Attractions
Local Pacific Ocean Beaches
Kuaotunu Beach
Just 100 metres from the lodge a beautiful sandy beach with lovely sea shells. Safe swimming and if there is a swell running there will be some good boogie boarding and surfing. Kayak along the river from the lodge to the beach and explore or play in the waves.
Greys Beach
Also known as Kuaotunu west one kilometre walk from the lodge along Kuaotunu Beach. Some nice rocks at the western end.
Rings Beach
Three kilometres West of Kuaotunu on Bluff Road. Nice walk or cycle ride. Sandy beach with a secluded feeling.
Matarangi
Further West is Matarangi a seaside development some call suburbia by the sea - only 10 mins flying time from Auckland!! Delightful long sandy beach with excellent swimming and boogie boarding or surfing. There is an excellent harbour (Whangapoua) which is good for shellfish at low tide.
Whangapoua
15 Kilometres west of Kuaotunu another lovely sandy beach. To the eastern end Opera Point reserve is a nice walk and fishing spot. The western end provides access to New Chums Bay.
New Chums Bay
Just 25 minute walk from north west end of Whangapoua beach is this pristine bay with native bush down to the beach and no buildings. The English Observer newspaper listed New Chums in the top 20 secluded beaches in the world - we think it should be number One!! Highly recommended with interesting rocks - volcanic “columnar jointing” at the southern end.
Otama Bay
Two kilometres over Black Jack road or by kayak from Kuaotunu each. Very secluded fine white sand beach with wetland area behind for native birds.
Opito Bay
Five kilometres over Black Jack road a beautiful bay. Great views from the road above the bay. Expensive real estate. Good walks along the beach in either direction.
Matapaua
A small bay two kilometres from Opito Bay. Quiet with some nice rocks and good fishing.
Mercury Bay
Whitianga and Mercury Bay has a variety of attractions including beaches, restuarants, fishing charters, cinema, supermarket. Click here for Destination Mercury Bay website.
The Lost Spring
Lovely natural hot water springs in Whitianga. Click here for more information.
Hot Water Beach
Accessible ate low tide only the famous Hot Water Beach is approximatel 45 minute drive from Kuaotunu. Black Jack Lodge have spades to help with your hole digging. Note the beach can get very busy at times.
Cathedral Cove
Another famous attraction the DOC reserve great rock forms and beautiful beaches. Click here for more information.
Coromandel Town
Just 30 minutes west of Kuaotunu is the lovely old town of Coromandel. Like most of the Coromandel the town was orginally settled by gold miners, and the Kauri loggers and later farming. See the Cormandel Town Web Site and visit the wonderful Driving Creek railway.
Walks
We recommend walking along any of the beautiful local beaches. In particular Matarangi, Otama and Opito are long beaches which would each take about an hour to walk one way. In addition there are the following walks are nearby:
Short 15 minute walk along the headland in front of Black Jack Lodge. See the environs page for more information.
The Otama loop track is located about 1 kilometre along Waitaia Road which is off the main road about 1 kilometre from the lodge. The track runs through regenerating coastal bush in an area that was extensively mined and logged in the past. It takes about 45 minute (although the sign says 2 hours!)
Located at the southern end of Whangapoua beach is the Opera Point walk. The Ruakawa pa site on Opera Point Historic Reserve offers excellent coastal views. The walking track follows an old tramway from the carpark to a pleasant beach and the site of Craig’s saw mill, built in 1862. About 30 minutes return.
Kaipawa Trig track is located at the top of the hill between here and Coromandel – about 20 minutes drive. The track goes through regenerating bush to a trig with good views. About three hours return.
There are lots of other walks on the Coromandel peninsula. See the DOC (Department of Conservation) web site for more information on treks in the area.
