Kuaotunu

 

After leaving the Boatshed at Coromandel we travelled around the coast a little to a place called Kuaotunu. We pulled off the road near the boat ramp and found a magic spot to park—right by the sea. I don’t think we could get any closer.

  

 

Our friends from Hahei, Rick & Chic, had been going to travel with us on our “Coromandel Tour”, but things happened and they couldn’t join us back at Thames as we’d hoped. They told us about this prime parking spot and hoped to catch up with us here. 

The view through our window:

It's right near the boat ramp at the western end of Kuaotunu.

 

 

 

Once again, Lucy loved the beach, bouncing along enjoying the off-lead freedom.

The weather was stunning and we enjoyed several beach walks. 

 

More Coromandel bird life: there were several dotterels—nesting at this time of year . . . 

(Addendum: it has been pointed out to me that dogs are not allowed near dotterels nesting. We kept Lucy on a leash the one time we noticed these birds—at the far end of the beach near the township.)

. . . and an oyster catcher . . .

. . . as well as the ever-present seagull. I caught this one having a bath in a small stream running down to the beach.

At the far end of the beach was a small township, and on one of our walks we wandered in off the beach to check it out. We found a nice little café and stopped for coffee. It was next door to Luke’s Kitchen, and it was from this place that tantalising aromas of garlic and pizza were emanating. Note to self: We must come here for dinner with Rick and Chic after they arrive tomorrow.

 

At the end of the day, one tired doggie.

Kauotunu was once a thriving gold-mining town. As you drive around the Coromandel, you'll notice a lot of “No Mining” signs as the locals voice their opinion about any future mining in the region.

The beach has a ‘local’ touch, personalising it as part of their extended outdoor space. The occasional seating place along the beach created a friendly, homely atmosphere. You could almost feel like you were trespassing, but the couch was too tempting . . .  

We decided to backtrack a little and went for a drive up to Whangapoua, intending to walk to New Chums Beach. When we got there, however, we found that dogs were not allowed on the track. The weather was turning drizzly anyway, so we abandoned that plan. Just a quick look at the beautiful white sands of Whangapoua Beach before leaving.

We headed back, past where we had parked up the rig and drove east out to Opito Bay. As we left Kuaotunu, the road climbed quite quickly to where we had a great view back down over the beach.

And from higher up . . . . We could see our rig in the distance.

 A closer view.

Another narrow road with lots of tight corners. Much of this trip was on unsealed road. I was happy we'd left the rig behind! Eventually we were looking down at Opito Bay. 

Opito Bay was just beautiful. It was worth the drive. The weather was still not great—cold and windy—so no Opito Beach walk this trip.

 

 

The next day, our friends Rick and Chic arrived. More beach walks and long catch-up talks, laughter and reminiscing. Bliss. No time for taking photos!

On our third day, a cold wind had settled in and so we packed up to move on to the next stop: Simpsons Beach. We never did make it to Luke's Kitchen. Clearly, a return trip is required!