Adventures Aplenty
Beach & Rock Fishing
We love spending an evening relaxing on the beach with a couple of beverages and wetting a line. We are lucky to have an amazing fishery on our doorstep that runs almost year round and is on fire late February through to early May.
With deep water, strong currents and good bottom structure right off Hot Water Beach it makes for one of the best beach fishing spots on the Darkside (the local name for the area). Most predatory fish species move into the shallow water to hunt in the low light, check out The Adventurer's Handbook for all our tips, tricks and spots.
Most Beaches do not allow vehicle access unless you have a permit or are launching and retrieving a boat so check out the rules before driving on the beach.
Kayak Fishing
Hot Water Beach is locally known as a surf beach but fun fact... its flat over half the time giving you plenty of chances to head out for a kayak fish.
If Hot Water Beach isn't an option, pack the kayaks onto your roof racks and head to Hahei or Cooks beach for some additional shelter and great shallow water fishing.
In the early days I was fishing with our inflatable kayak we had purchased to use from our boat however the two big Pink Snapper (14lb & 16 lb) shown on the right got their revenge and put a few slow leaks in the pontoon. Unfortunately on light gear both of these guys were stuffed by the time they came up so couldn't be released.
The Viking Profish GT Kayaks you can use are second to none, super stable and most importantly puncture proof so you can land your own fish trouble free!
E Bikes
The Darkside (local name for the area stretching from Whenuikite to Ferry Landing) is a spread out place but there is lots to see and we can't think of a better way than riding around fancy free on one of our E Bikes.
Take them up to Cathedral Cove and walk down to the beautiful beach, create your own Restaurant / Winery tour or take them over to The Whitianga Bike Park to hit some trails. Whatever the case our high end Giant Talon E+1 E Bikes with a whopping 500Wh battery will give your legs a break on those hills you are sure to encounter.
Check out The Adventurer's Handbook for all the top spots to visit on your tour and remember our roads are narrow so ride single file and be sure to throw on some Hi Viz clothing.
Watersports
Hot Water Beach provides consistent surf through the winter months and intermittent surf throughout the summer, with a variety of boards available we have something for all skill levels. If your not keen on surfing take one of our Lanakai Paddle Boards or Viking Kayaks and cruise up the peaceful stream.
When the surf is down take a kayak out and explore the coastline or hire a snorkel set from Hahei and check out the reef right on your doorstep. If you're able to hold your breath well enough, see if you can spot a crayfish for a delicious treat. Check out The Adventurer's Handbook for some amazing recipes.
Hahei Marine Reserve
Te Whanganui-A-Hei has been a marine reserve since 1992 and is host to a variety of species. Pair this trip with the walk to Cathedral Cove, take one of our purpose built snorkel backpacks and stop at Mares Leg Cove for a snorkel on your way through.
Pink Snapper, Blue Mao Mao, Kahawai, Kingfish, Red Moki, Trevally, Eagle Rays and Crayfish are just some of the species that you can see when you take a swim in the reserve.
If getting under the water isn't your thing then pack up the kayaks and take a paddle from the north end of Hahei beach to enjoy the beautiful scenery above water, the fish will come right up to you when you are in the reserve. Beach the Kayaks and take a picture in the incredible natural rock formations.
Hikes & Walks
If you want to take in some of the amazing local scenery while you are here you simply must check out some of the walks you can do. Cathedral Cove, The Twin Kauris & The Cooks Beach - Shakespears Cliff - Whitianga Rock loop are some of our nearby favourites.
If you are wanting to travel a little further, the Pinnacles or the Coromandel Coastal Walk are well worth the trip. There are far too many to list here but check out The Adventurer's Handbook for more information.
Exploring Estuaries
There are three main waterways nearby, all of which are well worth exploring. The scenery and bird life is incredible and if you know where to look there are shellfish to gather, Snapper, Trevally & Kahawai on a line or our favourite Flounder that can be speared at night.
The Purangi Estuary Cooks Beach has a strong tidal flow but is very pleasant an hour either side of high tide and the water flow is slow and steady. Be sure to have a look through The Adventurer's Handbook to see where to go for all our spots
