Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The blink-and-you'll-miss-them villages of Coroglen and Whenuakite are on SH25,
south of Whitianga and west of Hot Water Beach. The legendary
Coroglen Tavern
(
www.coroglentavern.com
;
1937 SH25)
is the archetypal middle-of-nowhere country pub that
attracts big-name Kiwi bands in summer.
Running from Labour Day (late October) to Queen's Birthday (early June),
Coroglen
Farmers Market
(SH25; 9am-1pm Sun)
sells a bit of everything local from vegetables to
Rangihau Rd, Coroglen; rides per hr $40)
will lead you on horseback up a historic packhorse
track, through beautiful bush to spectacular views.
Located at the friendly
Seabreeze Holiday Park
( 07-866 3050;
www.seabreezeholidaypark.co.nz
;
1043 SH25, Whenuakite; campsites from $36, dm $30, units
11am-late)
is a modern craft brewery with lots of outdoor seating. Standout brews include
the hoppy Kauri Falls Pale Ale and the robust Walkers Porter. Platters and pizzas ($18 to
$35) all make it easy to order another beer. Better than your average highway stop,
fair-trade coffee, scones, cakes and light snacks, as well as a shop selling homewares and
gifts.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hahei
POP 270 (7000 IN SUMMER)
A legendary Kiwi beach town, little Hahei balloons to bursting in summer but is nearly
abandoned otherwise - apart from the busloads of tourists doing the obligatory stop off at
Cathedral Cove. It's a charming spot and a great place to unwind for a few days, espe-
cially in the quieter months. It takes its name from Hei, the eponymous ancestor of the
Ngati Hei people, who arrived in the 14th century on the Te Arawa canoe.
Sights
Cathedral Cove
BEACH
Beautiful Cathedral Cove, with its famous gigantic stone arch and natural waterfall
shower, is best enjoyed early or late in the day - avoiding the worst of the hordes.
From the car park, a kilometre north of Hahei, it's a rolling walk of around 30 to 40
minutes. On the way there's rocky
Gemstone Bay
(which has a snorkelling trail where
