Enjoying Kuaotunu
K
uaotunu has an ‘old world’ beach feel about it as
a community – a feeling of getting away from it all.
Many living here have an ‘off the grid’ mindset you
might relate to. And indeed, some folks actually do,
living totally self reliant with solar power like James
Winter and Tara King, owners of Good Energy Ltd. –
and they have helped others on the Coromandel do
the same. See
The town’s gold rush fever days have long past, and
few buildings remain from the once bustling mining
townships – large hotels, stables, a butcher, tailor,
billiards, school, church, and more. See page 16 for
our extensive history feature on the area. And while in
town, visit the historic Town Hall, with several artifacts
on display outside and a brief history signposted.
While in town, grab a coffee at the Gallery Caf
é
, bite into one of Luke’s wood fired pizzas,
enjoy a classic Hokey Pokey ice cream from the Kuaotunu store, relax by the stream
or walk along the beach. Hire a charter with Kuaotunu Charters to fish or have a scenic
cruise along the coastline. Stick around and enjoy a fabulous view of the sunset over
Kuaotunu Beach.
Launch your boat at the ramp located right off SH 25 at the Quarry Point pullout. There
is also a freedom camping spot just west of the ramp, for those with self-contained
accommodation. There are both surf and protected water areas here, and holiday makers
enjoy surfing, diving, fishing, and bird watching. Kuaotunu Camp offers sites for those with
tents or caravans.
Artists and sculptors are drawn to this stunning area like our guest artist, Claire Elliot.
Many welcome drop-in visitors.
Claire Elliot’s “Peninsula Sunset” captures a panoramic view of Kuaotunu, Rings Beach,
Whangapoua and Kennedy Bay. Mt. Mohehau is seen on the far horizon.
Below right: This rugged area of Kuaotunu Beach shows boat ramp at cliff’s edge. - Ian Patrick
Preview the areas – go
online to Google maps
and click on satellite and
street view. ‘Drive’ along
the roads online or see
aerial view.
Right is Claire Elliot’s
painting, “View from the
Blackjack”, from a point
near the Scenic Reserve.
WOODFIRED
PIZZA
07 866 4480
•
Black Jack Rd., Kuaotunu
NOW SERVING
Specialty locally-roasted
LaLa Coffees
Luke’s Kitchen
is expanding to
include the
art gallery &
espresso shop!
Serving up mean
coffees & fresh
sweet & savory
snacks every day.
Gallery & Cafe Hours
8 till 3 7 Days
Kitchen Winter Hours
11 till 8 Fri / Sun
G
allery
&
C
afe
Check out our menu and more online
31
Left: A peaceful
Kuaotunu at dusk
- Roberta Huffman.
