Summer in The Coromandel
Summer has a different meaning for everyone who visits The Coromandel, but it's the relaxed Coro’ vibe and the simple ways of passing the long idyllic days that are the consistent themes throughout the year
Locals would say that it is summer in The Coromandel for half the year. It starts in December as the first signs of the Pohutukawa flowers turn the tree-clad coastline a deep crimson. The colours of the New Zealand Christmas tree, heralding the impending start of the long hot summer holidays.
Yes, school’s out, pack the chilly bins, the togs and boogie boards and the last of the Christmas ham. Everyone heads for their favourite spot, maybe the family bach, a campsite, motel or apartment, at the beach, in the bush or out on the wide green plains.
The summer goes on into the New Year, with visiting friends, barbeques and fireworks. It continues with hikes into the bush chasing cooling waterfalls and swimming holes, fishing trips to the end of rocky headlands, boating excursions to feed assembled friends, and picnics in the shade, watching the kids at their endless body surfing in the shallow waves.
The darker blue water recedes and the sea temperature rises steadily to reach 20-24 degrees C, about the same temperature as the air. A sea breeze is welcome in the afternoons, as the temperature rises, but it’s rarely above 25 degrees C.
The fun continues after some folk head back to work after a short break. The families stay on as long as they can, with school galas, muddy splashy races on the flats at low tide, waterslides and SUP adventures up the harbour. There’s always a calendar packed with outdoor concerts (touring is in again didn’t you know?), wine and food festivals celebrating fresh summer drops and cruising beats for evening enjoyment at the many laid-back outdoor cafes and restaurants.
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