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