By Rach Stewart, a New Zealand photographer who specialises in landscape and coastal images (although she loves the mountains too).

From what we had heard, Orokawa Bay sounded like the perfect place to catch the first light of day and spend a few hours on a deserted beach with only nature and the sound of waves crashing.

We set off early and were not disappointed at all. After a short 40-minute easy grade walk, we arrived at what we can only describe as perfection. The sun’s rays just beginning to light up the sky, the purple hue still present from the night turning to day, and we had it all to ourselves.

Orokawa-1

After the sun had risen we strolled along the white sandy beach, its coastline surrounded with New Zealand’s very own native Pohutukawa trees . When we arrived at the north end we sat on the amazing rock formations which shape this part of the beach and looked back on paradise.

Orokawa Bay

On our journey back we stopped and admired the beautiful coastal views that can be seen from the many vantage points along the track. This walk really is what coastal New Zealand is about .. rugged coastline with pristine beaches in between, all viewed from native bush. A perfect day trip for the family or just a nice walk to get away from it all.

Once back in Waihi Beach we had our morning coffee at the Flat White Café, which is situated on absolute beach front .. can not think of a better way to enjoy a coffee than looking straight out on to sparkling water with Mayor Island in full view on the horizon.

A quick soak at the Athenree hot springs summed up a magic day in The Coromandel.