Coromandel Life Magaizine 2017 Winter

23 / 56

Above left: Just south of Whangamata is Wentworth Valley. A number of walks start at the
campground and include mines, waterfalls, swimming holes and extensive views of the
Coromandel ranges. It’s hard to imagine this area was once a large gold mining settlement
employing up to 300 people and bristling with houses, shops and schools!
Above right: Paddle to the spectacular volcano-formed ‘Donut Island’ safely with tour guides who
take you on a 2-hour paddle board or kayak adventure from the southern end of Whangamata
beach. An adequate level of fitness and confidence in the water is recommended.
Marine Reserved Apartments
offer a range of modern accommodation
to suit couples, families and groups.
Choose from...
• Stunning ocean or garden views
• A variety of comfortably furnished deluxe
accommodation – studio units to 3 bedroom
apartments with private double garages
Enjoy free...
• Unlimited wifi & 51 channels of Sky TV
412 Ocean Road • Whangamata
IN WHANGAMATA
Stay for 3 ... Pay for 2
BOOK NOW THROUGH 1 OCTOBER
0800 800 942
...relaxing close enough
for the sound of the ocean to
lull you to sleep!
Last year’s Best of Show car was
Ian and Jenny Patton’s 1923 Boat Tail Vauxhall.
- Photo by Pete Stretch,
6-8 October 2017 • Whangamata
LAST ‘BRITS AT THE BEACH’
Not quite, but the last Brits at the Beach to be held in the
spring time. After struggling with some rather inclement weather
three times over the past five years, the organizers decided to
move the event to a more settled and warmer season.
THE NEXT ‘BRITS’ WILL BE HELD IN FEBRUARY.
This celebration of “All Things British”, is
based around multiple British Car & Motorbike
Shows. This great day out began eight years
ago and was formerly held in Tairua. Featured
on display are the very best that British
motoring has to offer, as well as British Bake
Offs, Scruffs Dog Shows, Best Costumes,
Knotted Hanky Tieing and loads of other
uniquely British silliness. Car and motorbike
owners bring their vehicles from all over the
country to participate.
The event is mostly self funded through
registration fees, but also has the support of
two long standing major sponsors, Classic
Cover Insurance and local radio station 97.9
Kool FM. Kool’s owner Colin McCabe says,
“We’re proud to have Kool FM involved.
The event was created to bring
activity into our district, and over the years it
has contributed millions of dollars to our local
economy.”
FESTIVAL MOVES TO FEBRUARY IN 2018
”We see the move as a brilliant idea that
should allow the event to grow and benefit the
whole region for years to come,” Colin adds.
So circle the date, October 6,7,& 8 for the
last spring time Brits at the Beach and again
for February 16,17,18 for the first summer
time Brits! As Colin says “There’ll be a run on
sunblock in February”.
Local businesses and community groups are
invited to get involved and have a stall at the
Great British Village Fete, where profits from
the day are donated to junior sport. Details at