Miracle on the roads around Waihi Beach

Saw quite a freaky and scary accident on the way to Kauri Point this morning -It was heading towards Katikati approx 1 - 1.5 ks from the Waihi Beach turn off. I was on my way to get strawberries when I saw this car come straight across the centre line approx 100 metres in front of me go through a fence - do a roll and land on its 4 wheels and stop in the middle of the paddock on my side of the road.Stopped the car - could not find the hazzard flashers so just jumped the fence and ran across the paddock to see if I could help. Luckily so did 10 or so others who had seen the accident. The driver was a young mum with 2 kids strapped in the back seats in proper car restraints and all three were un harmed but in shock.
Managed to help calm the kids  and their mum whilst the ambulance was on its way and helped deliver them to the ambulance.

It was a miracle no one was injured as the car could easily have hit on coming traffic and there may have been horrific injuries. Thank heavens all were ok and unscathed and the car only had front fender trouble.

It also restores your faith in humanity - the help on the scene from passers by was really something else- strangers who wanted to help someone in need.

To find Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.html

Xmas at Waihi Beach

Just thought you would like to see  what is happening in and around Waihi Beach - the Pohutukawas are coming out and will be about for the next few weeks - the Kiwi Xmas tree in all it's splendour.

For more photos of Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/photos.html

www.waihibeachinfo.co.nz

In the last few months leading up to Xmas I was reselling the listing space on the http://www.waihibeachinfo.co.nz/ website - the local website that has all the information you would ever want to know about Waihi Beach. Everything from the history of Waihi Beach, emergency services, local services like the library hours to recycling station hours over the holiday period plus weather forecasts, surf cam and much more.
Additionally businesses can list in the appropriate section be it dining, accommodation, trade services, activities etc - the website has grown incredibly since inception in 2005 and now has over 60,000 page views and nearly 20,000 unique visitors annually - yet some prospective advertisers said they did not need to be on this website as they had their own website now - trying to explain to these advertisers that you need to drive traffic to their websites was not understood and they did not understand that you drive  traffic to your site by linking to or listing on successful websites like the local http://www.waihibeachinfo.co.nz/ website.

For more information on links go to www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/links.html

Driving to and from the Waihi Beach

have done a little driving this last week to and from Auckland once and to and from Auckland International airport once also.

Went to Auckland International airport to pick up my eldest son who was coming home for Xmas from Melbourne - reasonable traffic on the way up but a zoo once I got to the airport terminal - coming in just after mid night I thought everything thing would be sleepy and not so many people around - how wrong was I. The terminal had hundreds of people waiting for friends, family etc coming home for Xmas - I could not believe my eyes and getting a park took 15 minutes - Waihi Beach is a doddle in comparison.They were 3 deep around the entrance waiting to meet their loved ones.

The traffic on Xmas day was surprising - totally did not expect to see the numbers of cars on the road going up and certainly not out and about on Xmas day. There was a traffic jam for no apparent reason coming south at approx mid day around Manurewa - go figure stuck in traffic on Xmas day - thankfully not us.

Coming home was no better - people doing silly things - some driving too slowly and others way too fast. And the big rush is on boxing day - thanks heavens we did not wait until then and it would have been much worse.

For more info on driving times to and from Waihi Beach  www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/contact.html

Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market

Had a day from hell today as there was going to be a big Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market at the beach coinciding  with the Pumphouse Pistons having a car & motor bike show across the road at the Waihi Beach Hotel.

  

The day started out sort of ok with low cloud around the hills and we had our fingers crossed for some sun and no rain but for once the weather forecasters got it right and the longer the day went the wetter the day got. It was a pity as the market had a great selection of stall holders all ready and rearing to go but the rain was a real dampner. The variety on offer was great - fresh locally grown cherries, tomatoes, capsicums, lettuces, basil  and many more herbs, waffles, sausages on bread, mussell fritters, fresh coffee and ice creams, free range eggs, free range pork cuts, freshly smoked fish, freshly made bread and buns, wood fired pizzas, fresh flowers and locally made cheeses and much much more.

Fingers crossed for fine weather through summer

For more information on activities at Waihi Beach - www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html 

New Bar at the Surf Club Waihi Beach

Last night we went to the opening of the new bar at the Waihi Beach Surf Club at the northern end of the beach. We were very impressed at the potential of the club bar as it is right on the beach with 180 deg views.

The bar will be open from approx daily 4pm  until 11pm but entry is member only - membership is $30.00 annually and guests can bring up to 4 visitors. The surf club bar is targetting families and is keen to increase its membership across the board. Meals will be available as well as bar snacks.

The Waihi Beach Surf Club has a proud history at the Beach  and is seen as a leader amongst the surf lfesaving fraternity so it may a clue for greater things to come- interesting to note there a many families where there are several generations in the family all with roots in the surf club as it had been a corner stone of the community back in the day.

Lets get behind the Waihi Beach Surf Club and make it the envy of other clubs nationally and while we are talking nationally - there is a desire to get the surf lfesaving nationals back to Waihi Beach as it has been over 5 years since it was last here- wouldn't it be great to have them here and show off the great new facilities!

For more information on activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Mayor Island

                                         

Yesterday I went on a fishing trip to Mayor Island with a few neighbours and had a great time, The Mayor (Tuhua)  was fantastic - there in all its glory and waters around it just so clear. At one stage there we could see twenty odd feet in the water and watch the blue and pink maumau swim around. But it was a reminder what a great asset we have out there - how beautiful and preserved the island is and surrounded by clear clean waters.The pohutakawas were not out yet - some patehes were seen but more to come over the next month when the Mayor will be surrounded with red flowers.

The fishing wasn't too bad either - we landed terakihi, gurnard, grandady hapuka in great numbers, porae, blue cod, pink maumau, mackeral and a couple of snapper that were too small and had to go back. We also saw several sharks - one as big as two - two and a half meters - remember that this is their domain.

For more information on activities in and around Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Cricket

What is going on in the sporting world. Aussie dropping to no 5 in the world at Test cricket and New Zealand performing at their inconsistent best in one day cricket - the aussie demise is a surprise but New Zealands performance is par for the course.

To see the aussies not being able to take wickets nor make runs - gee they now know what it is like to have a team of good average cricketers without world class stars. New Zealand has a world class player once or twice  a decade - Vetorri & Bond recently but Aussie have been spoilt  with Gilchrist, Warne, Mc Grath, Hayden, Langer & Lee and they do not get replaced over night.

It is great to see Ricky Ponting struggling with his bowlers not taking wickets  and not knowing who to throw the ball to - New Zealand skippers have had that problem for years and have had to do the best with what they had.Welcome to the real world and fielding for 2 days on end - cricket can surely be a leveller.

Waihi Beach Signs

We have had some progress with Transit Waikato and we have movement in getting a sign up coming from Waihi to Waihi Beach - not sure if and when we will actually get the sign up or what size it will be but we appear to have their ok in going ahead to apply for a consent to put the sign up - marvellous - watch this space.

To find Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.html

Guest comments

                                       

It was interesting recently to discuss with guests from the US what they thought of New Zealand and had it measured up to their prior to visit expectations. " It has been everything we expected and more - so much more!" was the comment that came back from both guests.

"Waihi Beach - when we booked we thought somewhere quiet for our last day in New Zealand before we fly out - we loved the walk over to Orakawa Bay - there was virtually no one there - we had the place to ourselves and we decided to have a look at the gold mine in Waihi - wow there is lots more to do - you could easily spend days here" www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities

Waihi - Mine town

Managed to get to the memeorial sevice for the Pike River disaster in Waihi yesterday. It was a very good reminder that Waihi is a sister type community to Greymouth as both communities are mining towns so Greymouth and the Pike River 29 were very much in the thoughts of those who attended.

The sevice had speakers including the Mayor of Hauraki John Tregider, General manager of Newmont Waihi Gold Glen Grindlay plus Mary Carmaine from the Hauraki District council who is from Waihi. Each spoke about different effects mining had on the local community and how much they related to Greymouth and how the miners who worked in Waihi related to Pike River. The empathy was there for all to see. Miners from one of the underground contractors performed a waiata - included amongst these were members of the Waihi mine rescue team - one of whom had just come back from Pike River.

It was quite telling to walk into the memorial hall in Waihi and see 29 miners hats with their helmet lights on and 29 Kowhai trees that will be planted somewhere around the pit rim and later a plaque will be added to remember the Pike River 29.

At the end of the memorial the community was told to take nothing for granted, love their families, hug their friends, partners, wives, husbands and families and have a beer/wine with their mates

Kia Kaha to the families of the Pike River 29

To see more about Waihi http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Kiwis in Sport

Wow what a year we have had across the board.

From our BMX world champions to Rugby League, Rowing, Athletics, Football, Wood Chopping, NetBall Cycling and Rugby - we have achieved at the very top  - I have no doubt missed some sports out and in some cases we have performed well above what was expected - we tend as a country to punch above our weight - an admirable quality as thats what makes us kiwis living in the country we do.

We should take a minute and think how lucky we are and be thankful for the great environment we have for our various sports people to live and train in and in the wake of the Pike River Disaster sport is put into perspective - they are just games and events.

For more info on activities at Waihi Beach - www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Fishing - Waihi Beach

Great news - we have finally a fishing charter operater working out of Waihi Beach and not only that he is reknown for catching fish. Brian Harrison has fished the local waters for over 30 years and knows the ins and outs of fishing and how to catch them.We have been waiting for quite sometime to get a local charter guy who knows the area well and Brian comes with very good references from the locals who can attest to his ability to find and catch fish.

Brian is surveyed and ready to go. His boat can take up to 6 fishing and he will provide bait and tackle if required.

Brain will also do Eco tours in the inner harbour - his boat can take up to 8 persons for the Eco tour where Brian will relay the local history of the area including maori history - Look for more details in the very near future on www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Maori Tourism - new product Whiritoa & Mataora

Mataora - The Living Face

Mataora - The Living Face, the story of Tamoko and Maori Arts & Crafts

On Saturday we went to experience a new product soon to be launched in Southern Coromandel specifically a product based around Whiritoa and Mataura.

Whiritoa means weaving warrior in Maori and is a beach with a white sandy foreshore. I had been to Whiritoa several times but never down on to the beach and never up into the bush and along the hill tops. It was amazing looking down into the water, looking at the sea caves and out to Mayor Island and further north the Alderman Islands.

We finished our trip with a visit to Mataura and lunch looking down on Mataura Bay - maori land that only tribe members get to visit. The view was something else - picture post card stuff that really caught the eye.

We learned during the day about the local area maori  - customs, history, culture & mythology and their relationship to the sea, the land  and with the underworld- history of the area told like never before.

We look forward to being able to promote this product in the future to our guests.
Check out www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html for more information in the future.

Visit to the Waihinui Marae in Waihi

Last night Ali & I went with other tourism operaters in our area to the Waihinui Marae in Waihi for a Marae expeience and it was such great theatre. Lots of history,ceremony, spiritualism and protocols - all in all a moving & marvellous experience.

The kapahaka group was really good  and very entertaining with everything from songs, waiatas, hakas to poi dancing and stiks. The kakhaka group had uncles & auntys brothers and sisters as well as mums and kids - a great family showing.

We look forward to being able to offer the marae visit as one of the local tourism products here in Southern Coromandel.

For more information on activities in our area www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Pike River Coal Mine Disaster

The recent tragic disaster at the Pike River Coal Mine in Greymouth has driven home the dangers that go with mining  and the everyday dangers that miners have to face.

Those of us not in mining take it for granted - miners do what they do both above and below the ground but in no way are we aware of the real dangers they face on a daily basis. Only with a tregedy like Pike River do we really learn the risks they willingly face on a daily basis

In Waihi there is an opencast gold mine and an underground gold mine so there are miners here that can relate in a small way to those in Greymouth especially those who go underground. The Newmont Waihi  mine rescue team was on standby to help if required and the mine here in Waihi is as important to Waihi as it is to those at Pike River.www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Kia kaha -our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the lost miners.

Waihi - Adventure Tourism

Newmont Waihi Gold, Red Bull and Vision Waihi Trust are teaming up to hold an event on December 4th in the open cast mine in Waihi. On December 4th the best down hill mountain bikers will meet shoulder to shoulder in a 250 m vertical spiralling descent to the bottom of the Waihi open pit goldmine.The unforgiving nature of the rock base and man made obstacles makes this course one of the most challenging down hill and free ride mountain bike events ever to be seen in New Zealand.

There will be extensive viewing for the public around the iconic Cornish pumphouse as well as limited granstand seating.Finals are expected to be between 4 - 4.30pm approx

For more information on the Martha Gold mine in Waihi and gold mine tours www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Maori Tourism Product - Waihi & Waihi Beach

It is really exciting that we are going on a couple of  famils this weekend to see the potential launch of 3 Maori Tourism  products in the Southern Coromandel - specifically in the Waihi/ Waihi Beach areas. While we have been in business for 5 years we have only been able to advise guests as to what they can see and expect when they visit Rotorua  for their stay or day trip but to have potential products on our door step in great not only for guests but also the local Maori communities and ourselves.

It willl be great to be able to share stories about the local Maori history of our area and give guests some understanding about Maori culture first hand.If we can help sell these 3 new products and get them established we should be able to increase the nights stay at Waihi Beach Lodge which is a win  for the local product and ourselves.

To check out other activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Something different at a comedy show in Tauranga

Saw a great  show in Tauranga - a comedy act by Jim Owen - an Irish comedian based in Melbourne - a show about nothing specifically yet we could all relate to it - just everyday things like putting out the rubbish naked and making the bed! How to get the duvet  cover on by climbing into the cover and pulling the duvet through like spiderman - doesn't everyone do it that way - it's the quickest!

Anyway just before the show starts a girl in front of us took out a small toothbrush and started cleaning her teeth - quite oblivious to the rest of us and carried on for the next 5 - 7 minutes or so - never seen anything like it in my life. The toothbrush was one  you might get on an aeroplane or similar

For more information on activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Waihi Beach Sign coming from Waihi to Waihi Beach

Have had an interesting time dealing with WBOPDC who in turn deal with Transit Waikato over wanting to get a sign up on SH2 coming from Waihi towards Waihi Beach advising passing motorists that Waihi Beach exists. I have been dealing with WBOPDC who are very supportive of our request and are putting their weight in behind our submission to get a sign. Transit Waikato however have been very negative about having a sign even to the point of saying their is no economic benefit to Hauraki of having a sign on SH2.
Whoever wrote the letter saying that has their head in the sand - any tourist we can keep in the area for a night longer benefits the region by spending more on food, accommodation, meals, petrol and activities  etc and with the Hauraki district having petrol stations, supermarkets, cafes and activities they are one major benefactor - I was wrong in thinking it was obvious to everyone - obviously not!

To find Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.html

International Guests

Image from Mike Hill Photography

Just had a couple from Russia arrive this morning after a thirty three hour flight and last night we had guests from Sao Paulo Brazil - got me thinking about just how far guests actually come to New Zealand and specifically Waihi Beach. We talk about being along way from Europe and we really are but we notice it more especially when it's our turn to travel.

We get amazing compliments about Waihi Beach & New Zealand in general - 'Kiwis are nicer than Australians and is a much nicer country' was one we had this morning - not sure if we lost something in translation or thats what they meant.

Our Russian guests have been saving/planning the trip for 5 years and are here in NZ for 2 weeks. They are not letting the long trip get in their way - already they are off walking the beach and planning tom have a swim -we think its too cold but they explained that it's warm compared to St Petersberg - they swam in the Ohinemuri river on the way through the Karangahake gorge and thought it was warm.

Our guests from Sao Paulo had been to Australia to see their grand children once before and this time they included a week in New Zealand - they will be back too as they loved what they saw.

To see more great Waihi Beach photos - www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/photos.html

Waihi Beach - a hidden jewel

Had 2 different lots of visitors this week - the first a friend over for the World rowing championships at Karipiro and the other a group of agents from Australia  - both seeing Waihi Beach for the first time. Thieir comments were enlightening.

My friend could not believe Waihi Beach and all its beauty - he is a kiwi living and working in Australia and he was ina we what we have to offer here as well as commenting on how convenient the central location was to get to other towns ie Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga or Karipiro etc

The agents - 3 kiwis living in Australia and the other an Aussie - they all sell New Zealand from Australia - thought all we had here was a beach but after we gave them a quick tour and showed them a small sample of other activities now believe that guests could easily spend 2 to 3 nights at Waihi Beach on their travel around New Zealand - music to our ears.

To see what other guests have to say about Waihi Beach Lodge www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/guestbook.html

Herbs and summer veges

Managed to dig the ground over last week and we are ready to go - well sort of. Just need a well thought out plan as to what goes where.Have also added compost from the compost bin - been fermenting for 6 - 12 months so looks reasonable so hopefully will do the job.

We have 2 small garden patches so I think we'll have the herbs, capsicum etc at the back door patch where we can get easy access and the balance of our plants - lettuces and spring onions down in our other patch behind the garage.Ali may have other summer veges she wants to plant - will check when she get's home.

Out cherry, tomatoes have been planted for a wee while - at least a week or so as have parsley and chives. Will co plant (companion planting they call it now) basil along side the cherry tomatoesas apparently tomatoes love basil. I know with cooking that basil really adds to tomatoes but didn't know about the companion planting.

For more information on eating out at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Torpedo fishing, sea lettuce and big seas

Thought we would try to get in a nights torpedo fishing over the weekend but we have had nothing but strong currents and big seas - a no no for catching fish plus the dreaded south easterly winds. To make matters worse we have sea lettuce along the coast line so I guess the sea gods are saying - give fishing a miss for a while. Fingers crossed that the sea lettuce will disappear soon as its a pain in the perverbial. Lots of reports too of sea lettuce in the inner harbour.

For more info on torpedo fishing www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Waihi Beach new cycle trail - birdlife

The new cycle trail that runs from Island View down to Bowentown has amazing birdlife. Everytime we cycle down to Bowentown I am amazed at the number of birds and the different types of birds that have made the bushy tree area next on the very upper Tauranga harbour their home.

Last night there were pheasants and quail doing their thing all along the route  - fantastic that they have been able to set up their homes without much interference from humans - great to see.
Image from Mike Hill Photography

For more info on activities in and around Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market

We had a fantastic market here on Sunday morning due in part to the great fine weather we had over labour weekend. There were lots of people at the market who had the chance to buy local from the various growers. We managed to get some fresh flowers,some samosa's and some fresh herbs.

Lets hope the weather does it's thing for us over summer as the fine weather certainly brings people out.

To check out more images of Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/photos.html 

Image - Mike Hill Photography

Bands playing at Waihi Beach this summer

So far we know of 3 bands playing at the Waihi Beach Hotel this summer.

Black Seeds & Katchafire December 27th, Jimmy Barnes on Dec31st, Fat Freddys Drop On Jan 2nd Shihad on Jan 3rd and Shapeshifter on Jan 8th - tickets available from the Waihi Beach Hotel
http://www.beachpub.co.nz/

As soon as we are aware of prices and ticket availability we will let you know.

At Labour weekend there is - These 4 Walls playing on Saturday 23rd October and on Sunday 24th October there is a Queen tribute - " We will rock you" Tickets $20.00- for more information contact the
Waihi Beach Hotel 07 863 5402

For more information on activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Waihi Beach Sign on SH2

Back in late August after 15 months of working with WBOPDC and Transit we have finally got a sign up on the SH2 coming from Katikati to Waihi Beach approx 800 metres from the turnoff making potential visitors aware of Waihi Beach.It is not entirely what we wanted as we were keen to see a triangle shown to make visitors aware they could drive in from one end and drive out the other but Transit are going to put up another sign that will do that function - not sure why we need 2 signs and we have not heard back from them yet how they are going to do it

We are still working with WBOPDC and Transit over a sign coming from Waihi to Waihi Beach. Transit Waikato have issues with our new sign over its size.

To find Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.html

Annaconda Multi Sport Event

Anaconda Multi sport event – the inaugural Waihi /Waihi Beach Anaconda Multisport Event held in late April was a resounding success and augers well for an even better event in 2011.With approx 300 competitors from as far a field as Australia the event really showcased the beauty of the Waihi/Waihi Beach region - http://www.anacondaadventurerace.co.nz/  

to check out more activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Award winning cafe/restaurant at Waihi Beach

The Porch Kitchen & Bar recently won the coveted national  13th Montieths Beer & Wild Food challenge for 2010. The Porch previously entered, being a finalist in 2009 but this year scooped top prize with their dish "Boorack meets Underbelly" which matches Montieths pilsner with a wild boar rack and slow roasted boar belly on a roast pumkin leak & proscuitto ragu with tomato & basil sugo and a tamarillo & piko piko chutney accompanied by a watercress, pear, walnut and fennel salad.
The aim of the competition is to source your foods within a 100k radius and a lot of the Porch's food is from those suppliers within the 100ks.
The result is great for the owners of The Porch, Riaan & Carla Botha and head chef Brad King and it helps in putting Waihi Beach on the map proving you don't have to be in the bigger cities/towns to get great food.The Porch

For more information on eating out at Waihi Beach  www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Waihi Beach new cycle track

I have been trying out the new Waihi Beach to Bowentown cycle track - bloody fantastic and a good ride. It meanders along the coast through a little bush at the top of the Tauranga harbour and come out just close to the Bowentown cafe and the Bowentown Boating & Sports Fishing Club.

There is a huge benfit to cyclists here as the road from Island View to Bowentown has a 100 k speed limit and cyclists travel sometimes at their peril. This new cycle track takes you off the main road and provides a senic route and is great for the beach!
 For more information on activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Waihi Beach and its identity

When we moved here to Waihi Beach friends from Auckland and others wondered why we moved to Waihi. We explained we had moved to Waihi Beach  for our business and it is  some 10ks approx from Waihi - its like comparing Mt Albert with Takapuna except they have similar names. The climates are quite different - our son works up at the Martha gold mine in Waihi and used to come home and talk about the wet day he had been through - we would look at each other and say what rain? The people who live in Waihi Beach are also quite different - they are a mix of retirees and younger folk who have chosen to live at the beach. The Beach has  very much a Waikato link with many homes /batches owned by  people originally from that region.Waihi Beach is a great seaside town on the east coast  and it is the jewel in the crown of both the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty regions.

Check out a map of the Coromandel to see the Waihi Beach Location www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/contact.html

Guests - We need to give them better advice about distances & driving times

Just had some guests who arrived here from The Bay of Islands via The Coromandel - all in one day and 9 1/2 hours driving - not sure what they saw but they arrived @ 9o'clock at night, frazzled and looking for somewhere to eat.Luckily we had a cafe open who obliged  and helped out.This is not the first time this has happened so we need to work out a plan that helps our guests enjoy our countryside more.
We should better educate any agents who send us guests as to the distances and road conditions as well as things to see on the way. The driving time coming direct to Waihi Beach from the Bay of Islands alone would have been 5 1/2 hours without a stop and that is plenty for guests who are used to driving on the other side of the road. Not only that you could have stopped off in Matakana or Warkworth and again in the Karangahake gorge to look at some highlights and break the trip and seen some of our wonderful country.

To find Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.html

Torpedo fishing on the weekend with the bros

kiwi style fishing


Went torpedo fishing with my brothers on the weekend as they were keen to see if we there were any fish around and if we still had the touch. Well not really touch as we had not had the torpedo out for a few months and then without luck. We were a little early - best using the change of light - but the fish & sea gods were smiling on us and we ended up with 3 gurnard which were quickly cleaned and eaten a few hours later.
Also used  seaweed & macadaemia nut to crumb the fish - out standing coating and great taste.

For more on activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Family weekend

Had my immediate family here this last weekend - 3 other brothers and my sister along with their wives and partners plau our dad. We had a wonderful weekend having a few laughs at each others expense and poking the borax where and as necessary. It seems the girls have sorted Ali out in joining them to the Jo Seager fundraiser night in Auckland and apparently they are off to see Jersey boys in Oz next year. The weekend came up very quickly and was over in a flash - too fast  and far too short. We ate very well thanks to the work of all the chefs and food providers and the weather gods were very kind - sun and fine weather for 2 days. Roll on Xmas

For more information on activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

weird weather this morning at Waihi Beach

Strange but true - the sun came up this morning through the cloud - really dark orange sun peaking through - one of our guests Lauren went down to take some shots of it - it was a lovely sunrise. Within half an hour we are surrounded by sea mist that had rolled in from the sea and for approx 1 hours we could not see the Mayor ( Mayor Island) and everything was misty. We have been here since Nov 2004 and have never seen anything like it since we have been living here

To find Waihi Beach  www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.

Sun and fine weather finally at Waihi Beach

We've been back now 1 week from our holiday in Oz and fianlly we have had two days in a row with fine weather and sun. In fact fine enough for our guests from the US to have breakfast outside on the deck. Our guests commented on the rural and seaviews as we explained they were looking up to the Coromandel. Amy, Harold & Laureen are with us for another night before heading OZ and Fiji. Today they are checking out Waihi and the Karangahake gorge.

To find Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.html

Thoughts on recent holiday in Aussie

Had a very relaxing holiday in Oz. There is something about having sun on your back to start to make you relax and take a chill pill.
Many highlights - saw whales several times really close into shore off sunshine beach  - within 1 km off the beach -on the sunshine coast and got attacked by a magpie several times in 3 minutes when Ali & I were out riding our bikes another day.
Also went to the Noosa jazz festival - great afternoon - don't know much about jazz but liked most of it and had a great afternoon drinking wine in the sponsors bar courtesy of our hosts at Coral Beach.

Welcome to the Blog...!

We'll be posting local information past and present here - you can keep up to date with the Blog by subscribing with your email at the top right...

Enjoy...

To find Waihi Beach  www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map