Adventures under the sun in Bay of Plenty

Published date29 June 2021
Publication titleEnsign, The
Adsventures under the subIt might be a less-than charming comparison, but I liken myself to a lizard; I thrive in a warmer climate.

Being Southland-based, with only a very small chance of an island getaway anytime soon, the opportunity to spend five days in the Bay of Plenty was very much welcome.

A mere 6km from the city, I exited the terminal, found my rental car and began the short trip to my hotel, Trinity Wharf, my home away from home for the next two nights.

As it was close to town, I walked to the city centre for dinner.

Macau Restaurant specialises in mouthwatering sharing plates. I sampled a few and was impressed. I spent the rest of the evening exploring the city centre; I could sense another holiday in the making as I wondered how it would be during next month’s National Jazz Festival.

An early start was in store for me the next day, and I travelled north to Waihi Beach. While the journey was not a long one, I wanted to ensure there was enough time to explore the towns along the way — and there are some gems. Coffee was a high priority, so a quick detour from State Highway 2 to Te Puna Deli fixed my craving.

Although small, the deli does not disappoint. Fresh and fragrant produce is piled on a centre table, while baked goods complement its aroma. Onward and upward, my next stop was for a quick pie in Katikati where a planned five-minute break turned into an hour’s exploration, as I was captivated by the obvious pride the community had for its home.

The small town’s history is displayed in the large and numerous pieces of art, as well in The Arts Junction. Here you can find the Carlton Gallery, the Katikati Visitor Information Centre and the Junction Theatre; all well worth a visit.

Rolling waves and a long stretch of sandy beach awaited me at Waihi. I drove to the northern end of the township, where I began a rewarding walk to Orokawa Bay. Spectacular scenery throughout and great fishing opportunities await, while the 45-minute (one-way) walk takes you through the scenic reserve’s native bush. The track winds around the edge of the coast, offering glimpses of an azure Pacific Ocean.

At the end, I kicked off my shoes and rested on the sandy beach. Working up an appetite again, I made my way back to the car and drove through the village to have lunch at Flatwhite restaurant. A beachfront delight, the restaurant sits almost on the sand. Keeping with the marine theme, I chose fish tacos for my meal. Beautiful.

I spoke with the co-owner of the...

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