Coromandel Life Magaizine 2017 Winter

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Fabulous golden and white sand beaches with
magnificent coastal scenery. A rugged forest-
cloaked interior waiting to be explored. And,
some of the best surfing breaks (yet safest
swimming in the country). These are just some
of the attractions that have people returning to
Whangamata year after year.
This famous and popular surf beach has
been rated one of the best in the world. The
bar’s left hand break attracts top surfers from
everywhere. Just ask world surf champ and
Whangamata native Ella Williams who grew
up here – you’ll often find at her parent’s
Whangamata Surf Shop helping customers.
This pristine, 6km long sandy beach has
calm estuaries at both ends and even
more hidden beaches offering family-safe
patrolled swimming areas. Fun-seeking
beach lovers are attracted here, including
those with all levels of of stand-up paddle
board skill and kayakers. Boat ramps offer
access for the fishermen and boaties.
However, there’s more than just the beach for
your outdoor holiday adventures. In the inland
areas surrounding Whangamata are rainforest
and park lands with lots of hiking trails and
bike paths. An easy pedal to the south
connects bikers to Waihi, the final eastern hub
of the Hauraki Rail Trail system through the
historic gold mining regions.
The shopping areas of Whangmata offer
plenty of cafes and restaurants as well as a
major supermarket. Spa and beauty salons
promise some well-deserved pampering.
There is a large medical centre and several
chemists. Into building or renovating that
seaside bach? You’ll find whatever you need,
from architects and decorators, to hardware
and lumber stores for the DIYers.
Whangamata is also home of the ‘Beach Hop’,
a five day celebration of ’50s and ’60s culture,
and ‘Brits at the Beach’, a celebration of “All
Things British” coming in October (see right).
The 2017 Whangamata Run Walk Festival will
be held on Saturday 9th September this year.
MORE than just one of the BEST surf beaches in the world
This novelty has been described by visitors as
“the world’s jazziest public toilet”, located at
the north end of Whangamata Beach. You’ll
be blown away by this space age loo. Upon
entering, a voice says, “Please press the button
to lock the door. Maximum use time is ten
minutes”. Once you lock the door, music starts
to play “What the World Needs Now”. Next time
you’re in Whangamata – Give it a go!
Grab a lesson at the Whangamata Surf Shop.
07 865 7157
Open from 5pm
328 Ocean Rd • WHANGAMATA •
Whangamata’s Talking Loo
A fun finish for
this racer in the
Whangamata Run
Walk Festival
in April of 2016.
Photo by Pete Stretch
The 2018 BEACH HOP is scheduled 21-25
March. Five days everything ’50s and ’60s.
WHANGAMATA
22 COROMANDEL LIFE 2017 LATE AUTUMN / WINTER