New Chum Beach
I’d seen the signs around town saying “New Chum: too precious to develop” and read the
articles in the paper highlighting this issue, but hadn’t got round to exploring the area until
this Summer. Pete and I went off on an adventure,
stopping at Whangapoua for ice cream and then
we drove to the ‘end of the line' where you can
leave your car and strike off on foot.
Wanting to be spontaneous, we hadn’t checked
the tide-times, and luck was on our side: we arrived
at the perfect point at low tide to safely make
the walk over to New Chum, and what a
stunning, secluded spot it is!
Climbing slowly over the rocks and boulders hugging
the coast took 15 minutes, and I really started to
wonder whether we’d missed the pathway, until a
subtle entrance into the bush suddenly appeared.
It’s hardly marked, but that made it feel like even
more of an adventure, climbing along the winding
pathway through the trees until the beach unfolded
before us. There were maybe half a dozen other
people lounging on the sand and shading under the trees
at the base. We walked along the beach, soaking up the peaceful air and marvelling at the
pristine environment. It is really is a precious place to treasure.
Whangapoua harbour and village
T
he Whangapoua Harbour and Village offers
facilities for boat launching, holiday rentals,
beach fun and the trackhead to the pristine
New Chum beach.
From SH 25 turn right on Whangapoua Road.
On the corner you will see the Whangapoua
Holiday Park offering a wide variety of
camping/caravan and cabins, along with
showers and other ammenities.
The Whangapoua Estuary and Harbour is
perfect for those who wish to swim, canoe
or water ski in crystal clear water. Its ideal for
families with young children that prefer to be
away from the surf. The wharf and safe boat
New Chum Beach (Wainuiototo Bay) is hailed as
one of the 'Top 20 Beaches' in the world. Also
referred to as 'New Chums', its dramatic cliffs
frame stunning views. Accessible by only boat
or on foot, it may be a bit tough to trek there,
but once there, even tougher to leave.
You'll need to wade through the lagoon at the
northern end of Whangapoua Beach, clamour
over the rocks, and look carefully for the track to
get your glimpse of New Chum beach.
Bring your own water and food, and be sure to
remove your rubbish. There are no restrooms
or other ammenities. Plan your visit a couple of
hours either side of low tide or your ankle-deep
wade over the stream may turn into a swim!
Above left:
Whangapoua Island.
Above:
The dramatic cliffs at New Chum Beach.
-Photos by Ian Patrick
ramp facilities provide convenient water access
for boats at all tides.
The Whangapoua Store is in town, and nearby
is a kiddie playground. A parking area at the
end of the road has a sign giving directions for
the 30-40 min hike through a beautiful grove of
nikau palms to New Chum Beach.
Climb onto Opera Point which features terraces
and ditch defenses from its days as a fortified
pa – views are spectacular of one of the finest,
yet least known beaches in the country. Heading
west on Hwy 25, be sure to stop at Castle Rock
Café for a great meal and impressive views of
this iconic landscape feature.
New Chum Beach
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COROMANDEL LIFE LATE AUTUMN/WINTER
