Travel DigesT, July 2010 27

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accessible only on foot or by boat, the famous Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve is one of the

"must visit" sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. There are several scenic tracks to the reserve, including the two-hour return walk to Cathedral Cove track, which gives access to Gemstone Bay, Mares Leg and Cathedral Cove. Reefs of hard rock, soft sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches provide homes for complex communities of plants, crustaceans,

molluscs and fish. This area is very popular with tourists and receives around 150,000 visitors a year. For movie-buffs, this area will also be of interest as its cave and beach was used as a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Hot Water Beach is a truly unique Kiwi experience that every Kiwi should experience at least once in their lifetime! An underground river of hot water flows to the surface of this long beautiful white beach located between Tairua and Whitianga. Two hours either side of low

tide, visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. For only $5 you can hire a spade at the local cafe, dig your own spa pool in the sand to lie back in and relax while the steam from the hot pool envelops you. Be sure to get there early to beat the crowds!

If there is one New Zealand experience which captures our 'innovative, can-do' Kiwi attitude it is riding on Barry Brickell's Driving Creek Railway in Coromandel town. The one-hour mountain railway

COROMANDELThe Coromandel is where Kiwis go on holiday! Renowned worldwide for its natural

beauty – misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches, this region is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to slow down,

relax and unwind, as sarah WeeKs discovers.

New Chums Beach

COROMANDEL

Cruising around the

28 July 2010, Travel DigesT

ride from the Driving Creek terminus, through regenerating native forest to the Eyefull Tower, with its stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, is a result of the lifetime project for one of the Coromandel's true characters. Barry escaped Auckland's hustle and bustle over 30 years ago to the solitude of Coromandel

township. As New Zealand's first full-time potter, he constructed a narrow gauge railway up the mountain to transport clay from the hills for his pottery. Ironically, he became so inundated with requests for rides on his railway he opened to the public and eventually it has become the Coromandel's most popular attraction.

The ride departs from the Driving Creek terminus where resident potters and glassblowers can be found busy at work and exploring the arts centre on site is an experience in its own right. Engineers can be seen hard at work maintaining the carriages have been hand built on site. One of the driving passions behind the project has been to restore the 22 hectares of land the railway travels through and its uniquely magnificent kauri forest, of which vast areas were destroyed by early colonists. The railway zigzags its way through lush regenerating native forest over bridges, through tunnels and past sculptures and water features.

Many Kiwis will have driven through the breathtaking Karangahake Gorge but few will have ventured into the walkways, old tunnels and discovered the rich history hidden in the gorge. Not only is this one of the most stunning stretches of river in the country it is home to one of the busiest and most lucrative gold strikes in the country. The Karangahake Gorge historic walkway follows the old Paeroa to Waihi railway line with the remainder of the track following the banks of the Ohinemuri River. Old mine buildings and machinery can be seen from a number of locations on the walkway. Downstream where the Waitewheta River meets the Ohinemuri, visitors can also explore relics of the many processes that took place in extracting gold, from the tunnels where rock was extracted, to the roasting pits where rock was broken down and finally remnants of the huge stamper battery processing plant, The Talisman battery, built in the 1890s was huge in its day, with 50 stampers crushing rock around the day.

Hidden away from the masses and rarely explored by Kiwi's is the spectacular New Chums Beach, which, ironically, has been voted as one of the world's top ten beaches! Located in Wainuiototo Bay, north-west of Whangapoua Beach, this beach is

COROMANDEL

Hot Water Beach

Travel DigesT, July 2010 29

approximately 15km north-east of Coromandel township. Reaching this beach means taking a 30-minute walk. Wading through the estuary at the northern end of Whangapoua Beach and following the shoreline, you'll find a track that crosses the low point in the headland saddle over to the scenic New Chums Beach. It'll be worth the walk to see this stunning stretch of golden sand, fringed by pohutukawa trees and native forest.

The stunning Kaueranga Valley, located upriver from Thames is one of New Zealand's true hidden treasures. Of the many popular historic walks in the foothills of the valley, the Pinnacles walk rates as one of New Zealand's most popular overnighters, with an 80-bed Department of Conservation hut often booked out well in advance. The Pinnacles Walk follows the original steps constructed for packhorses which carried supplies for kauri loggers, gum diggers and gold miners who plundered the area in the early 1900s. The stunning three-hour walk to the base of the craggy Pinnacles traverses through groves of nikau palms, huge rata trees, and across streams and swingbridges. Crossing the streams, one can imagine the roar of huge torrents of water and logs rushing past as the kauri dams upstream were

released sending thousands of huge kauri logs downstream towards Thames.

Where To sTayNestled amongst acres of native bush,

the Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is seclusion, indulgence and relaxation at its best - and is only minutes from the golden sands and swirling surf of Pauanui Beach. The resort is made up of 42 private chalets in a range of categories, including Treehut, Bush, Executive Suite, Executive Apartment and the Royal Puka Suite. During my stay here, I slept in an executive suite, a lovely well-appointed chalet with separate dining and lounge. Relaxing on the chalet's private balcony before I experienced the comfort of the king sized bed with luxurious linens and feather pillows, made for a perfect night's sleep! Should you choose to dine at the resort, the award-winning Miha Restaurant provides a splendid dining experience

whether inside the restaurant oron the large outdoor deck providing panoramic views of the bush, beach and sea - a perfect way to start your morning over breakfast! Guests can also take a dip in the solar heated pool, have a soak in the spa pool or relax in the sauna. For those wanting to stay active, you can visit their onsite gym or indulge in a fantastic pampering Nature's Touch Spa treatment. Bicycles are also available free of charge for guests and are a great way to explore the picturesque streets and walkways of Pauanui.

Lakes Resort Pauanui's golf course has received high recognition on its quality, course design, layout and playing surfaces and as a result, has been accepted into the prestigious The Best of Golf New Zealand. The resort now stands alongside Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Terrace Downs, Wairakei Resort, Gulf Harbour, Formosa, Clearwater and Millbrook as one of the finest Resort Golf Courses in the country. The golf course features luxury on site villa accommodation for guests to enjoy long days of warm, leisurely sport on the golf course. Guests can wake to breakfast and expect views of glistening lakes and rolling hills. Either tee off on some of

Driving Creek Railway

The spectacular train ride, suitable for all ages, takes 1 hour return. Colossal views

from the terminus. Also craft, souvenir and bookshop, safe parking, toilets etc. Located 3km north of Coromandel

town. Signposted.

Phone / fax: 07 8668 703Email: railway@drivingcreek.co.nzWeb: www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz

Driving Creek Railway and Potteries

discover the paradise that time forgot ...

For details of tours visitwww.coromandeldiscovery.co.nz

or phone 0800 668 175

30 July 2010, Travel DigesT

A place to relax by the sea No Noise, No Stress, No Worries

Spectacular harbour views from 7 self-contained units. Bunk house for fishermen or larger groups.

2 bedroom log-house with private swimming pool. Surrounded by a deer and cattle farm. Free dinghy,

kayaks, swimming pool, playground and bush walks. All-weather BBQ complex with games room attached.

Feed the animals or relax and watch the sun set.

Enjoy the day, then sit on your deck and watch the boats as the sun sets on the harbour.

Host: Rose and John Deane

Te Kouma Harbour Cottages, SH 25, Coromandel Phone / Fax: 07 866 8747 Reservation: 0800 777 027

tekouma@xtra.co.nz www.tekoumacottages.co.nz

Beachside Resort

Apartment style accommodation

Heated pool & tennis court

Wireless internet hotspot

Sky-TV channels

Off-street parking

Next door to The Lost Spring

Childrens playground

Functions & corporate events

0800 267 662 | www.beachsideresort.co.nz

the most immaculately presented greens in the country or spend the day relaxing with not a care in the world. Finally, end the day with Chef Albert's mouth watering cuisine, excellent wine and superb service all from the comfort of your own villa of luxury.

Where To DiNeThe Coromandel is famous for its fresh

food and talented chefs. Most of the food served in top cafes and restaurants comes from within a 100km radius, fresh from the ocean or homegrown local produce. To assist with finding this delicious food, Tourism Coromandel has created the Homegrown Food Trail.

Among the 16 cafes and restaurants featured in this guide, Cathedral Cove Macadamias is a unique experience and provides a warm welcome to guests when you visit their Macadamia Orchard and Shop before setting out on your own adventure by taking a walk around the orchard, home of the famous Cathedral Cove Macadamias. An abundance of bird life thrives in this beautiful natural setting of Macadamia, New Zealand native and fruit trees. Products for sale and free sampling include award-winning

Macadamia Seafood Sprinkles, Dukkah, Macadamia Oil and Dark Chocolate Coated Macadamias. My personal favourite is Macadamia Crumbed Scallops - simply superb!

The Coromandel Oyster Company has been growing oysters in this region for over 20 years and aim to provide premium Coromandel Oysters at an affordable

price. Grown on their farms in the pristine waters of Coromandel, you can buy them whole shell, half shell or in pots. They also sell fresh local mussels, their own smoked and marinated mussels, prawns, local scallops, kina and smoked seafood, drinks, sauces, souvenirs and don't forget their Mussel Chowder and Oyster Bisque - yum! ✈

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

COROMANDEL