COROMANDEL

road trip Explore to Cooks Beach Ferry First in a series of Road Trips along the Coromandel Coast

Join Coromandel Life Magazine & artist Charlotte Giblin on this first part of a series of Road Trips planned around the Coromandel. We live in one of the most beautiful places in NZ, so don a pair of fresh eyes and discover, or re-discover Coromandel’s natural splendour – follow our map on the next page to discover beaches, spectacular scenery, favourite cafés, wineries, hot pools, boats trips, bush walks, FEATURING ARTIST camping, and more. Most accommodation providers Charlotte Giblin offer spectacular locations, so whether your tastes are for the upmarket or the simple, you’ll find a room – or tent site – with an amazing view. road trip DESTINATION: Coromandel Coast

Mercury Bay 1 THE JOURNEY BEGINS Flaxmill Bay Cathedral Shakespeare Cove Cliff Cook’s Paku from Tairua Beach Beach (painting by Charlotte Giblin right)

Ferry, Wharf, Everyone who travels the eastern side of the stops in Tairua -- perfectly Museum placed for a breather before (or after) the Link Rd. really wiggly bit of road to the north, whether Hahei Road it’s to gird your loins for the hill climb, or shake

Purangi Road off that “clutch foot”. It seems a mystery of Hot Water Whitianga Bay Beach Rd. Hot Water science that no matter what direction I’m Beach going in, or how long I’ve been driving, the public loos at Tairua are always a welcome sight! On this day, I was on my way to Morrinsville and

Hot Water Beach Rd. the weather was idyllic. Warm sun and the picture-postcard clouds and colours that fill your soul with a deep sense of satisfaction. I’d picked up a coffee and caramel slice from the Pepe Café and decided to pause and absorb the beauty of the view over to Paku. This mountain Lynch has always intrigued me -- the Maori legends, Stream Bushwalk the history - yet time restraints prevented me from making the hike to the top where I hear Twin Kauri Sailor’s Grove Trees Te Karo Bay the view really is breathtaking. I found myself sitting there gazing dreamily at the houses perched on the hill, deciding which one I’d buy if I won Lotto. Two Tairua I wonder if that day there was anyone who Tracks sat in their “perched-on-Paku” home, drinking coffee in the glorious sun, idly looking back at TAIRUA me, a tiny speck on the grass verge. Beach

MEET ARTIST CHARLOTTE GIBLIN

t’s a pleasure to introduce our readers to Charlotte’s adorable focusing on her sales and marketing Ilandscapes and share her journey of discovery on the Coromandel position with a successful Welsh Peninsula, an adventure that began shortly after she and partner Pete jewellery company, Carrie Elspeth. arrived in NZ from the UK in 2009. Once settled in , the skies opened up and The paintings we have chosen are accompanied by Charlotte’s journalling the tubes of paint were dusted off after years of neglect; and Charlotte at the time which help evoke the scene. Look for a “little Charlotte” beside once again began painting. Inspired by visits to the family bach in each of the written musings. These will be compiled with the illustrations Whangamata, she began her “Big Sky” series. in a book soon. Her adorable landscapes are available as originals, Charlotte also soon found the perfect job: setting up and running Wallace prints and cards. Gallery in Morrinsville. During her tenure as director, Charlotte also Charlotte hails from Wales, where in 1997 she completed a BA developed a successful programme of events and exhibitions, including (Hons) in Ceramics at University of Wales Institute, inspiring her to a new Arts Festival. Charlotte now lives in Whitianga where she is set up Bouncing Pig Pottery. For the next ten years her whimsical administrator of the Mercury Bay Art Escape, the popular annual open cartoon characters smiled from over 25,000 hand-thrown, hand- artist studio tour held in March. painted mugs, bowls, jugs and plates – with assorted spinoffs of You can find her work in the Little Gallery of Fine Arts in Tairua, Beach cards, shirts and cushions. Habitat in Hahei and the Bread & Butter Gallery in Whitianga. See her on In 2007, Charlotte gave her pig-pottered creaking shoulders a break, FB or visit www.bouncingpig.co.nz. Photo by Gail New AUL DEWHURST P 021 632 024

Fishing gear and Bait sales Other services 7AM till 7 PM Coffee to go • Hot and cold snack food Coffee Ring now for more info for more Ring now Convenience store • milk bread grocery etc grocery • milk bread Convenience store 24 HOuR Petrol &, diesel sales LPG non automotive filling • Oil and Automotive accessories • Bird, whale & dolphin watching • Bird, & tidepools caves, • Explore beaches, • Nature photography & Diving Charters • Fishing • 7M Stable Catamaran by boat! Trip’ ‘Road your Take • 2 hr+ tours for 6 as little as $60pp Naturalist-led Marine Charter Tours Naturalist-led 07 864 8519 MAin ROAd, TAiRuA Tairua Service Station magazine

www.temoata.org t Coromandel Life Visitors are welcome by arrangement. Phone Jessie or Dave at 07 868 8798 or email [email protected] For details of upcoming events see the PakuViews Calendar on pg16 or visi

No description does justice to the powerful the to does justice No description in 344 Set Moata. of nature at Te presence Tairua, north of of native bush just hectares of residential a variety this sanctuary hosts of A network and workshops. retreats the labyrinth, streams, leads to walking tracks of native trees stands and beautiful waterfalls Kauri. including ancient in a Enrol yourself. for Moata Te Experience or in one of our cottages or book a stay retreat bush huts. remote

Our journey begins from Tairua, base camp for Our journey Tairua, begins from TAIRUA & PAUANUI day trips to the many nearby sights as well. for the traveller – plan a longer stay and not only enjoy the area, take in for the traveller – plan a longer stay and not only enjoy the area, Centrally located, Tairua and Pauanui also make the perfect ‘base camp’ Centrally located, Tairua accommodation availability and more. accommodation availability and more. Centres, where you can also find out about track conditions, tides, you can also find out about track conditions, where Centres, Pick up walking and camping guides in the Tairua and Pauanui Info Tairua Pick up walking and camping guides in the Enjoy scenic views from several tracks or take in the Historic walk. several tracks or take in the Enjoy scenic views from When the tide’s out, ride over smooth sands on BloKarts or horseback. out, When the tide’s harbour – perfect for kayaks, kite surfing, paddle boarding and sailing. boarding harbour – perfect for kayaks, kite surfing, paddle beaches (with some great surf spots) and the more protected estuary and estuary protected surf spots) and the more beaches (with some great For the nature lover, Tairua and Pauanui both offer beautiful sandy and Pauanui both offer Tairua lover, For the nature First, refresh your senses at many fine restaurants, galleries and shops. your senses at many fine First, refresh lengthy stopover to enjoy the bounty this area has to offer. offer. has to lengthy stopover to enjoy the bounty this area like Charlotte – cuppa, petrol, supplies, visit to the loos – think about a supplies, visit to the loos like Charlotte – cuppa, petrol, (previously PakuViews). Rather than thinking of it as a great “rest stop” stop” “rest a great PakuViews). Rather than thinking of it as (previously HELP PROTECT COROMANDEL KAURI The Coromandel has the largest population of kauri TWIN KAURI outside of Northland. The good news is: our forests are still free of kauri dieback disease. We all want to keep AND LYNCH STREAM TRACK it that way. Kauri dieback is killing kauri on Great Barrier Island, in Northland and in Auckland. This soil-borne disease On the east side of the main road 10k north of with no cure is spread through the movement of soil. Tairua on SH25, are two stunning Kauri trees. Humans are the greatest risk, spreading the disease through dirty, muddy shoes, tramping gear, bike tyres, A marker shows a short track from the Twins machinery – anything that comes in contact with soil. that leads to a smaller grove of kauri and other You can help protect our kauri. As a responsible host, natives. (Check track conditions at the Tairua ask your guests if they have visited at-risk areas, and Info Centre about these walks; this track is not help them clean their gear thoroughly. If you have always open.) visited forests anywhere up North, especially Trounson Kauri Park, Waipoua Forest, and Auckland’s Waitakere The Lynch Stream Bush Walks start at the Ranges, remember to clean your gear before and after Kauri area. Choose from two options: a circular you enjoy the bush here – or even use different shoes! track through kauri groves that takes about 1.5 REMEMBER THE 3 S’S: hours or, for those extremely fit, a long difficult SCRUB your gear – trail that is an extension of the circle walk and remove all soil leads you to the ocean just north of Te Karo Bay SPRAY with disinfectant (Sailor’s Grave). STAY on the track and off kauri roots You may want to arrange pickup at the Sailor’s Grave car park, but getting there is a long tramp For more information visit from where the walk ends at the shoreline. www.kauridieback.co.nz

SAILOR’S GRAVE AT TE KARO BAY

n the 19th century, burying a sailor at sea was standard practice, so this I1842 lonely land grave is rare and thought to be the oldest sailor’s grave in New Zealand. Buried here is William Simpson, a 22-year-old sailor of the British Navy ship HMS Tortoise, who was killed while loading kauri spars onto the ship in Te Karo Bay. This site is on the reserve maintained by the Navy. The small memorial is not the only attraction here. Swim, surf or kayak in Te Karo Bay, a picturesque and private coastline set against the spectacular backdrop of the Coromandel. Picnic tables are located in shade of trees in the adjoining Pohutukawa Grove Recreation Reserve. Directions: Turn off SH 25 on to Sailor’s Grave Road and drive down to the Pohutukawa Grove Recreation Reserve. A short walking track leads you to the gravesite. At low tide, a scenic one-hour walk north (and back!) will take you around the headland to Otara Bay, where you’ll likely find yourself alone on the beach without a single manmade structure to be seen. Take your fishing rod or just go to meditate.

2 Sailor’s Grave After arriving in New Zealand late in 2009, Pete and I lived at the family bach in Whangamata. He took me on day trips up the Coromandel Coast, showing off many of the places he’d loved to visit as a younger man, stopping the car at “key points” so I could whip out my camera and capture the spectacular scenery as it unfolded. One of the most striking spots where we stopped was Te Karo Bay. It was completely deserted, and it felt like a private paradise with the only sounds being the water and gently crunching sand under my feet. As I walked along, waves lapping to my right, I was captivated by the approaching storm clouds, rain clearly sweeping down in the distance. We didn’t quite manage to get back to the car in time, but the memory of that peaceful idyll and the coming rain Photo by John Drummond stayed with me.

ho expects a hot spa experience at the beach? A hot water river flows beneath Wthe sand. Dig down to create a hot water filled sand pit. Hot water is accessible at two hours both sides of low tide only, so plan your visit. Though this is a surfing area, be warned that the surf is dangerous for swimming. It’s a short walk from the carpark to where you’ll be digging. The shop rents spades, or bring your own. Spend the night at the Hot Water Beach campground or nearby accommodation to have plenty of time to enjoy galleries, wineries and cafés. A short drive takes you to either Cathedral Cove, Hahei or Cooks Beach.

3 I was cynical of the concept of Hot Water Beach. Used to cold, blustery beaches in the UK, where only the hardy would sit with their wind-break, rugged knees, sand-infused sandwiches and thermos of tea. I couldn’t comprehend the idea of a heated beach. Pete and I arrived, and there were a dozen families happily slumped in holes, wallowing in pools of water. The air was a little chilly, and I was still a little dubious until we dug our own hole in the sand and

Photo by Ian Patrick • www.ianpatrickco.nz Photo by Ian Patrick woooosh, up came the warm bath water around my feet! I felt like a child who had discovered something new and exciting, and now when I see the crowds descend upon that location I think to myself “oh just you wait, you’re going to love it!”

This toddler takes a break away from the flurry of hot Photos by Roberta Huffman water activties.

New photo of Nick? These are old ones I had on file. Could One of the best eateries on the Coromandel mask out the background.

New Owner/Chef Nicholas Roberts

S P E C I A L T Y TAPAS menu Mon – Thurs & Sun, 8:30am – 4pm • Fri – Sat, 8:30am – 8:30 pm A favourite of both locals and visitors, Hot Waves is just a minute’s stroll from Hot Water Beach. Enjoy gourmet catering dining inside or out on this one-acre native garden teaming with bird life. 07 866 3797 weddings Open 7 days through Summer from 5:30pm conferences Live music last Sunday of the month. events www.thechurchhahei.com 07 866 3887 • 8 Pye Place • Hot Water Beach • Whitianga

The Church is under new management, bought recently by Tairua local and long time regional chef, Nicolas Roberts. His years of experience has brought new duende! to the landmark, with a spicy new menu and drinks lists. The Church fare is now Spanish tapas, with a kooky Kiwi twist – sourcing locally grown and produced ingredients. Each night’s “specials menu” offers both tapas and main- sized courses, enabling you to construct a beautiful three course feast. Or go with Tapas Variadas, and Nick will dish up almost the entire tapas menu. The new social and friendly dining style has sparked some great feedback early on. The extensive wine and drinks list is superb – almost a dozen of each craft/micro beers and ciders – all NZ made and brewed. The restaurant, converted from a relocated 1916 Method- ist church, may be booked for weddings and functons any time of the year. This unique and beautiful spot, near Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, is perfect for celebrating that special day with the special someone. Bookings recommended, 07 866 3797. www.thechurchres- Photos by Roberta Huffman HAHEI BEACH

Hahei is a most spectacular and brilliantly white sandy beach – reputedly the “most enjoyed of all the Coromandel Peninsula beaches”. The commercial centre includes cafés, restaurants, a beach store and takeaways, ice cream parlour and gift shop. There is Hahei accommodation to suit most any budget. The popular (but long) walk to Cathedral Cove and its much photographed cove starts at the lookout here as does the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve. Hereheretaura Point at the south end of the beach, now a reserve and pleasant walk, was once a large Maori Pa (village).

4 Hahei Beach...... It was an afternoon in early March Towards Cathedral Cove... and I’d just finished a busy day 6 It was a hot day, with just enough whizzing round for the Mercury Bay Art Escape, cloud cover to keep things tolerable. We found a popping in to see all the artists “under my wing” in parking spot without too much difficulty, but we Hot Water Beach, Cooks Beach and Hahei. passed a lot of people on the track down to Brimming with inspiration, I decided to walk on Hahei the Cove. This day stands out particularly for beach to me because we never made it all the way to allow my mind to settle before heading home. It was the the bottom! best feeling in the world just to stride off across the sand, head in the clouds. I hadn’t realised it would take 45 minutes to There were plenty of families around, and I was particularly struck by descend to the spectacular formation below us. one woman standing at the water’s edge, splendidly statuesque in her Signs on the way proclaimed the distance, and I realised old-fashioned black togs. Hands on hips, she stood with the waves my backpack didn’t contain my usual staples: bottle of lapping at her feet. I looked back when I was further down the beach, water, granola bar and sunscreen. Starting to feel a and she was still in the same pose, gazing out to sea. little panicked and parched at the prospect of a steep climb without any vital refreshment, we walked half way and then turned back. It didn’t prevent me from appreciating the stunning panorama, and I was able to save the full descent for another day with backpack stuffed to the gills with my usual “just in case” items.

Explore sea caves and the hidden blowhole as well as catch sight of whales or dolphins if you’re lucky. Photo by Ian Patrick • www.ianpatrickco.nz

Towards Cathedral Cove... It was a hot day, with just enough cloud cover to keep things tolerable. We found a parking spot without too much difficulty, but we passed a lot of people on the track down to the Cove. This day stands out particularly for me because we never made it all the way to the bottom! CATHEDRAL COVE

I hadn’t realised it would take 45 minutes to id you know the movie “Narnia” featured this familiar local site? As the two Peversie children take their first steps into the descend to the spectacular formation below us. Dmagical world, you see this familiar view of Cathedral Cove representing Cair Paravel, a dramatic bluff, rising with a deep river Signs on the way proclaimed the distance, and I realised chasm and cascading 200-foot waterfall. my backpack didn’t contain my usual staples: bottle of Actress Anna Popplewell, who played Susan, was amazed at the water’s clarity, so clear people might have thought it was water, granola bar and sunscreen. Starting to feel a computer generated. But that glassy water beneath the falls is the real deal. little panicked and parched at the prospect of a steep climb without any vital refreshment, we Cathedral Cove... Voted as one of the 101 Must Do’s for Kiwis. hidden blowhole and interact with the local marine life that may include walked half way and then turned back. It didn’t Accessible only on foot or by boat, the track begins at the northern dolphins, whales and little blue penguins. prevent me from appreciating the stunning end of Hahei. Turn left at the Hahei shops and drive up to the car park Hire a kayak or have the Hahei Explorer take you along 14kms of panorama, and I was able to save the full and lookout at the end of the road. spectacular coastline in an hour. These guys, with 20 years experience, descent for another day with backpack Not up for the 2 hour return coastal walk? One of the best ways to provided service for the Narnia crew, so get them to point out the film stuffed to the gills with my usual “just in explore the cove and coast is by kayak or boat. Explore sea caves, the locations and hear some of their inside stories. case” items.

The ruins of the Narnia Castle set, actually made of polystyrene, was located in Champagne Bay, between Hahei Beach and Hot Water Beach and accessible only by boat. The photo shows the actors at the remnants of the main pillar entrance gate to the castle (the set was removed upon completion of the shoot). The second film shoot was done in the arch (see cast to left in cove) – no set props were built as the natural beauty was enough. Walt Disney and Walden Pictures filmed here for 3 months. Helen Clark, Prime Minister at the time, allowed Cathedral Cove to be closed to the public for one day only. 5 Under the Old Tree, Hahei..... I discovered this beautiful, shaded path on my second or third visit to Hahei Beach. It’s not obvious to newcomers, being in the opposite direction to the car park, but what an enchanting forest enclosure to find ! The light was spectacular that scene day and it felt like I’d been transported into a fairy-tale world. I could behind me of open spaces, easily imagine that concealed beneath the crooked branches of this cars, the flap of jandals and shout of brightly-clad children. old tree were elves and sprites, watching keenly as I passed by. It felt I’m sure this space is special for many people, and it was a real treasure to find thick with history and full of memories, almost incompatible with the that day.

COOKS BEACH, LONELY BAY, SHAKESPEARE CLIFF, FLAXMILL BAY

n 1769 Cook made landfall in New Zealand at a place south of what we At low tide you can follow the beach to your right. At high tide you may Iknow today as the Mercury Bay. He then headed north and anchored have to scramble up onto the road and follow the road to Flaxmill Bay at Cooks Beach, where he spent a few days and observed the transit of where lots of boats are moored. Mercury across the sun (see story on p35). The cliff path meanders up to Shakespeare Cliff Lookout for great views The sighting of Mercury’s Transit is commemorated on Cooks Beach of Mercury Bay. You can return via the road or carry on down to Lonely by a cairn of Coromandel granite which tells the story; “In this bay was Bay (steep) and Cooks Beach. anchored 5 Nov 1769, HMS Endeavour, Lieutenant James Cook RN, This area has safe beautiful sandy beaches for the familly, a good Commander. He observed the transit of Mercury and named this bay.” range of short walks, shops, top cafés, a friendly beach store and other A walk on your right will take you through the historic cemetery at Ferry attractions to entice the sunlover, shopper or explorer. Inland do a little Landing and on past Front Beach (the subject of our cover painting) and wine tasting at Lonely Bay and Mercury Bay Vineyards. Hire a scooter for Flaxmill Bay before reaching Shakespeare Cliff. additional fun!

COME IN AND BROWSE OUR EXTENSIVE GIFT RANGE • wall art • prints and cards by Rachel Olsen and Charlotte Giblin • • gorgeous NZ made skincare • paua and silver jewellery • stunning hats for summer • • toys for all ages • cards • gift wrapping • exclusive range by studio k • Our Deli provides our very popular Habitat condiments, a collection of specialty foods and smallgoods and a selection of kitchenware.

Enjoy our simple, tasty food and great coffee – all served in a relaxed atmosphere. Adjourning the park, we’re also on the road to Cathedral Cove, a short drive from Hot Water Beach and within a few minutes walk of Hahei Beach. Opening Hours: 7 days (Labour Weekend - Easter) 10am - 5.30pm DINE IN OR TAKE SOMETHING AWAY • CATERING • LICENSED Winter: 5 days (closed Tues & Wed) 10am - 3 pm 07 866 3033 • 3/3 Grange Rd • Hahei • Whitianga 3591 3 Grange Rd., Hahei • Ph: 07 866 3016 • [email protected]

7 On the Way to Flaxmill Bay. This scene floods me with the warmest memories. I’d only been living in Whitianga for a few months and was on my way to an Art Escape meeting in Flaxmill Bay. I stood at Whitianga waiting for the ferry to meander back from across the water, and there were 3 boats lining the pier packed with tourists, excitedly waiting to be swept off on an adventure: whether it was a cave cruise or gazing at the sea life through a glass-bottomed boat, the smiles of the visitors said it all. It dawned on me in a wave of glorious appreciation (tinged with a hint of smugness) that I live here ! How lucky am ! ? ! I crossed on the ferry, almost delirious with mirth that I was on my way to work, on a ferry ! I was still smiling when I reached the crest of the road and the vista reveals itself, suddenly opening up with Shakespeare’s cliff in the distance ! It’s still one of my favourite views: the sparkling water and the cliff-top destination gleaming in the distance. I was still grinning from ear to ear when I painted this picture.

EST 1992 THE ORIGINAL EST 1992

8 Going to Shakespeare’s Cliff. HAHEI EXPLORER This painting continues directly on from ‘On the way to Flaxmill Bay’ as the next step in the story. I kept stopping and staring out to sea, absorbing the colours and sounds, inhaling deeply to focus on “the moment”. CATHEDRAL COVE TOUR The Pohutukawas were in full bloom, their splashes of red flower bright Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula against the sky, and I explored every little pathway. This particular path really appealed to me, with Shakespeare’s Cliff proudly looming across the Bay, the Pohutukawa to the left creating a shaded entrance; and I couldn’t see what was around the curve, hidden by the burst of foliage and flax. So here I am, disappearing from view, discovering what lies around the corner. Shakespeare’s Cliff Lookout. Everyone had told me it was worth it. But once I was up there, I started to realise that they hadn’t used nearly enough hyperbole, because the climb up Shakespeare’s Cliff to the viewing platform is really worth it. I leaned on the smooth wooden barrier for ages, watching the clouds move across the sky, watching the colour of the sea change, and the light patterns shift across the undulating panoramic landscape. I watched darker clouds form and the foaming trail of boats cut across the water, slicing through the blue/green/grey with a dash of white. I was particularly captivated by a patch of brightest azure sky that shone See all the highlights in one hour through gaps in the cloud cover, full of promise. Groups of people came and went, on this Kiwi favourite Cathedral Cove boat tour. took photos and ooh-ed and aah-ed, and when I eventually started the walk back Departs Hahei Beach, 10 minutes from Hot Water Beach. down the hill I was lost in dreams of voyages and adventures across the ocean. Phone 07 866 3910 • www.haheiexplorer.co.nz WHITIANGA WHARF & FERRY

passenger-only ferry A service operates between Whitianga Wharf and Ferry VINEYARD & CELLAR DOOR Landing. Continuous service from 7.30am each day, but hours vary seasonally.

Refer to www.whitiangaferry.co.nz MERCURY BAY MUSEUM

Overlook the vineyard and he Mercury Bay Museum, at 11A The Esplanade in Whitianga, sparkling waters of Mercury Tis in the old dairy factory across from the wharf. Hours are Bay, while enjoying a delicious from 10am-4pm daily, except Christmas. platter of local food matched The area is famous for history associated with Captain Cook to your choice of our wines. and the Endeavour, but the region also boasts some of New Zealand’s earliest recorded history, over 1000 years. The museum also showcases the area’s history as a port, trading in Phone 07 866 4066 for bookings or just call in. Children welcome. flax, kauri and other timber, kauri gum, etc. Shipwrecks, forests, Check our website for details on hours, events and live music during summer. early machinery, and Maori carvings and artifacts are featured. Cathedral Cove Shuttle Mob: 027 422 589 Plenty of free parking. Catch the ferry from Whitianga to Cooks Beach - just 3.5 km from the landing. Summer Hours: Labour weekend to 31 March - 11:30am to 4pm daily Winter Hours: 31 March to Labour weekend - 11:30am to 3pm weekends

Our next road trips

Thank you for joining us on our first in a series of Road Trips around the Coromandel. In the next two issues we will be touring south along the coast to Whangamata and then later explore Whitianga north to . Charlotte will, of course. be sharing the trip with us again,

Castle Rock Cafe and Shop OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 9 AM Rural Rustic Setting • Lodging New Summer Menu • Gift Items Coffee, cakes, lunch & dinner Takeaways avail. all day every day Book your Christmas at or New Years function NOW. between Coro Town & Matarangi PH: 07 866 4542 • www.castlerockcafe.co.nz

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IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL OPEN SEVEN DAYS Call your trusted local professionals covering Summer: 10.00am - 5.00pm • Winter: 10.00am - 4.00pm MATARANGI • • KUAOTUNU Closed for the month of August OTAMA • OPITO BAY PHONE: 07 866 0322 State Highway 25, • Simone Parr Phone 07 8663725 / fax 07 866 3759 • Keith Goodall • Aaron Morgan AWARDED RUNNER�UP BEST CAFE • Louise Bradley IN NEW ZEALAND, 2010 BY CAFE MAGAZINE e: [email protected] • www.richardsons.co.nz was daylight the natives November 9, the 244th began to bring off Mackrell, and more than Anniversary of Cook’s we well know what to do with; notwithstanding I landing in New Zealand to order’d all they brought Observe Transit of Mercury to be purchased in order to encourage them in this After exploring the islands of Tahiti, Captain Cook kind of Traffick. At 8, Mr. sailed off searching looking for the rumored ‘great Green and I went on shore Southern continent’. While in Tahiti, Cook and his with our Instruments to astronomer Charles Green observed the transit of observe the Transit of Venus across the face of the sun, Venus looking Mercury.” like a tiny dot. The Royal Astronomical Society The ‘time’ was known knew of a second transit coming the same year, by the position of the 1769 transit of Mercury. The Royal Society the sun in the sky. of London provided funding to send about ten Many mathematical factors came into play The exact sighting location was inaccurately dozen astronomers throughout the world to to geometrically determine the accurate memorialised in 1919 by a memorial around measure the transits using the relatively new measurement of the distance between the Earth Shakespeare Cliff, but the actual site was the invention, the sextant. and the sun. The combined measurements and eastern end of Cook’s Beach near the Purangi Stormy seas caused damage to the Endeavour, known locations of all observers were used to estuary, where there is now also a small memorial so Cook headed for the land discovered by Dutch determine the distance, which differs only 1/8th plinth. seafarer Abel Tasman in 1642. On 6 October, of one percent from today’s measurements. And that is how Mercury Bay got its name. 1769, cabin boy Nicholas Young spotted the hills of the New Zealand’s North Island and sailed for land. Over the next few months Cook mapped the This stamp, issued in 1997 by the NZ Post Office to celebrate the entire coastline, providing the first-ever ‘outline’ navigational work of Captain James Cook, depicts his map of New of New Zealand – and establishing that it was not Zealand and his sextant. Sextants were used to determine a ship’s the Great Southern Continent. His charts proved latitude. They work by measuring the angle between two objects. so accurate that some were still being used in the The observer sights along a half-silvered mirror at the horizon and 20th century. When the predicted 9 November manipulates a second mirror until an image of the sun, moon, or a transit day neared, Cook pulled ashore at Te star is directed onto the half-silvered mirror and overlays the horizon, Whanganui-o-Hei, the bay on the north tip of the then the angle between the horizon and the celestial object is read Coromandel Peninsula. off the scale. Cook writes in his diary: “Thursday, 9th. Variable On 9 November 1769 James Cook and Charles Green determined the light breezes and clear weather. As soon as it latitude and longitude of Mercury Bay during their observation of the transit of Mercury. the wonderful world of

waterfrontthe wonderful worldliving of waterfront living

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