Waihi Beach Lodge

Fallen Cone at Island View

2012-03-10T16:15:00.000+13:00

What a sad looking cone - no longer top of the tree - will the locals cope without the icon to guide them home???

Hopefully some clever thinking and enterprising young folk will put matters right and the cone will be back on its top perch again and the westerlies that brought down the cone will cease.

For mor information on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Waihi Beach -- Tauraunga Isite

2012-03-01T11:47:00.000+13:00

Just a note to show you all the promotion of Waihi Beach at the Tauraunga Isite.

We have the centre light box in the Isite and Waihi Beach is promoted to all the visitors who come in.

For more information on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Brian Harrison - Waihi Beach Charters RIP

2012-02-24T16:43:00.000+13:00

Juat a note to say how sad we are at the recent passing of Brian Harrison from Waihi Beach charters.

Full of the joys of life and a real character Brian retired from teaching to take up his real love - fishing and after 30 years of fishing in the area he knew where and when to fish - seldom did he come home with out a feed.

His arrival on the scene here at Waihi Beach was great for tourism as finally we had a fishing charter guy who knew what he was doing, he was safe & reliable and he was someone we could work with - unfortunately not for long.

We extend our sympathy to Judy and her family - Kia Kaha

Rock n Roll cars at Waihi Beach

2012-02-08T15:35:00.001+13:00

Really cool to see the preserved cars of yesteryear here at Waihi Beach over the weekend. Their presence drew a reasonable crowd who were keen to see the cars and hear the great music that accompanied the vehicles played by a rock n roll band who had set them selves up on the beach.

Lets hope we can work with the organisers to make this an annual event for the beach and really promote it to get bigger crowds for 2013.

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

Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market

2012-02-08T14:50:00.000+13:00

Great to see a vibrant fresh produce market at the beach on Sunday - lots of stalls and people patronizing the market. May be something to do with the fine weather at last and may be folk are getting used to seeing the market there every Sunday.

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

Cone watch - Goooone!

2012-01-30T16:07:00.001+13:00

The cone that topped the norfolk pine for all to see in Island View has been toppled -the norwesterly winds from yesterday afternoon blew it off the top of the pine and the cone has tumbled to be hanging on a little way down.

Quite amazing really that it has stood a years worth of all sorts of storms and in all sorts of conditions yet a strong nowesterly wind yeserday did the trick.

Lets hope who ever put the cone up the tree originally can get it back to its rightful place on top of the pine.

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

Rena - Waihi Beach

2012-01-26T12:43:00.001+13:00

photo Mike Hill

The media are pretty fickle when it comes to a story - containers and debris on Waihi Beach seemed to be the go for a while there. However once the clean up started and the beach was cleaned up promptly by salvors, the WBOPDC and volunteers the story seems to have died.

The clean up still continues with areas such as Orakawa, Bowentown, Shelley Bay, Matakana Island and Motiti all needing work to be done to get them back to their pristine condition yet the story and Waihi Beach to have fallen off the radar since.

Its amazing what you read and hear about the effect of the containers on Waihi Beach - one news report said Waihi Beach was open again after a week - yet it was only ever closed for 2 hours after the initial containers were washed up on the beach. Within 2 days people were back picnicing and swimming on the beach - yet this received no coverage - it seems good news is not newsworthy.

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

Guests at Waihi Beach Lodge

2012-01-16T09:27:00.000+13:00

Orakawa Beach

"You don't know how the other half live" as the saying goes.

Recently we had a couple of wonderful guests - their jobs were working on a super yacht and presently their one was in for repairs & fine tuning in Auckland. They were working for an owner who lives in Monaco and this was one of his two super yachts - they are here in NZ until April when they have to take the yacht to Tahiti and sometime later in the year they will end up in Alaska - what a way to see the world!

Both had key roles - one was the skipper and his wife is the chef out of a total crew of 9 and they loved stopping in NZ and getting provisions and getting the yacht ship shape so they can take off again when the time is right. They were using their down time to get out and see a little more of New Zealand

The owner can fly in at any time and they need to be ready to do meet his requests - entertaining guests, saling -all part of what they do on board.

For more info on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Guests from all over at Waihi Beach

2012-01-14T11:45:00.000+13:00

Its amazing who comes to Waihi Beach - it never fails to amaze us as we tick off guests from yet another country that have come to stay with us at Waihi Beach. This time Isreal is the new country with a our first guests from there to go along with recent guests from the US, UK, Australia and Belgium.Must be something here that attracts them - the fantastic beach!

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

Rena clean up Day 3 Waihi Beach

2012-01-11T13:43:00.000+13:00

What a difference a day makes - good as new and kids back swimming and people back under umbrellas on the beach.

No containers - all have gone as has the kindling type wood and the packs of egg fried rice that littered the beach yesterday. The tractor carrying the splintered wood is shown above.

Special thanks to the volunteers, the salvors, Maritime NZ, WBOPDC who have made this possible.

For more information on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Rena Clean Up Day 2 Waihi Beach

2012-01-10T12:01:00.001+13:00

Today we have been greeted with lots of wood littering the beach in the form of broken pieces of ply wood or similar and a few more bags of milk powder.Additinally there are packs of fried rice
.
There are still 6 containers stuck on the beach but workmen are already in attendance with diggers and hopefully the containers will be moved soon.

It would be great to know if we can help with the clean up - especially with the bits of wood - hopefully at the meeting today here at the beach @4pm we will learn more.

Rena containers - Debris on Waihi Beach cleaned up

2012-01-09T15:43:00.000+13:00

3.00pm - Not sure who to thank (Maritime NZ may be) but at our entrance and as far as the eye can see the beach has been cleaned up and all we have is 6 containers that can be seen A big thank you to all those involved from us at the beach!

Maritime NZ must have sent it's workforce out because all the bags of milk powder and all the polystyrene that littered the beach are no longer visable - all bagged up ready to be collected. Remarkable effort when you consider the beach was a bombsite this morning!

The containers - well thats another story - not sure if trucks or helicpoters will need to be used to move them - I'm sure the powers that be will have that sorted.Cranes have been put in place just by 3 mile creek so may be they will be used.

For more info on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Rena containers Mako Rd

2012-01-09T10:59:00.000+13:00

10.30am the container clean up is under way. We have the fire brigade close by as well as others from Maritime NZ and in the distance we can see a tug towing away a container back towards Tauraunga.

For more info on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Rena Containers on Waihi Beach

2012-01-09T10:30:00.001+13:00

@7.30 am this morning we spotted conatiners coming ashore at our entrance on Waihi Beach. A phone call from a neighbour confirmed there were more containers in the sea just out in front heading our way.

After going down to take a closer look we have found 3 containers grounded on the beach, milk powder and polystyrene scattered all along the beach from the Mako Rd entrance.Plus we could see several containers in the waves heading our way.

A call to the maritime NZ headquarters in Tauraunga to advise them about the containers confirmed we need to leave it to them to pick up the debris off the beach as they are worried about toxins

Will keep you posted.

For more info on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Waihi Beach visitors

2012-01-02T19:12:00.000+13:00

Happy New Year - roll on 2012

We have seen many visitors over the last part of 2011 and the early part of 2012 - from the UK, Australia and Germany and from all walks of life.

Most recently a professional baseball player and his family experiencing Waihi Beach for the first time and over the moon with what they saw and experienced. They are as passionate about baseball as we are about rugby and they have similar technical support with video clips of all the pitchers he will face available prior to each game and they play almost every day - can you imagine that - professional rugby players playing twice a week???

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

To apply the surcharge or Not

2011-12-27T14:42:00.000+13:00

Interesting comment from a guest this morning about being charged a surchrge at a local eatery for having a meal on boxing day and having to pay a 15% surcharge as well as his bill. He found it strange that there was not a price that was charged all year round. He was not saying don't cover you costs - he was merely saying include your one off holiday pricing in your everyday prices and then you would not have two sets of prices and having to tell contented patrons that they have to pay a surcharge (this put a little downer on the meal even though it was very good) - I think he has a valid point.

It's more than a little odd that some areas of business charge a surcharge and others don't/can't. Imagine what would happen if hotelliers/ motelliers had to tell guests that on certain days they would be paying a room rate plus a surcharge - it would not happen as guests would vote with their feet and either book somewhere where there was no surcharge or come on a different day

To me it is simpler to ammertize the additional costs across everyday pricing and have one price with everything included and it presents a more positive approach to clients.

Imagine if supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores etc all had the same policy of charging a surcharge on a certain day - no one shop in their stores on that day unless they were desparate as no one in their right mind wants to pay any more than they need to.

May be we should be looking at this from the customer's perception as untimately he has the final say.

waihibeachinfo face book page

2011-12-25T09:24:00.001+13:00

Waihi Beach now has its own facebook page - check out the link below and like it, plus share it with your friends.

www.facebook.com/pages/Waihi-Beach-Info/117301105053743?ref=ts&sk=wall

Merry Xmas one and all.

Charlie - the Information Caravan

2011-12-21T13:05:00.001+13:00

Great to see the new information centre for Waihi Beach taking shape - what a great addition to Waihi Beach.

Charlie will add real value by providing visitors accurate information covering where to stay, what to see and do and where to eat plus much more.

Located in Wilson Rd just in front of the Police station Charlie will be easy to find.

Special thanks to those locals who have contributed their time or their services to get Charlie up and running and to the WBOPDC and the Community Board for funding the fit out.

To find more information about Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Xmas comes to Waihi Beach

2011-12-18T07:49:00.000+13:00

All around Waihi Beach Pohutukawa trees are starting to blossom and their colour is stunning - both crimson and yellow- telling us Xmas is not too far away.

Also there are decorated Xmas trees everywhere and there are homes with lots of lights outside that shine and flicker at night - all to celebrate Xmas. Some are set up to depict a Xmas scene while others are just patterned lights - but beautiful all the same.

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

Bird call

2011-12-07T09:27:00.001+13:00

Kowhai tree in bloom

Does anyone out there know anything about bird calls and indentifying birds.

For about 2 weeks we have had this bird around our place making a call we think to try and attract a partner to no avail.The call is somewhat tui like but definetely not what you normally hear from a tui. The bird itself looks like a tui from a distance - not having been able to get close and it sits in all the known tui habitats - norfolk pines, banksias etc.

The bird call itself is quite long with 6 or 7 notes and it is almost as if the bird has lost its mate and is deperately looking for it - my interpretation here.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

Photography competition for Waihi Beach

2011-12-07T09:15:00.000+13:00

image Peter Levshin

We have all heard the saying "pictures say 1000 words" and we all know that having good photography enhances whatever we are trying to sell or promote immensley.

Shortly we will telling you about a photo competition for Waihi Beach - showcasing our little piece of paradise though images and video. Here is the chance for locals and visitors alike to take their image and show the community how they see Waihi Beach through their "photographic eye"

Watch this space for more details.

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

Waihi Beach walks

2011-11-27T12:44:00.000+13:00

Over the last few weeks we have had guests from the UK, Portugal, India, Australia and the USA with a few kiwis thrown in and they have all commented on how beautiful Waihi Beach is and how lucky we are to be living here.

Many have done the Orakawa Bay walk and come back full of "wows" and it's right on our door step.

We had one couple do the homanga walk - they fell in love with the beauty and scenery in general - "paradise" is how they described it.

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

Activities at Waihi Beach

2011-11-17T17:45:00.000+13:00

Guests at Waihi Beach Lodge have all sorts of options available for them to do while they are in our piece of paradise here at Waihi Beach.

They can

walk in the Karangahake gorge and see gold mining history from the late 1800's
walk over to Orakawa Bay & back
walk from Homunga back to Waihi Beach
they can visit the gold mine up in Waihi or take a mine tour.
picnic up at Anzac Bay or on the beach
they can take a fishing charter and go fishing for the day
play golf at one of the local courses
chill and relax on the beach
they can also hire a Harley or be a pillion passenger and do a trip around The Coromandel

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

Waihi Beach -stay for 3 pay for 2 promotion

2011-11-16T16:38:00.000+13:00

It is wonderful news that almost all the oil is now off the Rena and not going to cause trouble for one and all anymore on our beaches.

We are fortunate here at Waihi Beach that very little oil came our way although we may have the odd bit get washed up on the beach over time its nothing compared to Papamoa or Mount Maunganui

Special thanks to Maritime NZ and all their helpers and volunteers who have done a sterling job in overseeing the salvage operation and the clean up of the beaches further south. A big thank you to to the folk who have cleaned up the birdlife and saved many penguins and other birds who got caught up in oil.

Waihi Beach Lodge is taking part in the promotional plan to bring more visitors back to the Bay of Plenty as many have stayed away feeling that the beaches were not able to be used. It is now not the case and for us at the beach thankfully our beach has not been effected at all and has been open to visitors throughout.

Our offer is stay 3 nights for the price of 2 available until December 22nd 2011

For more info on Waihi Beach Lodge specials - www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/specials.html

11-11-2011

2011-11-11T22:16:00.001+13:00

Anzac Bay

Lest we forget!

We owe the people who went to war on our behalf a great debt of gratitude for fighting for freedom and democracy
We are so lucky they chose to take up the fight and we have what we have today because of it - stunning Waihi Beach amongst other things and what a glorious day for the armistace day remembrance.

We should never forget the efforts put in on our behalf - we will remember them!

Several couples decided today was the day to get married here at Waihi Beach - they will never forget their anniversaries and for them it could not have been scripted better in a great location.

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

Waihi Beach 30 minute Clean Up

2011-11-07T16:02:00.001+13:00

Jim the Jelly Fish

There is a new campaign running at Waihi Beach - 30 minute Clean up - every 2nd Sunday of the month starting Sunday November 13th @ 9.30am - meet in the Flat White Carpark 21 Shaw Rd Waihi Beach

The aim is to clean up and keep clean our beach and remove any debris and rubbish that is either dropped, left or tossed whilst out at sea. Bags and gloves provided. Jim the Jelly fish was created from some of the debris saved recently.

Refreshments are provided each month - if you want to contribute -
contact Jane Jolly - info@30minutecleanup.co.nz

What happens to the rubbish. The suitable rubbish is sorted and retained for a wearable arts/jewellery competition that you will hear about in the near future.

For more info http://www.30minutecleanup.co.nz/

For more info on Waihi Beach Lodge's sustainability check out www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/hosts.html

Fantastic Flowers from Waihi Beach florist

2011-11-02T15:15:00.001+13:00

Recently we had to organise some flowers for a guest who was having a birthday so we got in touch with Beach Blooms and they arranged delivery.The daughter of the guest arranged with us to have the flowers delivered on her mums birthday and it went down a treat

The flowers were stunning and typically New Zealand and the guest was over the moon.

If you want to find our more about honeymoon packages or any other special packages check out
www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/specials.html

RWC 2011 - guest comments

2011-10-25T16:56:00.000+13:00

We have had many comments via email since the RWC 2011 final from guests from all around the world.

From Germany "We’ve watched the great Game of the All Blacks against France a few minutes ago. Maybe we are a little bit European but we feel like Kiwis. Congratulations to all New Zealands for winning the world championship"

From Paris "Congratulations, this victory is so well deserved!! The All Blacks were not necessarily the best during this last game but they finally won because they globally deserved this cup"

I received a call this morning asking what the hell were the All Blacks doing cutting it so close - this was from an Australian who lives in the US - he had bets on with his mates and he was backing the All Blacks.I point was just enough.

Another from Paris "I was really happy that France and NZ were finalists of that Rugby World Cup.

And I'm so happy that the Blacks got that victory today!! They diserved it so much!!"

Just goes to show how the RWC was able to get folk all round the world thinking about New Zealand and they had all stayed with us at Waihi Beach over the last year or two - fantastic!

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

RWC 2011 Final

2011-10-23T12:02:00.003+13:00

Go The All Blacks

Nervously excited and quietly confident - can't wait for the game tonight!

Rena Oil Spill

2011-10-23T12:00:00.000+13:00

Image Mike Hill photography

Relieved that the spill is being contained at this stage and fortunate the spill is not heading our way.

Great to see that the rate of getting the oil off the boat has improved markedly.The salvos and experts are doing a great job in trying conditions.

Huge thanks to all the volunteers who have given up their time and expertise to date to help clear the beaches and the ocean/streams of oil.

Rena Oil Spill update

2011-10-18T11:06:00.000+13:00

check out www.waihibeachinfo.co.nz/waihi_beach_community_info.html for the latest update

Waihi Beach and Rena Oil Spill

2011-10-17T15:32:00.000+13:00

Yesterday along with approx 30 other Waihi Beach residents I went along to the Bowentown Boating Club to be trained as a volunteer in helping clean up the beach.

Following the Saturday meeting it was great to see action in getting prepared in case the oil heads our way.It is vital we keep our beach, our harbour pristine and free from oil.

For more information on the oil spill www.waihibeachinfo.co.nz/waihi_beach_community_info.html

RWC 2011 semi final win for the AB's v Australia

2011-10-17T10:51:00.000+13:00

A great win against the boys from across the ditch and done in style. The AB's forwards did the job upfront and the rest is history. The Aussie forwards spent a fair bit of time going backwards especially in scrums the more the game went on and some of the tackling was deadly - no tries scored against them.

We hear there may be a few RWC 2011 players and coaches from other countries in and around the beach for the next while as those who are no longer involved get some welll deserved R & R and they could not have come to a better place to do just that.

For more on what to see and do at the beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Rena Oil Spill update

2011-10-16T07:29:00.000+13:00

Went to a meeting yesterday in Waihi Beach to get the latest on the oil spill.
The head of Maritime NZ covered of how the grounding happened and where the oil was on the boat - hundreds of tons in about 5 different places and a real mission to get off the boat and totally weather dependent.Maritime NZ had done imaging to plot where the oil was likely to go and whew the weather and tide gods are smiling on us here at Waihi Beach.

Also at the meeting was a marine scientists from Waikato University who covered off the effects to bird life, the echo system and fish and shell fish.

Great to hear from both that the priority is oil, oil oil and getting it off the boat.

At Waihi Beach we are sooo lucky the currents and tides are taking the oil spill south towards Whakatane.Doesn't sound right saying we are lucky at some other regions expense - probably fortunate is a better word.

It was great to see at the meeting groups taking ownership - the coastguard, the local marae, the boating club all doing their bit to look after our beach and our waters watching for any signs of oil.

For more information on the oil spill www.waihibeachinfo.co.nz/waihi_beach_community_info.html

RWC Semi Final winners

2011-10-15T23:42:00.001+13:00

French guests @ Waihi Beach Francis and Anne Marie

Allez Les Bleu - not sure how tthe French made it but they are there in the RWC 2011 finals and they made it against gallant 14 Welsh players. Not sure if the French even knew Wales only had 14 - as at times they played like Wales had the same number as them - ( for probably 50 of the 60 minutes) but that is sport.

Hold your heads up high Wales - you did your country proud.

Kia Kaha Wales

Ka Kite Ano

Go the AB's v Australia

RWC 2011 - Semi Finals

2011-10-14T15:43:00.000+13:00

This weekend will see 4 teams become two with the winners going to the finals and the losers playing off for third and fourth.

Go the AB's - winning by 1 pt is enough but I am picking by 6 -10. I hope the Aussies are that sore from last week they will get even more battered by the AB's and struggle up front.

I am picking Wales to win the other semifinal with my head and my heart says France as we still owe France plenty from previous RWC's.

To date we have had guests from South Africa, Australia, England, Ireland & France and they have been high in their praise of New Zealand and Kiwis - so friendly and welcoming. Our guests last night were commenting how many South Sfrican supporters there are around - in their case in the same cafe as they too were South African supporters.

It is marvellous that all these supporters found their way to Waihi Beach to receive some real Kiwi hospitality.

Intriguing to that 3 of the 4 teams are coached by Kiwis & great that 1 has a connection to Waihi Beach.

The Rena grounding and Waihi Beach

2011-10-11T09:17:00.003+13:00

The Rena grounding at the Astrolab reef is a disaster for fishos and divers alike not to mention the communities up and down the BOP coast who are potentail recipients of the spilled oil that is starting to darken our coastal shores. The echological damage to the reef and the surrounding coast will not be able to be adequately measured with time being the only healer.

For locals who have time to lend a hand check out the webpage below for your options www.waihibeachinfo.co.nz/waihi_beach_community_info.html

Astrolabe reef is a favourite fishing spot of Ali - she caught a large kingfish there (65kg's) back in the day and has fished there many times with great memories of good fishing - will it ever be the same again? Will it ever recover?

What about the oil that is leaking onto our coastline - how are we placed to deal with that. If it reaches Waihi Beach do we have a plan to deal with it - I am not aware of a plan - I'd love to know what it is if there is one.

We all know what a paradise we have here at the beach and what we think of our marvellous coastline - lets hope we don't have to have to clean oil from our beaches this far north. You only need to look at the BP spill in the US and the damage done to the nearby coast, marine life,birds and fishing to get an idea of the scale potentially of what we have on our doorstep!

Bathurst V8's - Waihi Beach

2011-10-09T15:05:00.001+13:00

Great to see support for the famous race this weekend is alive and kicking here at Waihi Beach.

Our neighbour is a petrol head and obviously supports both camps - me I am Ford through and through.

RWC 2011 - rugby followers from around the world come to Waihi Beach

2011-10-05T17:52:00.001+13:00

Image Mike Hill photography

It is really pleasing to see so many rugby mad overseas visitors who have found their way to Waihi Beach on their way around New Zealand. Most visitors are one team or others supporters but there are some who have been to pool games of other teams just to get the atmosphere and vibe of RWC 2011.

What has been great to hear is the compliments about New Zealaners and about all the towns they have visited - comments like how friendly kiwis are and each town really gets into the spirit of the RWC - does not matter where you go.

To date at Waihi Beach lodge we have had French, Irish, English, Australian and South African supporters and most have also spent time in and around Waihi, Waihi Beach, the Karangahake gorge and up the Coromandel on a day trips. On the rainy Monday recently we had one couple who went to Waitomo and thoroughly enjoyed themselves doing the spellbound tour of Waitomo caves.Even though the weather was not so flash earlier in the week everyone checked out our beach and thought we were so lucky to be living here - we agreed.

One comment from many of the english was that our spring weather was better than the summers they have been getting over the last few years although whilst they have been over here they have had balmy 29 degrees in London.

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

Rugby Fans and RWC 2011

2011-09-27T16:39:00.000+13:00

We can learn a lot about how to be a fan from the French & the Irish.

This guy was passionate about his team even when they were not on the winning side of the score line during the game.

We have had French and Irish guests fo far - all very enthusiastic and passionate about their team. Their countries fans have contributed majorly to the great atmospheres at Eden Park and various venues. Take a look at the enthusiasm and passion that the Argentinians have for their team and you will see how we can learn to be great fans win, loose or draw and still have a beer or two after with the opposing fans.

To find out more about RWC 2011 accommodation at Waihi Beach Lodge http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

All Blacks v France Eden Park RWC 2011

2011-09-26T15:48:00.000+13:00

Scenes prematch at the All Blacks V France RWC 2011 match at Eden Park - the French really know how to get along and support their team. The costumes and the nationalistic pride was there for all to see - not sure where mickey mouse and superman fit in but hey they were happy

The atmosphere at the ground was special - you could feel the support from both the French and New Zealand supporters for their teams.

For more info on accommodation for RWC 2011 at Waihi Beach Lodge http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Waihi Beach

2011-09-22T17:50:00.000+12:00

Orakawa Bay

Great to see a fabulous shot of Waihi Beach in issue 36 page 14 of the Arrivals magazine - the guide to New Zealand. The image shows off Waihi Beach perfectly as a family relaxes on the beach while a youngster has a swing on a rope hung from a tree.

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

Waihi Beach & Honeymoons

2011-09-21T15:53:00.002+12:00

Image Mike Hill Photography

In the last few weeks we had more honeymooners - this time Indians from the UK - a match of London & Birmingham stoping off in NZ on their way to Bora Bora.The bride new nothing of where they were going on their honeymoon until the night before they left as it was a surprise and NZ was on their bucket list.

Not sure what it is about Waihi Beach but it must be a combination of the magical beach and the surrounding reas where there is plenty to see and do.These guys just loved the peacefulness of Waihi Beach and the sounds of the waves breaking on the shore

They also did a day trip up the Coromandel - up to Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove as well as looking at Whitianga, Onemana and Whangamata - the Hot Water Beach opportunity was from 6.30am - 10.30am so they left here at 7am to be there by 9and were amazed at what they experienced.

For more information on honeymoons at Waihi Beach check out www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/specials.html

Great Sporting weekend for New Zealand

2011-09-18T11:48:00.000+12:00

I minutes silence pre game for the Christchurch earthquake and the Tsunami in Japan

It has been a great sporting weekend in NZ. The All blacks beat Japan, The Warriors beat The Tigers and Ireland beat the Wallabies and Marina Erakovich is in her first tennis singles final on a global stage- what more could you ask for????

Both the RWC 2011 and the NRL finals make compelling watching with NZ teams doing well up to this stage.Fingers crossed for the Warriors against the Storm next week and the AB's as they progress forward through pool games - especially against France.

We have been to 2 RWC matches to date and the atmosphere has been amazing - everyone wearing some form of gear to show who they are supporting. Also interesting is the number of kids at each game considering there are no kids priced tickets and also fans from other countries/teams who want to watch the All Blacks play even if their own team is not playing.

For more info on RWC accommodation here at Waihi Beach - http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Waihi Beach - RWC 2011

2011-09-16T13:27:00.000+12:00

Marvellous to see Waihi Beach featuring on TV 1 last night as part of the hosting of the Welsh supporters in NZ while the Rugby World Cup is on. John and Kay Morgan - well done for putting up your fantastic property on the beach - lets hope we see plenty of the Welsh supporters in and around the village and any other countries supporters as well.

Great also to see some retailers getting into the spirit with their flags - it really adds to the feeling that we have a world cup happening right throughout the country not just in the big cities.

For more info on accommodation for RWC 2011 - http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Cone watch update

2011-09-15T09:19:00.000+12:00

After 3 or 4 days of really strong and persistent winds coming from the west the cones in the island view norfolk pines are still intact although the cone part way up has moved considerably around the tree.

For more information on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

RWC 2011 Opening

2011-09-12T23:41:00.000+12:00

Images from the opening ceremony for the RWC 2011 amd the opening game AB's v Tonga

Awesome opening ceremony and a game of two halves with great atmosphere.

For more info on accommodation for RWC 2011 http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

RWC 2011

2011-09-09T15:51:00.000+12:00

Off to the opening game of the RWC 2011 and really excited. This is my 3rd World Cup as I have been to the first one and the one in 2007 in France and Wales.

Was in Auckland yesterday for a meeting down in and around the Wynyard quarter down at the waterfront - it was buzzing and you could see things were starting to happen.

Looking forward to a great night

Go the AB's

For more on the RWC 2011 http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Sunshine coast critters and Waihi Beach

2011-09-05T17:47:00.000+12:00

Just back from 10 days on the Sunshine coast - great place to relax with some sun on your back. 22 /23 degree days and plenty of swimming - not in the ocean but in a semi heated pool - great all the same.

Running round while we were there were several critters we don't have here at Waihi Beach - thank heavens for that - a blue tongue lizzard and this was a small one. On previous visits we had seen much larger jurassic park like creatures and we kept right way from them - we were told they were harmless but we were totally unfamiliar with them and at first sight they looked a tad prehistoric

What many visitors to NZ and in turn Waihi Beach do not understand is we don't have anything in the wild that is likely to kill you - quite different from Oz where they have snakes and crocs to name a couple

Sunrise Beach Noosa & Waihi Beach

2011-08-31T11:50:00.000+12:00

Ali & I went to Sunrise beach, just round the point from Noosa itself, the other day to our favourite lookout spot to see if we could spot any whales that are normally around at this time of the year, No luck but we did see a couple of work ups - probabaly tuna or some thing similar not far off shore.

We heard an aussie talking to his mate on the phone telling him about the tuna work ups saying get the surf caster out but super man would have struggled to reach them - the closest work up was approx 500 metres from the shore - it was more like a kayak then a fish to us - but thats aussies for ya

Sunrise beach and Castaways beach are much like Waihi Beach - both are part of a long peninsula and in total look approx the same length. Both are white golden sandy beaches and have surf all year round - much like Waihi Beach,

For more information on Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz

The Warriors & The Australian media

2011-08-27T00:02:00.001+12:00

We are over in Australia at present and have seen several rugby league preview shows and you would not know the Warriors are in the top 4 let alone playing this weekend with any chance of a win. I know the aussies are one eyed but this is over the top and cynically I am not really surprized- NZ are World cup champions and Tri nation champions but it counts for jack with the aussies!

The Warriors are travelling under the radar and the longer the aussies neglect them the better= bigger fools them.

Great sporting weekend V Australia for the kiwi teams - go the AB's and go the Warriors

Waihi Beach and RWC 2011

2011-08-25T09:24:00.000+12:00

Now that the All Black team for RWC 2011 has been named it is important we get in beind our team and give them 100% support. They are our team and they represent us and need our support

With an estimated 95,000 visitors coming to New Zealand we need to show any of them that make to the beach our great kiwi hospitality and make them welcome - we have a special piece of paradise and we can showcase it to the visitors in the only way we lnow - the kiwi way.

We are likely to have guests from all participating countries having a look around our country so its a real chance to leave them with a positive memory that says you need to come back here as this place is special.

We have guests coming from Ireland , South Africa, France, UK and Australia that we know of and we'll be doing our best to make them feel welcome and we 'll show them some great beach hospitality.

For more information on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Waihi Beach - light catching the clouds

2011-08-23T11:25:00.000+12:00

Saw this the other night as the light really caught the clouds and set up a stunning sky - just part of the package when you live in our little piece of pardise here at Waihi Beach.

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

Oklahoma USA to Waihi Beach

2011-08-21T22:10:00.000+12:00

Orakawa Beach

Had some guests from Oklahoma USA over the weekend sharing our little piece of paradise here at Waihi Beach. He a hunter gatherer and she a health specialist looking to come,work and live in New Zealand.

They were impressed with New Zealand's scenery - the stunning coast we have, the quality of our food and here at Waihi Beach our magnificent beach with its many different types of shells and at night seeing all the different stars.

It was amazing to hear hunting stories of animals we only read about- mountain lions, grizzly bears, moose,pigs, elk, wapiti, squirrels and much more - they eat the lot and don't think twice about it.

I showed him our fishing torpedo - really captured his imagination and attention - never seen anything like it and was keen to hear how they worked.

They headed off this morning for Taupo and more New Zealand exploring

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

Mike Hill Photography & Waihi Beach

2011-08-18T17:21:00.000+12:00

photo credit Mike Hill

Great to see Mike Hill recognized for his efforts at the recent national photograhic awards in Rotorua. He is some photographer with an eye for a great shot.

If you have seen Mike in action he covers some mileage when working a wedding - trying to capture the moment without it being staged so it is very natural.

His shots do capture the moment - a couple of funny ones come to mind - his daughter Chilli captured with her head coming through the cat door - very Chilli, and another a shot of a brother and sister lying together with the brother having his finger up his sisters nose - typical brotherly thing to do and a great shot - not what was part of the original commission but came out amongst the shots taken.

Well done Mike & Andrea - a great asset to Waihi Beach!

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

Waihi Beach - winter kicks in- Sleet

2011-08-15T16:15:00.001+12:00

This arrived this afternoon at 1 30pm - sleet and ice particles flying through the air - initially thought it was hail but it looked nothing like hail and was a different shape. The grape vine tells me there was snow on the Kaimais this morning a well.

Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market & Winter

2011-08-15T08:44:00.000+12:00

The Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market continues through the winter on every second and fourth sundays of the month from 9am until mid day opposite the pub.

We are indebted to the stall holders who continue to support the market at the beach through winter. Despite icy cold winds, rain and sometimes wet underfoot conditions there are a core group that keep turning up - a big thank you to them.

Also a big thank you to the wider Waihi and Waihi Beach communities who support our produce market - we still need your support and please note we will be having the market weekly from Labour Weekend onwards.

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

Visitors to Waihi Beach

2011-08-13T07:41:00.000+12:00

photo supplied by Robyn Garth

Look what was seen lazing on Waihi Beach yesterday - just lazing in the sun - what a life.

Hopefully he/she was left alone to do whatever seals do

To find out more of what to do at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Waihi Beach - Technology

2011-08-12T10:47:00.000+12:00

I was speaking to Rus Holland our website guru and was mentioning about needing to convert an item on our website into a PDF as we don't have a PDF writer on our computer.He suggested to go to PDF995.com and it was a free down load.

I am computer literate a little and not a computer wiz but the download and application was so easy and now the articles on Waihi Beach on our activities webpage are in PDF - thanks Rus for the tip.

To read the articles on Waihi Beach from either the NZ Herald or the Sunday Star Times check out
www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Waihi Beach - a hidden jewel

2011-08-11T12:04:00.000+12:00

Photo Lisa Braun

Attached are the links to the recent article in the Sunday Star times on Waihi Beach
www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/documents/WaihiBeachpart1SundayStarTimesAugust2011.pdf
www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/documents/WaihiBeachPart2SundayStarTimesAugust2011.pdf

Nancy Wake - RIP

2011-08-09T15:23:00.000+12:00

All kiwis should take a moment to reflect on what life would have been like if it weren't for the efforts of Nancy Wake aka The White Mosuse during world war 2. Her courage and determination were second to none and her ability to function as a thorn in the side of the Germans under the harshest conditions really makes her efforts stand out as a real acts of heroism.She was the number one enemy of the Gestapo.

Not sure if there are any modern day heroes that would match up as what she did went over and above the call of duty. She hated what the Nazis were doing and helped the resistance and the many thousands who avoided capture owe their lives to her and the others who were part of the resistance.

Nancy Wake we salute you and are proud that you were a Kiwi

Eden Park ready for RWC 2011 and Waihi Beach

2011-08-09T08:54:00.000+12:00

For guests staying at Waihi Beach and going to Eden Park in Auckland for any of the RWC 2011 matches starting on September 9th let me assure you that, based on our experience on the weekend at the Bledisloe Cup game, getting into and out of the stadium is very easy and smooth. Additionally there were plenty of security and police stationed in and around the ground as well as lots of bods in the fluro jackets available to help stadium goers if required.

The stadium itself was awesome- the temporary stands looked imposing but fitted in with the other stands already there and the new main stand (the north stand) impressive.

We left the stadium very impressed with what we had seen and experienced and gave the ground a big pass mark.

For more information on Waihi Beach and the 2011 RWC http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Waihi Beach - a hidden jewel

2011-08-08T12:10:00.000+12:00

Great to see Waihi Beach getting some national publicity on the weekend through the Sunday Star Times Escape section. The article on the beach really hit the mark and the images really helped showcase Waihi Beach for what a great place it is.

Special thanks to Mike Hill for one of the images and Peter Levshin (a visiting guest) for the other - they really capture what the beach is about.

For more info on Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Waihi Beach - 1st guests from Luxembourg

2011-08-04T12:33:00.002+12:00

Waihi Beach has done it again - last night we had our first ever guests from Luxembourg. Did not really know much about the country or if it was a country - thought it was a city in Europe so got the fingers to do the walking and found a very small land locked country in Europe that has their own language -luxembourgish - this sounds a little like german but we were assured it is not.Their population is approx 500,000 and steel is the backbone of their economy.

Fancy them finding little old Waihi Beach - they loved looking at the sea - as they have to leave the country normally to see it - Spain is a favourite destination for the sun and the food.

Our guests loved our winter too - they can handle 14 degress above and prefer it to their own climate which can get snow and can be very cold.

For more info on how to find Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.html

Waihi Beach - 9kms of Beach

2011-08-02T18:14:00.000+12:00

Recently a group of us in tourism and hospitality at the beach hosted various media to showcase the beach and try to help build its profile.It was a very worthwhile exercise and reinforced what we thought - we have own our piece of paradise here at the beach.

It was both humbling and with a sense of pride that we showed the visitors around and heard their very positive comments.

For more info on what to see and do at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

The Porch Kitchen & Bar - Semi Finalists for 2011 Monteiths Wild Food & Beer

2011-07-30T09:52:00.002+12:00

Photo credit Peter Levshin

Congratulations to The Porch Kitchen & Bar for making the semi finalist in the 2011 Monteiths Wild Food & Beer challenge. Top effort Riaan, Carla and your team at the Porch.

It is, great for the Porch and Waihi Beach and it shows real consistency in the quality of food provided. We are very lucky here at Waihi Beach with the options available and the quality of what we have to offer from all our eateries.

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

Waihi Beach and honeymooners

2011-07-29T18:02:00.001+12:00

Orakawa Bay

Waihi Beach has done it again - last night we had honeymooners from Madrid ,Spain on their way back to Auckland and then on to Sydney Australia -then home.We knew we had a booking but it was not until we spoke to the young couple did we realize they were on their honeymoon

There is something magic about the beach that attracts guests/couples and it works its wonderful magic spell - these guys will be back - only sorry they had one night in their 3 week New Zealand stay.

For more info on honeymoons www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/specials.html

Waihi Beach - and nature

2011-07-27T18:31:00.000+12:00

If we ever needed an example of nature doing its thing the above images show sand having been taken away from the Mako Rd entrance. You used to walk down the sand to the beach but now the entrance strainers are just hanging there with a 3 to 4 foot drop on to the beach and this is not just at the entrance but quite away along the beach on both sides of the entrance so probably thousands of metres of sand disappearing and in a month or two it will be back.

You can't beat nature and it will be doing it's thing long after we are gone.

Still our guests last night really appreciated the beach and what it had to offer for their evening and morning walks. We have a pretty special beach and we were pleased to be able to share it with our guests from the US

Waihi Beach - publicity in NZ Herald on the weekend

2011-07-26T16:42:00.000+12:00

Photo credit - Mike Hill Photography

It has started to work already - some businesses at the beach have had a booking already following the weekends article in the NZ Herald's The Weekender and it has only been a few days - just shows what good publicity can do.

For those who have not seen the article check out

www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10740184

Waihi Beach - is not Waihi

2011-07-23T13:06:00.001+12:00

Great article today in the NZ Herald - The Weekender on Waihi Beach - pity about the title - the article is on Waihi Beach but the title says Waihi.

www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10740184

Waihi Beach Island view Cone watch

2011-07-22T17:07:00.000+12:00

After a couple of recent days of strong winds and rain I can report that the top cone is still in place - relatively un moved.

But the other cone has been really blown about and is lucky to be still up the tree as it has been blown from side to side

Op Shop Ball feedback

2011-07-21T12:19:00.000+12:00

We are looking for feedback on the 2011 Op Shop Ball held recently.

Your thoughts on everything from the hall, theme, band, supper, bar prices and offerings, photos, ball ticket prices etc

We are happy to take constructive ideas or suggestions back to the committee.

To find out more about activities at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Rubbish at Waihi Beach

2011-07-19T16:29:00.000+12:00

Its holiday time again and we have already rubbish in a green bag left at the bin adjacent to the beach entrance at Mako Rd. It is the repsonsibility of the homeowners, who rent out their home, and the visitors who rent, to ensure rubbish goes out on the right day and gets collected.

What happens next is a dog will get at the rubbish and get blamed for the mess - sorry but it ain't the dogs fault as it should never have been there in the first place.

Come on people - if we all take responsibility for our own rubbish the beach will look pristine!

The Porch Kitchen & Bar - Finalists for 2011 Monteiths Wild Food & Beer

2011-07-17T10:47:00.001+12:00

Congratulation to the Porch Kitchen & Bar at Waihi Beach for again being finalists for 2011 Monteiths Wild Food & Beer challenge. Great work and consistency shown here as this is the third year in a row as finalists for the whole of New Zealand.

Fingers crossed as defending champions you can defend your title.
For more info on cafes at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Hauraki Rail trail

2011-07-12T14:46:00.000+12:00

It is pleasing to see the Hauraki Rail Trail progressing with stage 1 and on target to open later this year hopefully in time for RWC 2011. Regardless of when the trail opens it will be a great asset to the Southern Coromandel region including Waihi Beach.It will also add to the shoulder season as clients can ride pretty much all year round but the ideal times will probably be from September to May.
In what we have learned so far stage 1 is a 2 day ride and stage 2 will add a 3rd day to the ride.The trail can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi or Te Aroha - watch this space for more details.

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

Waihi Beach Op Shop Ball - the good & the bad

2011-07-11T08:50:00.000+12:00

One of the many great paintings at the

Op Shop Ball 2011

The 2011 Op Shop Ball was a resounding succeess with special mention to the team who helped make the night the success it was. The months of meticulous planning, set up, the night itself and the clean up were all a great compliment to the team involved - great effort and thanks to the wider Waihi Beach Community for your support.

A couple of not so good items - would the person who took the fan from the balinese chill out area please return it as we need to give it back to the owner who loaned it to us for the night otherwise we need to replace it at a cost of over $100.00 and thats much needed funds not going to Christchurch. Would the low life that smashed a windscreen of a car parked over behind the school front up and replace it for the car owner - you know who you are. In both cases you wonder where people get off pulling these stunts because they aren't funny let alone responsible and someone else always suffers.

We are not going to let a few dumb stunts ruin what was an outstanding night - roll on 2012

Waihi Beach - Op Shop Ball 2011

2011-07-10T22:55:00.000+12:00

We had a wonderful occassion in Waihi Beach last night in the major local fundraiser for the Christchurch earthquake relief fund. The Waihi Beach Community centre was fantastically well decorated by the Op Shop ball creative team and was a site to behold. The layout was spectacular and colourful and not a stone was left unturned to make the night special for Waihi Beach.

The international theme for the ball was well picked up by all the attendees , young and old, who got into the spirit and came in their outfits/frocks/team uniforms/regailia - just an eglectic mix of colour and fun.

The Tim Armstrong band were just the ticket - as soon as they started playing the dance floor was full and crowded and their play list had most on the dance floor at some stage during the night and some all night.

Thanks to all those who helped in the set up prior to and the clean up today.

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

Op Shop Ball 2011 - Waihi Beach creativity

2011-07-09T13:17:00.000+12:00

We are blessed with creative women at the beach and this years Op Shop Ball is a prime example of their capabilities. With only hours to go before the ball starts the finishing touches are being applied and the hall looks a million dollars with an eglectic mix of colour and creativity - well done to all.

The Blues - semifinal 1 game too many

2011-07-07T09:11:00.000+12:00

I have to admit that the last weekends game against the Reds in Brisbane was1 game to many for the Blues. The best team by far on the night was the Reds and the Blues whilst they tried hard, especially in the forwards, were beaten all over the park.

The Reds back play was great to watchas the ball did the work and players were put into space.Contrast that to the Blues backs who looked like they had never met before and only assembled in the car park before the game - poor passing behind or at the man instead of infront of the man was a constant killer as was the lack of imagination in finding gaps to run into - the Reds had no problem with either.

For us few Blues supporters at the beach it has been a better year than in the past but there are still huge question marks over positions 8,9,10, 12,and 13.

Lets all get behind the Crusaders this weekend.

Waihi Beach - Great Cafes

2011-06-30T22:45:00.001+12:00

It is pleasing to see The Porch Kitchen & Bar entering the Monteiths Wild Food & Beer competition once again with their Peter Rabbit dish. From all reports the dish is quite something and will once again be right up there with the best dishes on offer from cafes around the country.

We are spoilt at the beach with very good cafes - The Flat White, Hot Pipi, Bryde at the Waihi Beach Hotel, The Deli, Cactus Jacks and The Porch do us all proud and thats not to mention the dining at both Gunners View restaurant at the RSA and the Sparkling Waters restaurant at the Bowentown Sportsfishing & Boating Club - and the newest arrival -the Waihi Beach Surf Club bar at the Waihi Beach Surf Club Also we have takeaways at the Wilson Rd Fish shop as well as the Indian takeaways across the road in WIlson Rd. This all adds up to great news for locals and visitors alike as they are spoilt for choice for meals..

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

Waihi Beach Surf Club - Winners

2011-06-29T16:39:00.000+12:00

Congratulations to the Waihi Beach Surf Club on winning 2011Trust Power Western BOP District Council Community Awards Sports & Leisure section.

Fantastic news for the surf club who every year do a great job in the community keeping Waihi Beach safe for swimmers and surfers alike.

Also worth noting too that the surf club bar and cafe will be open in winter Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4pm and they now have a big screen so visitors can catch the major sports matches live. Bar food will be available and families are welcome.

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

Waihi Beach - early morning June sunrise

2011-06-28T16:19:00.001+12:00

I have been getting up early recently I have seen some stunning sunrises - unfortunately my phone does not do them justice but you get the idea.

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

Waihi Beach - clean & green

2011-06-26T07:52:00.000+12:00

Image from Peter Levshin

Guests recently from California USA commented on how clean New Zealand and Waihi Beach was compared to the USA. They also noted how green everything was.

We explained our local climate and that it can get very dry but it depends on what you are comparing it to. They were comparing it to California USA where in summer it can get really dry and brown

As for the clean - my own thoughts were not the same as theirs. I cringe at the beach here when I see rubbish dumped on the side of the road or rubbish bags left on the roadside and rubbish day has been and gone. The sides of the road are often littered with rubbish tossed out of cars and now somone else has to pick it up to make it look clean - very frustrating and not a good look for the general perception of Waihi Beach being a clean & tidy town.

We all need to take responsibility for our own rubbish to contibute to the bigger picture.

The Blues win ugly

2011-06-25T12:22:00.000+12:00

Great to have the Blues winning in the sudden death game against the Warratahs last night but in true knock out rugby they won ugly. The forwards did well and in the second half starved the Warraths of the ball and any territory. The backs looked like they had never met beore let alone trained together and the performance was the same. The first half flattered the Blues due to poor tackling and they dodged several bullets.

Lets hope they can get their stuff together before next week. My pick is this is as far as they will go as both the Reds and the Stormers are better disciplined as are the Crusaders.

For the next week though the few Blues supporters at the beach can savour a season when their team has delivered results much better than in the last few years and more often.

Waihi Beach Community Centre

2011-06-16T10:15:00.000+12:00

Image courtesy of Mike Hill photography

It is great to see the Waihi Beach Community Centre being put to good use with benefits to the wider community.

Recently the Arty Bras show and the Waihi Beach Art & Craft fair were held there each raising funds for charity - Arty Bras for Waihi Plunket and The Art & Craft Fair for the Fred Hollows Foundation.

The upcoming Op Shop Ball will also be at the Waihi Beach Community Centre with the proceeds going to the Christchurch Earthquake relief fund. Not sure yet which fund specifically as we are asking for direction from the mayors office in Christchurch.We want to funds to go where they are needed the most and not lost tied up in administration costs.

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

The Hauraki Cycle Trail & Waihi Beach

2011-06-10T09:54:00.000+12:00

It is great to see that the Hauraki Cycle Trail is finally underway as it will benefit the surrounding community in may ways.

It will create jobs in the construction of the cycle way
It will create opportunities for local businesses
It will show case the area to the many visitors
It will bring additional $ into the surrounding areas from tourists using the cycle trail
It will add to the shoulder seasons for tourist operators

Part of it will be completed by the start of the RWC 2011 when we will have many new visitors to our piece of paradise here in the Southern Coromandel.
I hope the folk in the Waihi Beach to Omokoroa area take note and see what is happening and what opportunities that will be evident. It is my understanding the Bay of Plenty Cycle Trail is only going to be viable initially from Omokora to Tauranga and further north the various land owners where the cycle trail was proposed have supported the cycle trail in principle but " just not on my land". Hopefully the wise will intervene and change the cycle route as it will benefit many - just look what's happened in Central Otago

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

The Blues / The Chiefs and Waihi Beach

2011-06-09T11:58:00.000+12:00

I have to say to the local Chiefs supporters well done for the win over the Blues last week in Auckland. My team the Blues really have not fired a shot in the last month and while they have accumulated points enough to be at the top of the NZ pool they do not look anything like a team who could win the competition.

Ther next few weeks will be interesting as there are some local derby's that will determine finishing places in the final wash up for each pool.Fingers crossed that the Blues deliver against the Crusaders

The few Blues supporters at Waihi Beach will be hoping that actions match the talk coming out of the Blues camp and the team delivers on the park for 80 minutes and not for just 20 or 40

To the Chiefs good luck with your game against the Hurricanes - my have they had their problems this week and not all kept in house.

Contrasting sunrises at Waihi Beach

2011-06-03T09:39:00.000+12:00

Just a couple of sunrises a day a part to show the contrast of sky views early in the morning.

Waihi Beach and it stunning beauty

2011-06-02T11:56:00.001+12:00

Sergio the Italian photographer made a very nice comment when we were down on the beach torpedo fishing -" you are very rich living here- what more would you want waking up to this everyday"

We probably take it for granted as it's on our doorstep and out our front windows but he is right. We had a stunning morning on the beach and the sea had hardly a ripple and there was hardly anyone on the beach.

He was able to make the comment as he has been to places recently that are war torn , Libya, Afganistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran and the list goes on.He has seen beautiful places turned into rubble with no end in sight to the on going destruction.

To find out more about Waihi Beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Waihi Beach & RWC 2011

2011-06-01T16:54:00.000+12:00

We had the opportunity to host a visiting Italian photographer Sergio Ramazzotti covering off stories for Tourism New Zealand yesterday and this morning. He has done 3 stories - The Whaka carver up in Doubtless Bay, Art Deco in Hawkes Bay and the Black Ferns.

He was here at Waihi Beach to shoot some more images for the Black Ferns story by showing images of kiwis playing rugby at grass roots level and so off we went to watch Waihi Athletic train last night up in Waihi. He snapped his shots from almost anywhere and after an hour or so he was done saying he had what he needed.

His last shot was of a young guy leaving training in his bare feet with his training bag over his shoulder heading home - he thought that was priceless. I had to explain to him about kiwi kids growing up always being in bare feet more so in summer and when it rains

This morning around 7 ish we went torpedo fishing off the beach and luckily we were able to have fresh fish for a late breakfast as a kawhai took one for the team and became our only success.

For more on RWC 2011 and Waihi Beach Lodge www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

RWC 2011 and Waihi Beach

2011-05-31T11:48:00.000+12:00

Tonight we are hosting a photographer from Italy who is out here to take photos to use in publicity for the coming RWC 2011. The plan is to take him up to the Waihi Athletic Rugby club in Waihi and let him loose with his camera. I have no idea what will come of this but hopefully it will offer readers an insight into the kiwi national game, the kiwis who play it and kiwis in general.

His brief is to show readers a story about rugby in New Zealand through images.These images will relased throughout Europe in many publications to show what can be seen and done in between games in the coming RWC 2011.

In Waihi he will watch the guys train and get up a real close view of how rural kiwis do their rugby thing and as they say "a picture tells a thousand words."

If you want more information on the RWC 2011 at Waihi Beach check out www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Romance at Waihi Beach

2011-05-25T18:12:00.001+12:00

Image courtesy of Mike Hill Photography

Not sure what it is about Waihi Beach - must be something about the beach air - there has just been another engagement at Waihi Beach Lodge. That is not the first engagement we've had at the lodge ( probably the fourth or fifth) and the action all seems to happen down on the beach.

Zac & Clare from Queenstown confirmed their news after Zac proposed and she said "yes" down on the beach under the stars last night - fantastic news

Congratulations to Zac & Clare - we wish them well for the future

To find out more about honeymoons at Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/specials.html

Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market

2011-05-23T16:23:00.000+12:00

The Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market is now operating on every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month instead of weekly opposite the pub in WIlson Rd.This is due to weather, lack of stall holders and buyers alike as well as lack of produce.

Yesterday I wandered down to the market on a stunning autumn day and there were 15 or so stall holders and a reasonable number of buyers looking for their weekly fresh produce. A welcome addition yesterday was the stall with fresh fish - Kawahai and Mullet - we bought a fat Kawhai less than 24 hours old - half was headed for the smoker with the other half being turned into fish cakes - bloody beautiful.

To find out more about the Waihi Beach Fresh Produce Market www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

Birdlife & Rats - Waihi Beach & Great Barrier

2011-05-21T12:38:00.001+12:00

Several things really stick in my mind from our trip to Great Barrier - the real beauty, the overall size, the isolation, the dependence on alternate power sources, the stunning beaches, the friendliness of the locals,the total dependence on boats, planes and the weather to get to and from the island - its not always in your favour when you want to get places and by certain times

But the one thing that struck us as odd was the lack of bird life in the bush. The bush is thick and dense and they are possum free but we had a walk for an hour or so one day and saw or heard only 3 or 4 birds. We heard they have a rat problem and it's not a small problem. One cafe owner from Motu Cafe told us he was getting at least 1 rat every 2 days but since he really go onto the problem the bird life around his property had really flourished to the point that he had a bell bird come and visit every day and this year now it now had a mate.

You could see in the bush the effect of no possums - the lower fauna and the smaller trees really thrived and it got me wondering about the birds. The cafe owner and his wife do a lot of conservation work for DOC and explained that they look after a couple of islands close by and they were doing all they could to stop the spread of rats to those islands as rats were swimmers and they had a lot at stake.

Having just been for a ride down our coastal cycle track here at the beach I saw more birds in 2 minutes than I saw on the whole weekend at the Barrier- tuis singing, wax eyes, fantails, quail and pheasants all doing their thing - makes you realize how lucky we are here on the mainland and particularly here at Waihi Beach. To find ourt more about Waihi beach http://www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/

Cone watch

2011-05-20T16:05:00.000+12:00

Just an update on the cone above - it has shifted in the last few days and is in danger of falling down completely - not sure how or why but it is not secure like the one atop the tree further along the road.

As a suggestion whoever put it up there some remedial work is required to stabilize the cone - who ever you are I just thought you would want to know.

Passing visitor

2011-05-18T14:28:00.000+12:00

Late last night we had an unwanted & passing visitor at the lodge. We are not sure who it was as all we heard was this loud bang - like a big shunt really. Ali & I rushed outside to se what had happened - we thought may be a car had hit something and we may have been able to help - what we found was amazing with trees and branches everywhere.

Someone had come inside the power pole in picture 1, hit the fence a couple of times and taken out trees and bush etc along the way in picture 2 and last but not least taken out the Mako road sign and carried on
down Seaforth Rd - sorry it should be grass verge - and narrowly missing the power pole a house away.To come inside the power pole when you are sober would be a big ask and you would need a small car!

The driver is very lucky to be alive( we are assuming he/she may have been a little under the weather) and not injured - again a bit of a leap of faith but we don't know so we are giving them the benefit of the doubt - we know the car will be badly scratched and missing an indicator light and who knows what else!

To find out where Waihi Beach Lodge really is www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/map.html

Paeroa to Waihi cycle trail

2011-05-17T15:18:00.000+12:00

It is pleasing to see the Paeroa toWaihi cycle trail getting underway and those key players involved - the various land owners all in agreement so the cycle trail can proceed.

Also I would compliment the project team for going and looking at one that really works - The Central Otago Rail Trail - set the benchmark high and measure your self against the best - top marks - I can't wait to see the project completed and opened - may be part of it in time for the RWC 2011.

The cycle trail will be great for tourists as it will potentially give them more to do and their stay will be longer in our Southern Coromandel region. The cycle trail will also compliment the stunning walks in the Karangahake gorge as well as the various walks in and around Waihi and Waihi Beach.

For more activities to do in and around Waihi & Waihi Beach www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

RWC 2011

2011-05-16T11:41:00.000+12:00

Image supplied by Mike Hill Photography

It is interesting to read in todays NZ Herald the piece by rugby writer Peter Bills on the costs in the UK for tourists coming to the UK.

In the piece he writes that businesses in the UK are grossly over priced for everything from attractions to hotel accommodation and wine and he apologises for giving the impression that New Zealand was over priced. Compared to the UK, New Zealand would not hold a candle to the everyday overpricing he has seen.

What I think many businesses fail to grasp - wether you are charging $100.00 or $1,000.00 you need to offer great value for money so the client leaves wanting to come back and will refer business your way. To do the reverse is criminal and bad for not only individual businesses but the industry and the country as a whole.

For kiwis, unless you are earning pounds or euros, the UK has always been expensive as we are paying for our trip with NZ dollars and we currently pay approx 2 to 1 or previously 3 to 1 for our accommodation, meals, fuel and attractions etc

For the RWC 2011 the task for all in the tourism & hospitality industry in New Zealand is to host guests and give them such a great time that they want to return and they will be telling their families and friends about us and we will get the benefits over the coming years ala the Lord of the Rings. The benefits we have recieved in tourism from that trilogy can not be understated - we had guests from the UK recently and on their wish list was a trip to Hobitton over near Matamata. How many years ago did the last of the trilogy come out???

For more information on RWC 2011 and Waihi Beach Lodge www.waihibeachlodge.co.nz/activities.html

The Cones

2011-05-14T11:53:00.000+12:00

Just a note to give progress on the cones resident in Island view here at the beach - the one above has withstood all the elements have thrown and still sits proudly on top. Strong winds and rain seem not to matter as the cone sit atop the tree proud as ever.

Waihi Beach & The Barrier

2011-05-12T12:24:00.000+12:00

Recently there has been talk about replacing/upgrading the library in Waihi - this is how they get by on the Barrier and get by they do. At Waihi Beach we have a very good library and it would be 4 or 5 times the size of the one above and it appears to be very well used.

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