Hang out in Hahei

By MEGAN SINGLETON

Coromandel's stunning white sandy beaches and magnificent rock formations attract visitors from all over the world. It is the sort of place where you can leave your cares in the car and soak up the unspoilt beauty.

We all know about the swimming, diving, picturesque walks and sunbathing aplenty, but when the burn time is up and it's too early for a G&T, a scenic adventure-boat ride could be the perfect distraction.

The Hahei Explorer is an adventure boat trip with a difference. A cross between a white-knuckle ride and a narrated eco-tour, it takes in some of New Zealand's most stunning coastline and volcanic past.

We booked at the office on the way into Hahei and an hour later our little cluster assembled on the beach donned in bright yellow lifejackets while Nigel Horne checked out our relative sizes and told us where to sit in the RIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat).

Holding on tight, two-abreast, the engines gunned into life and we headed for the crystal clear waters of Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.

Sunlight danced on the water looking like diamonds strewn around us and gigantic rock sculptures burst out of the sea like a marine art gallery as we manoeuvred deftly around the spectacular rocks and reefs.

Then it was "hold on!" as we tore off around the point to marvel at more natural wonders. The effects of volcanic activity have created a striking, colourful ash build-up over years of eruptions.

When the tide is right the tour visits the centre of the awesome blowhole - and today we were in luck. Horne skilfully drove the boat into the pitch darkness of a sea cave and we held on with white knuckles in case he had a trick theme-park ride up his sleeve.

We appeared in the middle of a towering rock cylinder with daylight pouring in from about 26m above. On particularly stormy days, this blowhole forces water seemingly out of the cliff top.

With only seven passengers on board at a time, the tours are personalised and request stops for photo opportunities can be made. A "must-stop" is in front of the famous Cathedral Cove, with its awesome dome-shaped cave.

Horne grew up holidaying on these beaches and has spent 40 years exploring the sea caves and reefs that are accessible only by boat. He started in the adventure business 10 years ago after moving from Auckland for a career change.

His commentary makes a fascinating tour, full of Maori legend and battles at the site of Ngati Hei Pa on Te Pare Pt at the southern end of Hahei Beach.

In all, we raced around 12km of coastline for an hour, including Mahurangi and Motueka Islands. The fragility of the caves and protected marine reserve mean the boat speed must be kept down, but if it's a thrill ride you're after, donuts are performed on request in the open water.

Case notes:


Hahei Explorer:

Ph: (07) 866 3910

Email haheiexplorer@paradise.net.nz

Book at the "Base" on Hahei Beach Rd as you enter the town.

One hour trip $50 adults, $25 children under 10.

Snorkel gear available for hire at $40 a day for full set, including wetsuit.

www.hahei.co.nz