Feature I wrote on the Coromandel region for the July 2010 issue of Travel Digest. I travelled to this area as part of this writing assignment.

1. COROMANDEL
New Chums Beach
Y LODGE PROOF TIME 26/04/2010 2:47:29 p.m.
LAST RUN: 04/05/10 7243681AI
SIZE: 4X2
Cruising
around the
COROMANDEL
The Coromandel is where Kiwis go on holiday! Renowned worldwide for its natural
beauty – misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches, this region is blessed
with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to slow down,
relax and unwind, as sarah WeeKs discovers.
a
ccessible only on foot or by molluscs and fish. This area is very popular tide, visitors flock to the usually deserted
boat, the famous Cathedral with tourists and receives around 150,000 Hot Water Beach to find hot water
Cove / Te Whanganui a Hei visitors a year. For movie-buffs, this area bubbling through the golden sand. For
Marine Reserve is one of the will also be of interest as its cave and beach only $5 you can hire a spade at the local
"must visit" sites on the Coromandel was used as a filming location for The cafe, dig your own spa pool in the sand to
Peninsula. There are several scenic tracks to Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. lie back in and relax while the steam from
the reserve, including the two-hour return Hot Water Beach is a truly unique Kiwi the hot pool envelops you. Be sure to get
walk to Cathedral Cove track, which gives experience that every Kiwi should there early to beat the crowds!
access to Gemstone Bay, Mares Leg and experience at least once in their lifetime! If there is one New Zealand experience
Cathedral Cove. Reefs of hard rock, soft An underground river of hot water flows to which captures our 'innovative, can-do'
sediments, intricate caves and underwater the surface of this long beautiful white Kiwi attitude it is riding on Barry Brickell's
arches provide homes for complex beach located between Tairua and Driving Creek Railway in Coromandel
communities of plants, crustaceans, Whitianga. Two hours either side of low town. The one-hour mountain railway
* Visit our website to see our
affordable luxury packages
www.admiraltylodge.co.nz
* Stunning beach & ocean views
* Heated outdoor pool
* 10 channels SKY TV
freephone: 0508 236 472
...settle in and enjoy...
Travel DigesT, July 2010 27

2. COROMANDEL
Hot Water Beach
ride from the Driving Creek terminus, through regenerating township. As New Zealand's first full-time potter, he
native forest to the Eyefull Tower, with its stunning views of the constructed a narrow gauge railway up the mountain to transport
Hauraki Gulf, is a result of the lifetime project for one of the clay from the hills for his pottery. Ironically, he became so
Coromandel's true characters. Barry escaped Auckland's hustle inundated with requests for rides on his railway he opened to
and bustle over 30 years ago to the solitude of Coromandel the public and eventually it has become the Coromandel's
most popular attraction.
The ride departs from the Driving Creek terminus where
resident potters and glassblowers can be found busy at work and
exploring the arts centre on site is an experience in its own right.
Engineers can be seen hard at work maintaining the carriages
have been hand built on site. One of the driving passions behind
the project has been to restore the 22 hectares of land the railway
travels through and its uniquely magnificent kauri forest, of which
vast areas were destroyed by early colonists. The railway zigzags
its way through lush regenerating native forest over bridges,
through tunnels and past sculptures and water features.
Many Kiwis will have driven through the breathtaking
Karangahake Gorge but few will have ventured into the
walkways, old tunnels and discovered the rich history hidden in
the gorge. Not only is this one of the most stunning stretches of
river in the country it is home to one of the busiest and most
lucrative gold strikes in the country. The Karangahake Gorge
historic walkway follows the old Paeroa to Waihi railway line with
the remainder of the track following the banks of the Ohinemuri
River. Old mine buildings and machinery can be seen from a
number of locations on the walkway. Downstream where the
Waitewheta River meets the Ohinemuri, visitors can also explore
relics of the many processes that took place in extracting gold,
from the tunnels where rock was extracted, to the roasting pits
where rock was broken down and finally remnants of the huge
stamper battery processing plant, The Talisman battery, built in
the 1890s was huge in its day, with 50 stampers crushing rock
around the day.
Hidden away from the masses and rarely explored by Kiwi's is
the spectacular New Chums Beach, which, ironically, has been
voted as one of the world's top ten beaches! Located in
Wainuiototo Bay, north-west of Whangapoua Beach, this beach is
28 July 2010, Travel DigesT

3. whether inside the restaurant oron the
Driving Creek Railway large outdoor deck providing panoramic
views of the bush, beach and sea - a
perfect way to start your morning over
breakfast! Guests can also take a dip in
the solar heated pool, have a soak in the
spa pool or relax in the sauna. For those
wanting to stay active, you can visit their
onsite gym or indulge in a fantastic
pampering Nature's Touch Spa
treatment. Bicycles are also available free
of charge for guests and are a great way to
explore the picturesque streets and
walkways of Pauanui.
Lakes Resort Pauanui's golf course has
received high recognition on its quality,
course design, layout and playing surfaces
and as a result, has been accepted into the
prestigious The Best of Golf New Zealand.
The resort now stands alongside Kauri
Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Terrace Downs,
Wairakei Resort, Gulf Harbour, Formosa,
Clearwater and Millbrook as one of the
finest Resort Golf Courses in the country.
approximately 15km north-east of released sending thousands of huge kauri The golf course features luxury on site villa
Coromandel township. Reaching this logs downstream towards Thames. accommodation for guests to enjoy long
beach means taking a 30-minute walk. days of warm, leisurely sport on the golf
Wading through the estuary at the Where To sTay course. Guests can wake to breakfast and
northern end of Whangapoua Beach and Nestled amongst acres of native bush, expect views of glistening lakes and
following the shoreline, you'll find a track the Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is rolling hills. Either tee off on some of
that crosses the low point in the headland seclusion, indulgence and relaxation at its
saddle over to the scenic New Chums best - and is only minutes from the golden
Beach. It'll be worth the walk to see this sands and swirling surf of Pauanui Beach.
stunning stretch of golden sand, fringed by The resort is made up of 42 private chalets discover the
pohutukawa trees and native forest. in a range of categories, including Treehut,
The stunning Kaueranga Valley, located Bush, Executive Suite, Executive paradise that
upriver from Thames is one of New Apartment and the Royal Puka Suite. time forgot ...
Zealand's true hidden treasures. Of the During my stay here, I slept in an executive
many popular historic walks in the foothills suite, a lovely well-appointed chalet with
of the valley, the Pinnacles walk rates as separate dining and lounge. Relaxing on
one of New Zealand's most popular the chalet's private balcony before I
overnighters, with an 80-bed Department experienced the comfort of the king sized
of Conservation hut often booked out well bed with luxurious linens and feather
in advance. The Pinnacles Walk follows pillows, made for a perfect night's sleep!
the original steps constructed for Should you choose to dine at the resort,
packhorses which carried supplies for kauri the award-winning Miha Restaurant
loggers, gum diggers and gold miners who provides a splendid dining experience
plundered the area in the
early 1900s. The stunning
Driving Creek Railway
three-hour walk to the and Potteries
base of the craggy The spectacular train ride,
Pinnacles traverses suitable for all ages, takes 1
through groves of nikau hour return. Colossal views
palms, huge rata trees, and from the terminus. Also craft, For details of tours visit
souvenir and bookshop, safe www.coromandeldiscovery.co.nz
across streams and
or phone 0800 668 175
swingbridges. Crossing parking, toilets etc. Located
the streams, one can 3km north of Coromandel
imagine the roar of huge town. Signposted.
torrents of water and logs Phone / fax: 07 8668 703
rushing past as the kauri Email: railway@drivingcreek.co.nz
dams upstream were Web: www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz
Travel DigesT, July 2010 29

4. COROMANDEL
the most immaculately presented greens in
the country or spend the day relaxing with
not a care in the world. Finally, end the day
with Chef Albert's mouth watering cuisine,
excellent wine and superb service all from
the comfort of your own villa of luxury.
Where To DiNe
The Coromandel is famous for its fresh
food and talented chefs. Most of the food
served in top cafes and restaurants comes
from within a 100km radius, fresh from the
ocean or homegrown local produce. To
assist with finding this delicious food,
Tourism Coromandel has created the
Homegrown Food Trail.
Among the 16 cafes and restaurants
featured in this guide, Cathedral Cove Grand Mercure
Macadamias is a unique experience and Puka Park Resort
provides a warm welcome to guests when
you visit their Macadamia Orchard and Macadamia Seafood Sprinkles, Dukkah, price. Grown on their farms in the pristine
Shop before setting out on your own Macadamia Oil and Dark Chocolate waters of Coromandel, you can buy them
adventure by taking a walk around the Coated Macadamias. My personal whole shell, half shell or in pots.
orchard, home of the famous Cathedral favourite is Macadamia Crumbed Scallops They also sell fresh local mussels, their
Cove Macadamias. An abundance of bird - simply superb! own smoked and marinated mussels,
life thrives in this beautiful natural setting The Coromandel Oyster Company has prawns, local scallops, kina and smoked
of Macadamia, New Zealand native and been growing oysters in this region for seafood, drinks, sauces, souvenirs and
fruit trees. Products for sale and free over 20 years and aim to provide premium don't forget their Mussel Chowder and
sampling include award-winning Coromandel Oysters at an affordable Oyster Bisque - yum! ✈
Beachside Resort
A place to relax by the sea
No Noise, No Stress, No Worries Apartment style accommodation
Spectacular harbour views from 7 self-contained Heated pool & tennis court
units. Bunk house for fishermen or larger groups.
2 bedroom log-house with private swimming pool. Wireless internet hotspot
Surrounded by a deer and cattle farm. Free dinghy,
kayaks, swimming pool, playground and bush walks. Sky-TV channels
All-weather BBQ complex with games room attached.
Feed the animals or relax and watch the sun set. Off-street parking
Next door to The Lost Spring
Enjoy the day, then sit on your deck and watch the
boats as the sun sets on the harbour. Childrens playground
Host: Rose and John Deane Functions & corporate events
Te Kouma Harbour Cottages, SH 25, Coromandel
Phone / Fax: 07 866 8747 Reservation: 0800 777 027
tekouma@xtra.co.nz
www.tekoumacottages.co.nz 0800 267 662 | www.beachsideresort.co.nz
30 July 2010, Travel DigesT