Coromandel Life Spring/Holiday 2014

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CATCH THE FERRY TO THE COROMANDEL
Avoid the holiday traffic and relax on the
360 Discovery ferry. Just a 2 hour cruise from
downtown Auckland to Hannaford’s Wharf (near
Coromandel Town) with scenic views along the
way – there’s no better way to start your holiday!
Sailings depart all year round.
For more information and bookings visit
or call us on 09 307 8005.
38 COROMANDEL LIFE LATE SPRING/HOLIDAY
Driving on Port Jackson Road to the far north
Driving north along the western coastline, you will come to Fantail
Bay, with its campsite and trailhead which leads into the mysterious
mountainous inland area.
These two remote bays are Jackson Bay Conservation and Fletcher
Bay campsites (pictured right), where the road stops. Both offer
generally calm beaches and dramatic views and hiking experiences –
steep clifftop tracks, rugged rocks, windswept hilly pastureland, and
expansive views of Great Barrier Island and the endless Pacific.
Although Coromandel Adventures’ Willie Lochore loves both these
spots, he admits that Fletcher Bay is one of his favourites. “A great
campground, sheltered from all but northerly winds with the best
snorkelling options in the north – magic at the end of the road!” The
beach may not be quite as nice as Port Jackson, but the campground
is more relaxed and spacious..
Mt. Moehau, the peninsula’s highest mountain, is a sacred Maori burial
ground, and cross country treks over the 900m summit are no longer
allowed. However, look for the Moehau Man, the area’s legendary hairy
giant similar to ‘Bigfoot’ or the Yeti!
Though we have given advice about driving, many adventurers have
covered great distances on foot, mountain bike or kayak, reaching Port
Jackson and Fletcher filled with much gratitude for the majesty of what
they have experienced.
Is that Great Barrier? Is this the
top of peninsula?
K Bay Kayak & Paddleboard Hire
• Sightseeing
• Birdwatching
• Kayak trails
• Mussel farm fishing
• River & coastal exploration
ALL INQUIRIES WELCOME
Ph AMANDA
866-7079
0274316208
SAFE USER-FRIENDLY KAYAKS & PADDLEBOARDS • AFFORDABLE PRICES
ENDLESS PADDLING OPTIONS FOR ALL ABILITIES
Padd le • Explore • P lay • K Bay
- Photos by Willie Lochore, www.coromandeladventures.co.nz
Fantail Bay
Fletcher Bay
Vista of Port Jackson,
Great Barrier Island and the endless Pacific.
WILLIE LOCHORE
Our Northern Coromandel photographer
Willie first came to live on a 12 acre near Coromandel
Town 36 years ago. Stockmarket trader turned ‘mountain
man’, he and wife Sarni Hart own and operate Coromandel
Adventures where they share their passion about the
history, the beauty and the fun of the Coromandel.
WILLIE’S COMMENTS ON PHOTOS ABOVE:
Port Jackson. “This shows the Great Barrier Island in the
background – always the postcard shot of any trip to the West
Coast of Northern Coromandel!”
Stones at Fantail Bay. “Fantail Bay, located halfway up Port
Jackson Road, is a very popular DOC camp among fishing folk.
It has a small stony beach, but on a very beautiful section of the
West coast.”
Fletcher Bay. “Fletcher Bay looking towards the final third of the
Coastal Walkway track. This shows the extensive reefs which
make the area a diving mecca.”
See more stunning photos and info at