Take it easy at this unique getaway.
You will find "The Rock" a 30-minute drive from Coromandel Town, passing over the spine of the peninsula , down to Kennedy Bay, and then on to Tuateawa. The home has breathtaking views over the Mercury Islands and out to the Pacific. This house sits among other holiday homes and residences in Tuateawa, on the Eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The house sits alone on the property, with other neighbors being tucked away within the surrounding wilderness.
The House.
The house itself has some similarity to the look of the miners' cottages of last century, perched high above the sea, over a carpet of native forest. There are 2 self-contained bedrooms, a living room with a kitchen at one end with a central dining area leading to the lounge. This all opens onto a deck for dining outdoors or simply relaxing whilst taking in the views. The bathroom has a shower over a bath (water restrictions preclude baths), with a toilet and hand basin, along with a small laundry with a washing machine and tub. The spaces are comfortable and lead out onto a decks that are partially covered and sheltered. The area of lawn above the house is available for deck chairs and sun lounges and is the perfect afternoon spot.
The Sleepout.
The Sleepout is available for the fifth member of a Group of 5. There is a single bed within the space, a cabin set in it's own area of the garden, a short walk from the house. This roomy studio space has a wonderful cosey and casual feel, and is popular with teenagers and older guests alike. The Sleepout is connected to Wi Fi and has 2 workstations and shelving, with a sea view . Suitable for those who don't mind "roughing it a bit" as guests staying in the Sleepout must return to the house for all amenities.
Boat Parking.
Secure gated and grassed area for kayaks , jet skis and motor boats to be parked. An area for preparing your day on the water. Please note: No fresh water wash down or motor flushing can be offered due to water restrictions over summer months.
Habitat Tuateawa.
The local habitat hosts rare Kiwi, Kaka, and Bellbird, with the more common native birds Tui, Kereru, Wax eye, Piwakawaka , Grey Warbler, Ruru, Pukeko, Kahu, Grey Heron and quite a number of imports , with families of Quail everywhere! The morning chorus is quite something!
The best swimming beaches are Little Bay and Waikawau Bay, about a 6 Kms drive north. Pack a lunch and your towels and spend the day there. Kennedy Bay is about 8 kms away in the other direction and is a great place to beach launch a boat. The ramp at Tuateawa stream is not easy! There is a fish filleting table and cleaning station provided a short walk away, in a lower garden location on the property.
The highly acclaimed Tuateawa Nikau Grove Walk (one of Coromandel's top 10 walks) starts just up the road from the house and descends down to a magnificently wild coastline with boulder beaches and wonderful views north to Great Barrier, Cuvier, and the Mercury Islands. You are definitely on a Pacific coastal beach, with big swells and power. It takes about 45 minutes to return to the house and due to the large number of steps, over 90, it is considered by most to be a 'serious' sort of workout. It's a track that has everything. You may be lucky enough to be there when Dolphin and Orca are also visiting.
Stay for 3 nights.
So many guests write in their reviews that they wished they had stayed longer. In order to let yourselves immerse in the rhythms of nature , you need time. Just saying........
Supplies.
Should you be staying for an extended period of time the circular trip via Colville and then Coromandel (to restock the pantry) will take you about 3 hours, so planning your supplies ahead of time and for the duration of your stay is the best strategy. Once you leave Coromandel there are no further supply outlets, except Colville.
Important note regarding Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi is available via STARLINK , with free 20GB's per stay. Guests can purchase more data at the rate of $10 /10GB by arrangement with the host. Alternatively guests can hot spot their own mobile data.
Guest access
There is self-entry via a lock box and the entry code will be given to you just prior to your arrival day. A local resident is at hand to help with any queries that may arise whilst you are there, and her contact details will be given to you.
Getting there.
The roads to Tuateawa are in good condition, and you will be on a mix of sealed roads and gravel. Taking the Kennedy Bay turnoff just past Coromandel, you will begin the climb up and over the backbone of Coromandel Peninsula. This road is about 95% sealed to the topmost point where there is a rest area with panoramic views east and west. The descent is about 70% unsealed until you pass Kennedy Bay, then unsealed as you cross over to Tuateawa. The total passage is 19 kms long and takes approximately 30 minutes. Driving Creek Railway, which you pass soon after you leave Coromandel Town, is a one of Coromandel's "must see" destinations and the day trip on the rail track is highly recommended.
Take the alternative route out of Coromandel via Colville and past Waikawau Bay and Little Bay if there is heavy rain. This route is slightly longer but far less of an incline over the top and the roads are better. The cafe 'The Hereford and a Pickle' in Colville is well worth a visit, and the local cuts of meat perfect for the BBQ.
Fire and Water
Water conservation and fire prevention are the two most important concerns all guests can help with. Please use fresh water sparingly as it is harvested from rainwater, off the roof. It is filtered and UV treated so it is very clear and drinkable.
Fire is the major concern because of Tuateawa's location and distance to a fire appliance, so please care for 'The Rock' , particularly with everything related to fire.
