What’s so great about Whangapoua where to go

New Chum beach, getting there is part of the joy of a bucket list destination

Whangapoua there are plenty of things to do.

BEACHES

WHANGAPOUA BEACH

Whanagapoua Beach is a safe long sandy beach that stretches 1.5km. The northern end of Whangapoua Beach is the starting point for access to New Chums Beach. This long white sandy beach is a popular surf spot and conservation area located on the northeast coast of the island. The estuary runs through Okiwi basin to the southern end of the beach. There are incredible views of Hirakimata and Rakitu island.

Whangapoua beach

NEW CHUMS BEACH

GETTING TO NEW CHUMS BEACH

New Chums Beach and Whangapoua

The protected stretch of untouched land has no buildings, no roads, no infrastructure or camping – it is a jewel in New Zealand’s coastal crown. From the north end of Whangapoua beach, cross the stream to begin your walk along the rocky shoreline and over the headland. The 1km long Wainuiototo Bay, or New Chum Beach, is approximately 30-40 mins walk via the Mangakahia Drive track over the saddle through spectacular nikau forest and giant pōhutukawa.

There is a public toilet and parking at William Mangakahia Lagoon Reserve.  Please remember to leave only footprints, bring out all your waste and take some water along for the walk.

The area is much treasured and staunchly protected by locals and visitors who are determined to see the beach remain as it is forever. Find out more at www.preservenewchum.org.nz

Shuttle transfers are available from Coromandel Town with Coromandel Adventures. From New Chum Beach.

• Length: 1.5km
• Grade: Easy

Shoes recommended rocky shore and slippery stream crossing. Watch the tides for the stream crossing. Tide Times for The Coromandel.

Opera Point Pa, c1700, known as Te Rehutae, north head of Whangapoua. Likely abandoned after seaborne raids in 1818 by Ngapuhi, from Northland. Look for regular landforms for terraces, ditches and bank defences. Opera Point is reached after a short bush walk on to the sand and Whangapoua headland. Look for nesting birds.

Craig’s Sawmill, 1862

Visible relices a concrete channel. The track passes the channel as it follows the old sawmill tramway from the car park. The sawmill cutting rights were obtained from Maori owners of Optonui valley.

Getting to Opera Point

Opera Point is off State Highway 25 between Coromandel and Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula.  At Te Rerenga take the turn off to Whangapoua and proceed to the DOC car park.

Opera Point Historic Reserve.

BEST TIME TO GO TO WHANGAPOUA

• Shoulder season when the summer crowds have lessened
• In summer remember to carry insect repellent, water, hat and sunscreen

WHANGAPOUA FAME

• New Chums Beach, access difficulty and natural beauty is a great drawcard

WHAT TO DO WITH KIDS IN WHANGAPOUA

• Enjoy the serenity of Whangapoua beach, equally beautiful and just a short walk from a car park and toilets

WHERE TO TAKE THE BEST SELFIE IN WHANGAPOUA

• New Chums Beach signage, you got there
• Opera Point walk views

@OperaPlace Whangapoua

WHO TURNED UP AND NAMED WHANGAPOUA?

Whangapoua means The bay of the poua (a shellfish).

Whangapoua’s Māori history dates back to the 13th century. A reserve at Opera Point, east of Whangapoua, contains the remains of the Raukawa pa site. From 1860 the area attracted European settlers involved in the kauri and gold mining industries.

New Chums Beach

WHANGAPOUA SOCIAL MEDIA

• Explore Whangapoua, Coromandel, New Zealand

WHAT KEEPS WHANGAPOUA TICKING?

Summer holiday visitors

WHANGAPOUA POPULATION

• Less than 200, with summer peak over 1,000. There is a general store.

JUDGMENT ON WHANGAPOUA

• New Zealand is home to one of the world’s beautiful beaches, make the effort and check out New Chums beach.

Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Thames & Coromandel Peninsula nearby attractions and events.

TRAVEL PACK INFORMATION

Whangapoua timber mill

The sawmill at Whangapoua, which first operated in 1861, was one of the largest on the Coromandel Peninsula. At the time this photo was taken, in 1898, the mill was owned by the Kauri Timber Company, a Melbourne-based syndicate that dominated the industry from 1888.

Well-known New Zealand writer Graeme Lay documents the distinctive history of a place.

Whangapoua: Harbour of the Shellfish A History: Graeme Lay.

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

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