TRAVEL TIPS

GETTING AROUND

The majority of New Zealand’s roads are two lanes and winding. Pulling over to let faster drivers pass will endear you to locals. Transfercar (transfercar. co.nz) offers great deals for returning rental cars to their point of origin.

LODGING

Ocean views fill guestroom windows at Lands End Boutique Hotel in Bluff, landsendhotel.co.nz; Whangamomona Hotel is a boarding house-style hotel that serves as the community hub of the Republic of Whangamomona, whangamomonahotel.co.nz; Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort is a five-minute walk to the white sandy beaches for which the Coromandel Peninsula is famous, tatahilodge. co.nz.

DINING

Diners at the Oyster Cove Restaurant in Bluff enjoy bay vistas while feasting on oysters on the half shell, Cloudy Bay clams, and dishes such as lamb salad, entrees from NZ$22.50; The Cray Pot, the waterside food shack in tiny Jackson Bay, offers crayfish, other seafood and burgers.

INFORMATION

Check opening times of restaurants, and pricing and availability of hotels on their websites, or by contacting Tourism New Zealand (newzealand.com)