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