Ernst and I set off from Wairua to discover the 309 Road and, after visiting the Kauri grove, Waiau Falls and the Waterworks, we kept on going past Coromandel in search of the end of the road. What a drive it turned out to be – we were blown away
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Hot Water Beach is just 35 minutes away by car – a must-do experience while you are staying on the Coromandel. Here, an underground river of hot water flows from the interior of the earth to surface in the Pacific Ocean – a long beautiful white beach located between Tairua and Whitianga.
Our private, romantic, two person bath overlooking the rainforest, ravine and stream is pure indulgence. Relax and enjoy!
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Our easy to challenging trails through regenerating rainforest give you the chance to immerse yourself in natural New Zealand.
The Waiatekatanga River snakes its way through the grounds, forming two swimming holes – just great for a cool down after a hot day.
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Our magical outdoor spa-pool lets you enjoy the magnificent night sky above while soaking your cares away.
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Head out for a night-time stroll and, if you are very quiet you might just get to experience these wonders of nature.
Our resident Morepork Owls, known as “Ruru” in the Maori language, often turn up to say hello and munch on a few flying insects at the same time!
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New Chums Beach – voted as one of the world’s top 10 beaches – is only 40 minutes by car from Wairua Lodge. This protected beach has no buildings, no roads, no infrastructure or camping – it is a jewel in New Zealand’s coastal crown.
From the north end of Whangapoua beach, cross the stream to begin your walk along the rocky shoreline and over the headland. The 1km long Wainuiototo Bay, or New Chums Beach, is approximately 30-40 mins walk via the Mangakahia Dr track over the saddle through spectacular Nikau forest and huge Pohutukawa.
There is a public toilet at William Mangakahia Lagoon Reserve.
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The Coromandel offers some stunning scenic drives and this is certainly one of them. Take the highway 25 towards Kuaotunu, turn right into the village, past the shops and up the steep road Black Jack Road towards Otama Beach. This gives you some fantastic shots of the coastline.
Otama Beach is one of the few natural dune landscapes left in New Zealand and the beach itself is the finest, whitest quartz sand. There is very little housing in this bay and you may find you have the 2km long beach all to yourself!
Driving further along the road you will come to Opito Bay with a seemingly endless beach flanked by huge, shady Pohutukawa trees. This beach is famous for scallops which can be picked up off the ocean floor about 100m offshore and 8-10m down (diving gear essential!).
On your way back make sure you stop at Luke’s Kitchen for a drink and a bite to eat. This is a funky restaurant not far from the beach and one of the best places to take in a magnificent sunset.
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