Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cottages (sleeping four to six), with solar power, a composting waste-water system and
ocean views.
Continue along the narrowing road, the sealed road finally starts again and you reach
Opito
, a hidden-away enclave of 250 flash properties (too smart to be called baches), of
which only 16 have permanent residents. From this magical beach, you can walk to the
Ngati Hei
pa
(fortified village) site at the far end.
$135-145, d $175-195; )
is a smart B&B with friendly owners, a self-contained flat down-
stairs, and an upstairs room with a view-hungry balcony.
309 Road
Starting 3km south of Coromandel Town, the 309 cuts through the Coromandel Range
for 21km (most of which is unsealed but well maintained), rejoining SH25 7km south of
adult/child $20/15; 10am-6pm Nov-Apr, to 4pm May-Oct)
, 5km from SH25, is filled
with whimsical water-powered amusements made from old kitchen knives, washing ma-
chines, bikes and toilets.
Two kilometres on there's a two-minute walk through bush to the 10m-high
Waiau
Falls
. A further 500m on, an easy 10-minute bush walk leads to an amazing kauri grove.
This stand of 600-year-old giants escaped the carnage of the 19th century, giving a
majestic reminder of what the peninsula once looked like. The biggest tree has a 6m cir-
cumference.
If you enjoy the remoteness and decide to linger,
Wairua Lodge
( 07-866 0304;
www.wairualodge.co.nz
;
251 Old Coach Rd; r $150-235)
is a peaceful B&B with charming hosts,
nestled in the bush towards the Whitianga end of the 309. There's a riverside swimming
hole on the property, a barbecue, a spa and a romantic outdoor bathtub.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Whitianga
POP 3800
Whitianga's big attractions are the sandy beaches of Mercury Bay and the diving, boating
and kayaking opportunities afforded by the craggy coast and nearby Te Whanganui-A-
Hei Marine Reserve. The pretty harbour is a renowned base for game-fishing (especially
marlin and tuna, particularly between January and March). Fishing charters start at
