The Coromandel Peninsula
In October 2004 we spent a few days in Hahei on the Coromandel peninsula. In the off season it was very quiet - good for most things except for finding a shop or restaurant open without taking the (admittedly very convenient) foot ferry from Hahei to Whitianga all the time.
We found the peninsula very pretty, with a strange mix of expensive and obviously very popular areas (easily accessible from Auckland) and remote, barely populated areas (only accessible over steep winding dirt tracks). All the beaches are gorgeous.
There's supposed to be good snorkeling between Hahei and Cathedral Cove but unfortunately when we were there footpath maintenance work meant there was no access to the beach at that spot. Oh well - the water would have been very cold anyway!
Highlights
Hot Water Beach
Digging our own hot tub was hilarious - even funnier when a reporter from a Swiss newspaper tried to take photos of Niall shoveling - but surprisingly hard to find the right spot. There was also some small but lovely surf when we were there, if only we'd had our boards....
Cathedral Cove
A beautiful and very popular hike to a secluded cove with arches and sea stacks. There's also a boat trip, although they don't land.
The square kauri
Probably not worth going too far out of your way for, but pretty cool if you happen to be passing.
Eating
Eggsentric
At Cooks Beach; fantastic food and a fun atmosphere.
Sleeping
Hahei Holiday Resort
Right on Hahei beach. Camping facilities as well as self-contained villas; well laid out, pretty and definitely beachfront.
