

$100• 2 and 3 bedroom villas with designs for

everyone’s taste and budget• Thames hospital close by• Active residents organising events and funRichmond Villas is the perfect location for your new lifestyle choice! This lifestyle village is adjacent to shops amenities and healthcare facilities, providing safety, security and a friendly atmosphere.

OPENDAYS

Wednesday

New apartments commencing 2015All enquiries welcome

Relaxation Wellbeing Injury Recovery

Your urban HEALTH RETREAT

Massage that heals...

More than a massage. A holistic approach to boosting health utilising the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine & 20 years experience

DEEP TISSUE, BOWEN, ACUPUNCTURE, CUPPING

$70 - 1 HR $40 - ½ HR | $90 - 1½ HRS

57 Albert Street, Whitianga (across from i-Site) | [email protected]

Ph Libby 07 866 2155 or 022 076 0129Nat Dip Acupuncture, Nat Dip Chinese Herbs, Cert Fascial Kinetics, Cert Natural Therapies, Cert Colon Hydrotherapy

Documents

Whats on Coromandel Peninsula 2014 15