Coroglen & Its History on the Way to Whitianga
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Photo by Gail New On the way to Whitianga The Coromandel traveller will encounter many narrow one lane bridges, such as this “One Lane Bridge on Tapu-Coroglen Road”. Painting by A ‘kid’ gets fed by another ‘kid’ at Airdrie Hamilton WhitiFarm Park. Another goes for the birds at Mill Creek Bird, Reptile & Farm Park. Animal encounters for the kids in all of us hat to do with the kids? They want Whands on, and what better use of hands than to stroke a donkey, feed a lamb, or hold an amphibian! As you approach Whitianga from the south, check One Lane Bridges out WhitiFarm Park, winner of Ranker’s Traffic from the direction of the RED Arrow gives way, however if you are 2013 NZ Wide Farm Experiences. “What a travelling from the direction of the BLACK arrow, proceed with Caution. great place to be a kid for the day!” says Publisher Tovi Daly (left), who couldn’t get enough cuddles from this gorgeous bunny. CoroGlen & its History Pack a picnic, buy plenty of food and make a day of it. Open every day. nown as ‘Gumtown’ in the early 1800’s, this pioneer town was Further north, head west on Mill Creek Road to visit the Mill Creek Bird, Kdescribed as a ‘bustling village of timbermillers, bushmen, gumdiggers Reptile & Farm Park, which offers encounters with farm animals and and goldminers’, sporting hotels, blacksmith, saloon, and pack horses more exotic species. They also offer kiddie train rides, playground, and a which serviced the bush camps. Logs were floated down the river, and camping park. the area was supplied regularly by a small steamer. It has been calculated that if all of the kauri logs that have passed through Gumtown were Ready for action? Bigger toys and thrills placed end to end they would stretch from Auckland to Invercargill. Ropes course, paintball, fun park Today Coroglen (officially changed to Coroglen in 1922) is the centre ake the Kaimarama Road off SH25 east where of a farming community, and there is little to remind the traveller of the Tyou will find a day’s worth of thrilling adventure. township in it’s heyday. The carpark is often filled at the iconic tavern You first come toHighzone Adventures Ropes (famous for live music), and the Sunday farmer’s market boasts the best Course, where you’ll test your nerves on thrilling zips of the Coromandel’s home-grown produce. through the air on several elevated challenges. SIDETRIP via TAPU-COROGLEN ROAD For an adventurous side trip, take Further east is the CombatZone Paintball and Fun the windy metal Tapu-Coroglen Road, which crosses Coromandel Range Park offering a variety of paintball combat game to Tapu on the west coast of the peninsula. Here you can view the unique situations (all gear and training included), plus clay Square Kauri tree and visit the 64-acre estate, Rapaura Watergardens. bird shooting, archery (real bows and arrows), laser Highly recommended, it is located in the midst of the Coromandel Forest tag, paintball target shooting, and other activities Park. From Tapu, drive south on Hwy 25 to Thames or swing north to like kiddies’ cart rides, playground, and even petting round the top of the peninsula. animals. Active fun for the whole family. 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. Adjoining 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. DINE IN OR TAKE SOMETHING AWAY • CATERING • LICENSED Opening Hours: 7 days (Labour Weekend - Easter) 10am - 5.30pm Winter: 5 days (closed Tues & Wed) 10am - 3 pm 3 Grange Rd., Hahei • Ph: 07 866 3016 • [email protected] 07 866 3033 • 3/3 Grange Rd • Hahei • Whitianga 3591.