Activities

There's bush walking, fishing, surfing, golf, tennis, stargazing, arts and crafts, cafes, kayaking, paddle boarding or just simply relaxing in one the world's truly spectacular places.

Walks

Walkers can easily walk for miles here.
Here are three of the many walks on offer in the area.

Rings Beach Track

A  4.7km – 2 ½ – 3 hour bush walk starts right at the back door of
Kaeppeli's B&B,  in the Matarangi Reserve. A large conservation block of some 267 hectares, in mainly regenerating bush with a large area of more recent plantings of  kauri by Kauri2000, of which Jill is a Trustee. The Rings Beach Wetland project  have also planted other native species to enhance the wetland spanning 4.5Ha, which is home to the  endangered fernbird.
This walk provides spectacular views over Matarangi, Whangapoua, Kuaotunu and into the ranges beyond.

New Chum Beach - Wainuiototo

Consistently voted one of the best beaches in New Zealand, New Chum is a gem that is only accessible on foot at low tide. To get there  from the north end of Whangapoua beach, cross the stream to begin your walk along the rocky shoreline and over the headland. The 1km long Wainuiototo Bay, or New Chum Beach, is approximately 30-40 mins walk via the Mangakahia Dr track over the saddle through spectacular nikau forest and huge Pohutukawa.
Whangapoua is 15minutes drive from Kaeppeli's B&B.

Waitaia Loop Track

The Waitaia loop track runs through a regenerating coastal forest that was once extensively logged and mined. It is now a quiet haven for birds and part of the Project Kiwi Kuaotunu Kiwi Sanctuary. This walk is classed as an easy walking track, but some parts can be a bit difficult with steep steps. It is about 2km long and will take you about 1.5 - 2 hours maximum.

Beaches

We are really spoilt for choices of clean white sandy safe beaches around Kuaotunu. Each one with it's own uniqueness,  all very beautiful.

Kuaotunu Beach
Both the east and west side of Kuaotunu are great for swimming in between is the boat ramp and rocky outcrop which are wonderful for exploring the rock pools.

click for a larger viewOtama
Follow the Black Jack Road over the hill to Otama Beach. A pristine long white,  sandy beach, where the sand squeaks as you walk along it. It is protected by natural dunes separating it from the road with little development seen from the beach. Large pohutukawa provide shade at the far end of the beach.

Opito Bay
Continue over the next hills to Opito Bay. A long shallow beach with crystal clear water.  Walk to the southern end of the beach and climb the stairway to the well preserved pa site on Opito Point headland.

Rings Beach
It takes about 15 minutes to walk down to Rings Beach through the bush from Kaeppeli's B&B.  It is a small beach with quite a deep drop depending on the tide. Great fishing spot on the rocks at the north end of the beach.

Tennis

Kuaotunu has two tennis courts for tennis players also at nearby Matarangi there are many more.

Golf

For golfers, the Coromandel has a choice of 11 golf courses.
The Dunes Resort world class champion golf course  at Matarangi, is just 4km away from Kaeppeli's B&B. Other golf courses within 1hrs drive are Coromandel, Whitianga, Purangi, Tairua and Pauanui. So you can see for golf fans the Coromandel is a real paradise. Each golf course has it's own special beauty. The Dunes Golf Resort is without doubt one of the truly unique golfing experiences available.

Boating

New Zealand's best fishing and seafood is at our doorstep.
There are various boat trips available from Whitianga.  Also great fishing tours from Coromandel Town.  Jill will gladly help plan your trip.

Windborne Charters - www.windborne.co.nz

Bird Watching

There is plentiful  bird life in and around our garden. One wakes to the call of the tui and bellbird. In spring we hear the constant call of the shining cuckoo during the day. At dusk often the kaka will fly overhead. In the winter  kingfishers and fantails flit around chirping. The swallow gather and nest beside the gazebo each year.  During the night moreporks call and occasionally we hear the Kiwi.
Kuaotunu Beach and Matarangi spit are both  major breeding areas for the endangered NZ Dotterel. Breeding starts in September and goes through until March. The total New Zealand Dotterel population is only 2100. At different times of the year the Matarangi spit hosts birds such as Bar-tailed Godwits, Variable and South Island Pied Oyster Catchers, Wrybills, Golden Plovers, Caspian Terns and Banded Dotterel. Best time for viewing is usually around high-tide.
The rare Fernbird is at home around the wetlands behind us in the Matarangi Reserve.