Whangamata, a burgeoning seaside getaway, sits prettily on the eastern side of the Coromandel peninsula, North Island, New Zealand.
Renowned for its gorgeous golden sand cove-shaped beach, great surf and safe swimming, it is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in New Zealand.
Of course, in the midst of a piping hot summer, it is fair to assume an invite to a couple of nights aboard a friend’s catamaran would include warm breezes, sea air, baking sun and vistas of summer resplendence, right?
Not this time.
But that’s okay because, despite inclement weather, a 2-night stay on board a very comfortable “cat” moored in the inner harbour sheltered beside a native-bush-laden hillside was a ton of fun.
In fact, in my opinion, all it ever really takes to have a great time, for any reason, is good company, some commonly enjoyed pastimes, and plenty of quality tipple to while away, (n this case), the rainy time.
On this particular weekend, we were tucked away on the west side of the township, where a marina of various vessels is set against a backdrop of thick green bush and hills, dotted with a number of various baches and holiday homes.
Picked up at the jetty by our hosts, followed by a short dinghy ride to the otherside of the harbour, to a spot euphemistically called “The North Shore” beyond the channel, we boarded their substantial yacht, where we settled in for 2 nights of songbird, sloshing currents, ever-changing views, laughter and cards.
We played Pontoon (a personal favourite that seems to bring out the “gambler” in me, even if we were only betting for tiny multi-coloured plastic electronic bits duplicating real betting chips) and Texas Hold’em. All the while, regaling each other with life stories, jokes, laughs and travel experiences. My idea of bliss.
Oh, and let’s not forget the gastronomic feasts. Over 2 nights, while the rain splattered on the windows, and the gusty winds hardly budged the secured boat, we dined on homemade lasagna, salads, chicken kebabs, bacon and eggs, fresh, soft, buttered bread rolls, cheeses, fresh avocados, and an array of chocolate, washed down with luxurious reds and palate-splashing whites.
We also celebrated the new year and our special occasion with Moët, Mumm, and a few others, leaving everyone sparkling despite the sodden weather.
On the morning of day three, having departed our fabulous boat home without a care in the world (except maybe needing an early night!), we congregated one last time for a delicious brunch at the atmospheric, very busy Port Road Project in the centre of Whangamata.
This cafe offers an interesting range of menu and cabinet food, great coffee and swift service. I chose the “Rarakor” (see menu below) and rapidly downed a couple of strong Long Blacks while relaxing to the comings and goings of other customers.
With the sun now beating down (though the forecast was for more rain), the beach covered in tanned, swimming holidaymakers, and the main street a throng of wandering tourists, we farewelled our lovely group of friends before driving home, south to Mount Maunganui.
Thank you, John and Glo, Robbie and David, for a ton of happy on-board memories.
If you would like to know more about this or any other story published on Mytravelroom, please get in touch with me directly at janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
