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Drive inland only 7km (and it’s sealed!) on the
Tapu-Coroglen to the lovely 64-acre
Rapaura
Watergardens
(or about 13km of loose metal if
driving from Coroglen on the east side).
Established over fifty years ago by Fritz and
Josephine Loennig, present owners Sally Sank
and her son Sasha are dedicated to keeping
their vision alive.
This is not only a ‘must see’ but a ‘must be
experienced’. After three hours of soaking in
the tranquillity and beauty, I felt a calmness
and peace, as if I’d been on a week’s
meditative retreat.
The Loennigs transformed their Tapu Valley
property of regenerating bush and grazing land
into a serene garden paradise with lily ponds,
cascading streams, waterfalls, bridges, bogs,
garden sculptures, blossoming plants – all in
harmony with nature. No wonder the native
birds love it here.
Wander the pathways, linger at the benches,
and let these waters and healing plants work
their magic. We could have stayed for days at
this award winning garden – and you can. They
have two accomodations, the Lodge and the
Cottage, and after public hours, guests get the
garden to themselves!
Make time for lunch. We agree with the
comments posted on the website raving about
lunch at the Garden’s Koru Cafe. It was one of
the best meals we’ve had on the peninsula –
complete with an individual homemade bread
baked in your own small clay pot
– Tovi Daly
HOURS AND MORE INFO:
The restaurant is open
daily 9am, October to April; the gardens are open
daily 9am - 5pm including public holidays. Winter
hours may vary.
See
www.rapaurawatergardens.co.nz and
experience the gardens in a lovely meditation
video, “Beautiful Gardens New Zealand”.
FIRST STOP: RAPAURA WATERGARDENS
L
ocated just west of the summit only a few
km east of Rapaura Watergardens, this
unusual tree is estimated to be 1200 years
old, the 15th largest Kauri on the peninsula.
We chose to drive inland from Coroglen
when Greg’s mum was visiting. It is a narrow
metal road, and although we enjoyed some
great vistas and the Waiwawa River which
runs alongside, the short distance seemed to
take forever. I would recommend entering from
the west where most of the distance is sealed.
Watch carefully for a sign at the trek entrance
– it is small and easy to miss (see below).
The small sign
at the trail to the
Square Kauri.
THE SQUARE KAURI
The walk to the tree is relatively short, but
steep, with 187 steps to climb. Only this
massive Kauri knows why it chose to grow in
this square shape, and we were impressed.
From the fenced viewing platform, you’ll enjoy
good views across to Maumaupaki (Camels
Back) on the main Coromandel Range.
TRAVELLING INLAND ON
THE TAPU-COROGLEN ROAD
This other mid-peninsula cross road to the east side begins at Tapu. Although only about 25km
to drive the entire length, it is winding and all but a short bit on the western entrance is metal
(gravel). It often runs beside the Tapu Creek and you may be tempted to stop at the artists’ studios
along the way, or enticed to a side trip over one of the creek’s many bridges. There are several
accommodation choices along the road, including Rapaura itself and one near the summit.
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COROMANDEL LIFE LATE SUMMER/EASTER 2015