This was on Our Doorstep Yet We Never Knew?

Author: Hayley Landy
Date of Trip: March 2012

Considering the amount we had already spent on our wedding and since we are taking 2013 off to travel the world, we thought a honeymoon somewhere cheap and local was the way to go.

We both thought we had seen the best New Zealand had to offer. Boy were we wrong. The five days we spent on the coromandel peninsula on New Zealand’s east coast were simply incredible. We have traveled to many foreign places together but there is nothing quite like driving yourself around New Zealand.

We had booked two different bach’s (New Zealand term for beach house) to stay in during our time there. The first was a beautiful big family home on the shores of the western side of said peninsula right on the shores of Waitete beach. From here we could watch the sun setting while having ciders on the deck with our freshly caught NZ seafood. Devine. The second place we stayed was quite the opposite. A tiny kit set caravan built on top of a hill overlooking Otama beach, which is found on the eastern side of the peninsula. This allowed us to wake up early to watch the sun rising. Stunning.

During our stay in the gorgeous Coromandel, we enjoyed many an outdoor activity and like kiwis everywhere, we braved the cold waters of the pacific at least once a day (even in the 10 degree weather). The highlights of our five days are many and it is difficult to narrow it down. Just driving around and enjoying the scenery was in itself a highlight.

Walking up to view and then swim at New Chums beach was amazing. First we had to try and find the place which in itself is an achievement. It is a secluded white sandy beach accessible only by foot. And it is not a leisurely stroll but over rocky little hills (someone broke their leg on our walk over and had to be carried out). What a stunning beach we had to our selves. Well worth the effort of getting there.

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Our kayaking trip from Hahei beach to cathedral cove was super awesome. Again we landed on a beach only accessible by boat or foot, to find a big hole in the side of the rocky mountain. Awe inspiring and breath taking to say the least. Not to mention our guide whipping up a latte and a hot chocolate for us upon arrival.

Hot water beach is something I never thought possible. At a particular point on this beach over the eastern side you will find an area swamped by tourists as the tide is receding. It seems if you dig a hole in the ground, hot air bubbles up to heat the water left in the hole by the receding tide which leaves you with a natural hot pool. Incredible.

Throughout this review I have not even touched on the food. NZ is not known for its fancy food and the coromandel is no exception. The food here however is all fresh and locally grown, caught or hunted which leads to amazing feasts of the freshest produce you will find anywhere. So although not gourmet, elegant in the simplicity.

Although we are well past this little jaunt and entrenched back into reality again, we are about to head on our next adventure and although the sights and experiences we will encounter will all be amazing, there is something unforgettable about our coromandel adventure which will hold a special place in our hearts forever.

Simply incredible.