Take it easy at this unique getaway.
You will find "The Rock" a 30-minute drive from Coromandel Town, passing over to Kennedy Bay, and then onto Tuateawa. Once here you will be rewarded with an exceptional view over the Mercury Islands and the Pacific.
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, set in it's own area of the garden, a short walk from the house. This roomy studio space has a wonderful "trampers hut" feel, and is popular with teenagers and older guests alike. The Sleepout is connected to Wi Fi and has 2 workstations and shelving, and 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 ablutions.
Boat Parking.
Secure gated and grassed area for kayaks , jet skis and motor boats to be parked, and 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 others. The morning chorus is quite something!
The best swimming beaches are Little Bay and Waikawau Bay, about a 6kms drive away. 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 launch a boat. There is a fish filleting, and a cleaning station provided 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 magnificently wild coastline with boulder beaches and wonderful views north to Great Barrier Island, Cuvier Island and the Mercury's. It takes about 35 minutes to return to the house and due to the large number of steps, is considered by most to be a 'serious' sort of workout. You may be lucky enough to be there when Dolphin and Orca are also visiting.
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 but limited to 15GB per stay. Guests can use mobile data from their own account or purchase more data at the rate of $10/10 GB.
Guest access
This house sits among the many other holiday homes and residences in Tuateawa, on the Eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The house sits alone on the property, with other neighbours being tucked away within the surrounding wilderness.
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 still. The cafe 'The Hereford and a Pickle' in Colville is well worth a visit, and the local cuts of meat perfect for the BBQ.
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 'The Rock' must be cared for by each guest, and particularly with everything related to fire.
