Short & Sweet

Explore the rock pools and take in the views from Clark Island in Whangamata. At low tide the largest of the three off-shore islands is accessible from the mainland, however, it still requires explorers to wade through the water. Don’t attempt near high tide, and take care with children.

Cool off with an ice cream from Mum’s

Corner Store (116 Port Road, Whangamata) or hide from the sun at the retro (and pink)

Whangamata Cinema (708 Port Road, Whangamata, cinemathames.co.nz).

Indulge the sweet

tooth with an eclair or doughnut from Dandelion Cakery

(314 Aickin Road, Whangamata, on Facebook).

Detour to Whiritoa (15 minutes south of Whangamata) and watch brave

surfers tackle the waves. There’s a 15-minute walk over to Waimama Bay; the entry is across the lagoon at the northern end of the beach.

Devour a gourmet gelato, catch a live gig or settle in with a glass of wine at the Waihi Beach Hotel (60 Wilson Road, Waihi Beach, waihibeachhotel.co.nz). Once famous for raging New Year’s concerts, the 50-plus-year-old establishment has a new lease of life with bistro, pub, accommodation and yoga all on site. Try traditional artisan German breads and baking at The German Bakery in Waihi (54A Seddon Street, Waihi, thegermanbakery.co.nz). Take in penthouse views and soak in the spa at Beach Pacific Apartments

(20/22 Wilson Road, Waihi Beach, beachpacific.co.nz). The apartments are located right in the centre of Waihi Beach village, so all of the essentials (food, wine and beach) are just beyond the front door.