A hidden gem: Beach

OPOUTERE BEACH has long been a haven for artists, writers and others wanting a bit of ‘real Coromandel’ living – no beachside

developments in sight of this pristine 5 km Roberta Huffman stretch of white sand and surf. Its intense Moonsong La Reveuse La Muse de Provence natural beauty has an appeal that draws people from everywhere wanting to soak in GUITY EVELYN the laid back tranquility of the surf beach and indulge in the varied water View fine art by renowned contemporary French/ activities in the Wharekawa Harbour. painter Guity Evelyn at the artist’s home/studio overlooking The beach is perfect for surfing or surf fishing, while nature lovers will unspoilt Opoutere Beach and Wharekawa Harbour. enjoy visiting the Wharekawa Harbour and Wildlife Refuge, breeding Guity’s unique art and distinctive style exude the beauty of The grounds for several endangered bird species including the NZ Dotterel Coromandel tinged with hints of Provence and the Cote d’ Azur, shown above and the Variable Oystercatcher. from where she originates. These contrasting reflections of where the Pacific meets the Mediterranean express a character all of In addition to the harbour and reserve walks their own. Guity’s boldness of colour and an affinity for both the there are easy strolls along the beach to figurative and abstract have made her art sought by national and Ohui rock pools at the northern end of the international collectors. beach and into the state forest to visit the “...Guity’s canvas surfaces defy optical logic, playing tricks with their historic Phoenix goldmine. depth with their shifting patterns and melting colours ... They strike a Opoutere Beach is only 10 minutes north of chord with people from all over the world, many of whom come back to , 25 minutes south of . collect more of Guity’s art. Visitors at Topadahil Studios watching Reach it via the cross peninsula road, 25A. the changing colours of the sea and the movement of light across the sky, understand...” (excerpts courtesy of Kath Webster, Art News NZ) FIREWORKS EXTRAVANZA! Friday 31st October in Opoutere

View Also One-off jewellery by David Evelyn

TOPADAHIL ART STUDIOS • 289 Opoutere Rd. Opoutere Beach 10 min north of Whangamata • Open Daily • Visitors Welcome P 07 865 7266 • M 027 342 1480 • [email protected]

The Opoutere School PTA puts on quite a show each year around the time of Guy Fawkes Day. This historic holiday features fireworks and bonfires to celebrate the foiling of a 5 November, 1605 plot to blow up Parliament. Guy Fawkes was the first conspirator caught with the powder barrels, and residents celebrated his capture with bonfires. LANCe eAsToN Opoutere School’s big fundraiser is planned for Friday 31st October at Tairua’s NaTuraL rEsOurCE FOr a BHSc Physiotherapy the school, starting at 5.30pm with a reserve date of November 1st. HEaLTHY LiFEsTYLE! BSc Sport & Exercise Science This ‘Fireworks Extravaganza’, one of the biggest professional fireworks displays on the Coromandel, is thanks to the very generous support ORGANIC & GLUTEN FREE FOOD ACC Registered of Jennian Homes Coromandel, Carters Whangamata, and Corocon. No Referral Necessary Expect live music, a huge bonfire, gala games, and other entertainment, Try our bestsellers... Therapeutic Massage including the DJ, leading up to dark when the fireworks go off. REAL FRUIT ICE CREAMS Club Annex, Pauanui The fair will feature a range of delicious food and, for those with a & 210 Richmond St, Thames sweet tooth, there is the ever popular candy floss and the Whangamata SMOOTHIES Kindergarten will be providing delicious desserts. MACADAMIA NUT BRITTLE This fun and popular alcohol free family event supports both Opoutere For an appointment, call or text School and Whangamata Kindergarten. Family tickets are only $25 (2 adults and 3 kids), Adults $10, Kids $5. Available from Opoutere Main St • tairua • p: 07 864 7080 07 864 8766 or School, Saltwater Surf Shop, and Whangamata Kindergarten. See the www.allthingsorganic.co.nz 021 917 563 Coromandel Life calendar p 48 for more details.

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