Opening Hours: 7 days (Labour Weekend - Easter) 10am - 5.30pm
Winter: 5 days (closed Tues & Wed) 10am - 3 pm
07 866 3033 • 3/3 Grange Rd • Hahei • Whitianga 3591
COME IN AND BROWSE OUR EXTENSIVE GIFT RANGE
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wall art
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prints and cards by Rachel Olsen and Charlotte Giblin
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gorgeous NZ made skincare
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paua and silver jewellery
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stunning hats for summer
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toys for all ages
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cards
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gift wrapping
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exclusive range by studio k
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Our Deli provides our very popular Habitat condiments,
a collection of specialty foods and smallgoods and a selection of kitchenware.
Under the Old Tree, Hahei..... I discovered this beautiful, shaded
path on my second or third visit to Hahei Beach. It’s not obvious to
newcomers, being in the opposite direction to the car park, but what
an enchanting forest enclosure to find ! The light was spectacular that
day and it felt like I’d been transported into a fairy-tale world. I could
easily imagine that concealed beneath the crooked branches of this
old tree were elves and sprites, watching keenly as I passed by. It felt
thick with history and full of memories, almost incompatible with the
5
COOKS BEACH, LONELY BAY, SHAKESPEARE CLIFF, FLAXMILL BAY
scene
behind me of open spaces,
cars, the flap of jandals and shout of brightly-clad children.
I’m sure this space is special for many people, and it was a real treasure to find
that day.
I
n 1769 Cook made landfall in New Zealand at a place south of what we
know today as the Mercury Bay. He then headed north and anchored
at Cooks Beach, where he spent a few days and observed the transit of
Mercury across the sun (see story on p35).
The sighting of Mercury’s Transit is commemorated on Cooks Beach
by a cairn of Coromandel granite which tells the story; “In this bay was
anchored 5 Nov 1769, HMS Endeavour, Lieutenant James Cook RN,
Commander. He observed the transit of Mercury and named this bay.”
A walk on your right will take you through the historic cemetery at Ferry
Landing and on past Front Beach (the subject of our cover painting) and
Flaxmill Bay before reaching Shakespeare Cliff.
At low tide you can follow the beach to your right. At high tide you may
have to scramble up onto the road and follow the road to Flaxmill Bay
where lots of boats are moored.
The cliff path meanders up to Shakespeare Cliff Lookout for great views
of Mercury Bay. You can return via the road or carry on down to Lonely
Bay (steep) and Cooks Beach.
This area has safe beautiful sandy beaches for the familly, a good
range of short walks, shops, top cafés, a friendly beach store and other
attractions to entice the sunlover, shopper or explorer. Inland do a little
wine tasting at Lonely Bay and Mercury Bay Vineyards. Hire a scooter for
additional fun!
3 Grange Rd., Hahei • Ph: 07 866 3016 •
Enjoy our simple, tasty food and great coffee – all served in a
relaxed atmosphere. Adjourning the park, we’re also on the
road to Cathedral Cove, a short drive from Hot Water Beach
and within a few minutes walk of Hahei Beach.
DINE IN OR TAKE SOMETHING AWAY • CATERING • LICENSED
