Carmen Huter is a style and travel blogger that looked like a pretty good match for the good for your soul ethos The Coromandel is known for. Embracing the elements is often the best way to enjoy winter travel as Carmen discovered…
Check out The Coromandel through the lens of Carmen Huter, and the road trip in her words.
Day 1 - Auckland to Thames
In good traffic Thames is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Auckland city. Sola Café was the recommended first stop, to refuel on the good stuff. Like most of us Carmen is a bit of a foodie. From there Carmen headed up the Kauaeranga Valley (aka Adventure Valley) and onward to The Pinnacles…a hot spot for photographers looking to capture epic sunrises, unfortunately for Carmen the weather proved it wasn’t to be on this occasion.
TIP: Remember to pack a torch if you intend to climb to the summit to catch the sunrise
Carmen Huter enroute to The Pinnacles
Day 2 - Thames to Mercury Bay
Allow an hour and 15 minutes to get from Thames to Hahei. It was here that Carmen checked into The Church, recently voted the top place to stay in The Coromandel.
A short drive to Ferry Landing allows ferry access to Whitianga, a recommended stop is to include a visit to Bread and Butter Art Gallery before a well earned spa at The Lost Spring. Followed by a dinner at Salt Restaurant situated on the water at the Whitianga Marina.
Day 3 - Hahei to Pauanui
The next morning was a Kayak to Cathedral Cove, always popular. A ten minute drive away is Hot Water Beach complete with cafes and art galleries. Winter is the ideal time to visit these two must do attractions, especially if you're a photographer.
Carmen braves the winter temperatures at Cathedral Cove
En route to Pauanui is Tairua. The best place to take in both towns is Mt Paku in Tairua. A steep walk to the summit of the peak with 360 degree views. Tairua is a great spot to check out the shops and The Little Gallery.
Pauanui from Mt Paku, Tairua
That night was a dream with dinner at Miha, the onsite restaurant at Puka Park, nestled into the native forest above Pauanui.
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