Student Trip to Coromandel

Day 1:

It does only take about 3 hours to get to Coromandel town (a bit longer by bus) and already the scenery on the way there is very special. The rough landscape is totally different from other parts of New Zealand that you might have seen before. We went further north to Colville, then changed to the east coast and went further to Port Charles, Sandy Bay, Stony Bay – this does not only sound tempting! Besides some very tame ducks and other seabirds you have the chance of enjoying loneliness, quietness, great beaches, the sound of the ocean, awesome view ….. BUT remember, most of the streets up there are gravel roads! The night we id spent at Black Jack Backpackers in Kuaotunu. A cosy place with seaview, 2 minutes walking distance down to the beach and very friendly owners. They provide free sea kayaks for guests, mountain bikes for hire, fresh eggs for breakfast …. That is the place to stay for a day, do same kayaking and relax. Also visit Otama Beach and Opito Bay!

Day 2:

In the morning we drove back to Coromandel Town and visited Maiau Waterworks ($8), which is very close by. A playground (for adults!), with all kinds of fountains! Get on the swings, fight the ultimate “water pistol game”, enjoy high speed with the flying fox ….

On our way from Coromandel town to Whitianga (309 Road) we then stopped at Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove. Maybe the trees there are not as huge as the ones in the north, but there are less tourists!

Surely you do want to see Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cave – ONLY AT LOW TIDE (+ two hours before and after). Just north of Hahei is the impressive Cathedral Cove. A 35 minute walk from the Carpark will bring you to this gigantic arched cavern and former pa site (fortified Maori village).

To the south of Hahei is the famous Hot water Beach - do not forget your blade! Surrounded by tourists that search for the right spot for their very own spa you can have a go, too. At some places you can not even stand bare feet for 30 seconds because it is just too hot. After that very special experience we drove back to Coromandel Town and stayed at another nice, small hostel called The Lions Den.

Day 3:

This day was entirely dedicated to our 6 hour trip with ‘Te Kaihau’, Tom’s unique trimaran. If you are not getting sea sick this is a MUST! This is a fast, exhilarating and comfortable way of sailing and seeing the islands from the waterside. The trip starts between 9 and 10 in the morning and includes hands on sailing, lunch, tea, snorkelling, sightseeing & whatever it is the right weather for. On the way back to the harbour, the sea got a bit rough and people who were not hiding in the cabin got pretty wet – a lot of fun!

I think all of us pretty much enjoyed this weekend. Just remember to check the time for the low tide and book the backpacker in advance!