Get crafty with a beer on the peninsula
Matching food and wine is old hat, on the Coromandel, it is much more fun to match a craft beer or liqueur with a bit of exercise and a view, writes
Craft beer, world-beating gin, and artisan farmhouse cheeses are all tasty choices on a gourmet tour of the Coromandel Peninsula. And providing balance to plenty of flavour-packed experiences are diverse ways to get active on land and water around the region’s rocky coves, sandy beaches and forested coastline.
Coromandel Distilling Company
Located in a brick-lined laneway in The Depot, formerly Thames’ historic bus station, Coromandel Distilling Company has built a stellar reputation since launching in late 2019.
Crafted by co-owners Paul Schneider and partner Daniela Suess, their Awildian Coromandel Dry Gin was judged the planet’s Best Classic Gin at the 2022 World Gin Awards. The distillery is open for tastings, tours and sales, from 11am until 3pm on Fridays, and 10am until 2pm on Saturdays.
Combine a weekend visit with a half-day cycling adventure on the Hauraki Rail Trail to The Cheese Barn at Matatoki, 12km south of Thames.
Ebikes are recommended for JollyBikes’ selfguided Easy Cheesy 24km return ride to Coromandel Peninsula’s home of artisan cheese. corodc.com; jollybikes.co.nz
Blue Fridge Brewery
Based in the oceanside village of
Ku¯ aotunu, Blue Fridge is Coromandel’s smallest craft brewery. It is called a nanobrewery for good reason. But there is real diversity in the beers Adam Coleman-Smith makes in his rustic brewing shed on family farmland.
Packed with New Zealand hops from NelsonTasman, Blue Fridge’s Riwakasaurus Rex pale ale goes well with the wood-fired pizzas at Ku¯ aotunu’s Luke’s Kitchen. Coleman-Smith’s seasonal releases include Sticky Palms, a refreshing pale ale enlivened with fresh mango.
Before a frosty Riwakasaurus Rex and a prawn, pesto and pepperoni pizza at Luke’s Kitchen, develop a thirst on the walk from nearby Whangapoua across the headland to the sandy arc of New Chum Beach. Around the peninsula, Blue Fridge beers are also available at The Hive in
Pu¯ rangi, One Stone BBQ in Coromandel Town, and Tairua Beach Club. bluefridgebrewery.co.nz; lukeskitchen.co.nz
The Pour House
Beer and pizza also combine well at Hahei’s The Pour House. Try the pulled pork and salami pizza with the Haheizy Days IPA, and partnering local cheeses with a tasting flight from the Coromandel Brewing Company is also recommended.
Brewed on-site, so always tasting fresh, the beers can be difficult to hunt down beyond the brewery’s Hahei base. Best enjoyed at a rustic outdoor table in The Pour House’s elevated beer garden, standout brews include the Good as Gold Czech-style pilsner, and the hefty 9 per cent Munted Monk Belgian-style tripel. Fans of David Bowie should try the Spice Control To Major Pomme spiced apple cider.
Earlier in the day, see the caves and bays of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve from the water with Haheibased Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. Join a family-friendly three-hour guided tour to Cathedral Cove, or take on a guided exploration of more remote parts of the reserve’s coastline. Independent kayak rental is also available if you have previous kayaking experience. thepourhouse.co.nz; kayaktours.co.nz
Hot Water Brewing Co
Definitely the only New Zealand craft brewery located in a caravan park, Hot Water Brewing’s taproom is tucked away near the entrance to the Seabreeze Holiday Park at Whenuakite.
Since launching in 2013, the Kauri Falls pale ale – packed with citrusy hops – has been one of the company’s most popular beers, but other approachable brews such as Local’s Batch lager and the About Time IPA are also great for warmer Coromandel days.
Seasonal beers include a crisp XPA, and
CoroBlanc, a lighter 3.8 per cent session beer that is a good option if you are driving.
All the tap beers are available to take away in one-litre flagons, and wood-fired pizza and mussels feature on the food menu.
Fruit liqueurs and ciders from nearby Purangi Estate are also currently available at the taproom while the winery is redeveloped.
Prepare for time at the brewery by digging your own natural jacuzzi at nearby Hot Water Beach. hotwaterbrewingco.com; purangi.co.nz
Flock Kitchen & Bar
A top spot to try craft beers from Hamilton’s Good George Brewing, Flock Kitchen & Bar is one of Tairua’s most popular noon-to-late eateries.
Courtesy of shared plates, including grilled miso eggplant and panko-crumbed prawns, there is an Asian focus to the menu. A tasting flight is the best way to sample beers, including Good George’s pilsner, a hoppy English-style IPA, and a refreshing cider crafted from black doris plums.
Build up an appetite and a thirst by walking up Mt Paku, the seven-million-year-old volcanic island at the northern edge of Tairua Harbour.
It is a steep 15-minute walk from the summit car park on Paku Drive, but walkers are rewarded with views across to Pauanui, and out to the Aldermen Islands. flockkitchenandbar.com