The Rock " Serene, Tranquil, Awesome"

Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway.

You will find "The Rock" approximately 30-minute drive from Coromandel township, passing over the Kennedy Bay Road and then onto Tuateawa. There is an alternative route via Colville which is 15 kms further, with wonderful island views, better roads and less of a hill to climb over.

Once here you will be rewarded with a Pacific Ocean vista and a gem of a home.

The space

There are 2 bedrooms and a living room with kitchen and dining within, opening onto a deck where you can dine outdoors or simply relax whilst taking in the breath-taking views. The bathroom has a shower over a bath, with toilet and hand basin, along with a small laundry, and is located down from the living area. The spaces are comfortable and the deck expansive, creating elevated views overlooking the Mercury Islands and the peninsula leading out to Opito Bay.

The local habitat hosts rare Kiwi, Kaka, and Bellbird, with the more common native birds Tui, Kereru, Waxeye , Piwakawaka , Grey Warbler, Ruru, and others. The morning chorus is quite something!

The best swimming beaches are Little Bay and Waikawau Bay, about 6kms drive away. Pack a lunch and your towels and spend the day there. Kennnedy Bay is about 8 kms away and is a great place to launch a boat. There is a fish filleting, and a cleaning station provided in a lower garden location on the property.

The highly acclaimed Tuateawa Nikau Grove Walk (one of Coromandel's top 10 walks) starts just up the road from the house and descends down to a magnificent boulder beach, with wonderful views and a wild coastline. It takes about 35 minutes to return to the house. Dolphin and Orca are occasional visitors to his rocky shoreline.

Should you be staying for an extended period of time the circular trip via Colville and then Coromandel (to restock the pantry) will take you about 3 hours, so planning ahead of time and for the duration of your stay is the best strategy.

Important note regarding Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi is available but limited to 15GB per stay. Guests can use mobile data from their own account or purchase more data at the rate of $10 per 10 GB.

Guest access

This house is located within the community of Tuateawa, on the Eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The house sits alone on the property, with other neighbours being tucked away within the wilderness that defines the local landscape.

There is self-entry via a lock box and the entry code will be given to you just prior to your arrival day. A local resident manages any queries you may have once you have arrived.

Getting there.

The roads to Tuateawa are not sealed all the way, but they are in excellent condition. Taking the Kennedy Bay turnoff just past Coromandel, you will begin the climb up and over the backbone of Coromandel Peninsula. This road is about 95% sealed to the topmost point where there is a rest area with panoramic views east and west. The descent is about 70% unsealed until you pass Kennedy Bay, then unsealed as you cross over to Tuateawa. The total passage is 19 kms long and takes approximately 30 minutes. Driving Creek Railway, which you pass soon after you leave Coromandel Town, is a "must see" destination and the day trip on the rail track is highly recommended.

Take the alternative route via Colville and Waikawau Bay if there is heavy rain. This route is slightly longer but far less of an incline over the pass and the roads are better still. The cafe The Hereford and a Pickle in Colville is well worth a visit, and the local cuts of meat perfect for the BBQ.

Get your supplies.

Buy all of your food supplies in Thames. Everything can be bought in Coromandel but it is generally more expensive. There is no further opportunity to buy anything once you have left Coromandel town.