There's SOMETHING for EVERYONE here at 'The Iconic Log Cabin By the Sea' and we're also so close to all of them... so stop worrying! *****LOCAL SHOP: -- If you've forgotten something when you arrive it's just a quick dash to the now very well-stocked Whiritoa General Store & Takeaways further up our street. (Nice and safe with NO roads to cross!). It's also excellant for fresh fish and chips, burgers, icecreams in a cone, coffees and muffins. They also keep a few frozen curry dinners sometimes too. --The Whiritoa Surf Lifesaving Club also opens their bar for members (and any signed in guests for up to 3 visits) during the summer season. For 2024 they are providing drinks and eats from 27 December (more info below) *****CLOSEST SHOPS Further shops are nearby in Waihi or Whangamata, both a very leisurely 20 minutes by car. Everything you need: --- Whangamata Golf Club, Wharf, Marina, New World, Bunnings, Gas Stations, shops, restaurants and bars are all only a 14-20 minute drive from the bach. --- Waihi has similar but more varied shops than Whangamata, A Fresh Choice and New World supermarket and a Mitre 10. All within 20 minute drive. ACTIVITIES: *****POHUTUKAWA RESERVE, (at our back gate), is a large reserve at the end of Kon Tiki Rd. The reserve is home to a large number of mature Pohutukawa trees that were planted almost 100 years ago. They now form a significant, unique enclave that creates an incredibly special presence beside the sea. It is a privilege to be right next to these trees. It's a truly magical spot to take your morning cuppa (or ice block later). If you're awake in time for the birds' dawn Morning Chorus, the Reserve is the place to be! There are also a few picnic tables there too. *****THE BEACH: The entrance is 75 easy flat metres away from us, whichever way you go! That's under 100 adult steps! Then its a short, easy walk using the wide, reinforced track down to the sand. Whiritoa Beach is a truly unique gem that delivers lots of WOW things to see and do and yet still flies under the mainstream tourist radar. Here, you won't be constantly dodging crowds of holidaymakers that flock to our famous neighbouring beaches at Whangamata and Waihi. --It's a real surf beach, 1.5km long and expertly patrolled by our local Surf Lifesaving Club over summer- but ALWAYS stay between the flags and never swim alone. For new visitors to Whiritoa Beach, swimmers will generally find it easier to enter the water 1.5 hours either side of low tide; otherwise expect it to get very deep, very quickly. *****WHIRITOA has LOTS of other green spaces with picnic tables near us too: --Moa Reserve, in our street. Picnic Table overlooks the mouth of the Lagoon , 44 Fishermans Bend. -- Ramarama Recreation and Esplanade Reserves, which borders the Lagoon. Use our nearest beach entrance (cross the Pohutukawa Glade) then turn left. OR To transport and launch SUPs, Kayaks, etc you can drive your equipment (1 minute) to Marlin Place, driveway opposite no 23. You can also walk here to exercise your dog when the sand is far too hot. -- Whiritoa Recreation and Beach Reserve, starts at our North end, 1 minute walk to directly opposite the start of Fishermans Bend. Runs the length of Kon Tiki Rd with various access ways to the beach. -- The Playground is impressive for all ages. It is an easy 5 minute walk from the bach- NO roads to cross. Opposite 38 Kon Tiki Rd, next to the Surf Club. Has a public gas BBQ (free), bathrooms, Rescue Helicoptor pad. -- The Skate park, 2 Tennis courts (membership and key required) and 24hr toilet- 10minute stroll from bach, next to 60 Kon Tiki Rd, opposite the beach side. (or another 5mins past the playground) ***** THE WHIRITOA LAGOON- We are closest to the Lagoon end of Whiritoa Beach. Our large, long, tidal lagoon heads to the serene, highly regarded Ramarama Estuary and Wetlands. The lagoon is deep enough at high tide for all ages to cool off in. (It's a far less daunting, more sedate, option for a swimmer with learner to average skill level than taking on a surf beach). *****WALKING TRACKS- Even with only an average fitness level, you can experience jaw-droppingly beautiful coastlines up close from both ends of this beach. Do-able in sandals when tracks are dry and definitely not Extreme. *****WAIMAMA BAY... If you've always wanted to experience feeling like a castaway, head here. It's only accessed by boat or on foot by crossing our stunning Lagoon at low tide. Check out the cool rope swings before you head up the signposted start of the track. Clamber over the ancient rocks and bolders too (some embedded with fossils) when you return. You can even sit in some. ***** SECRET CAVE WITH MAORI CARVINGS -If you happen to stay here while the tides are EXTREMELY low, and its a pleasant day, you may be able to see early Maori hieroglyphs. These ones are regarded as being of historical significance. The are hidden at the end of a naturally formed sandstone cave in the exposed side of a nearby coastal cliff face. It's only accessible by walking round the foreshore so this adventure is time and tide critical- so not without risk; the cliff face is not safe to climb up if you get stranded! ***** FOR MORE THRILLS- Head to the South end to experience 'the Gap' near high tide or when the waves are high. Also check out an impressive rock cavern, complete with The Blow Hole, from above and below! ***** EXPLORE SEVERAL SHORT TRACKS that wind through farmland, pristine native bush, wetlands and rural vistas. ***** PHOTOGRAPHY -Never-ending idyllic photo opportunities here! Native NZ wild life photography, astrophotography, exciting seascapes, landscapes and of course your Selfies with gorgeous backdrops! (We have only included our amateur photos taken right here.) ***** BIRD/NATURE WATCH Lots to discover here ,eg, the wetlands and coastlines are teeming with those interested in flora, fauna, birds and aquatic life; the endangered Dotterel, Oystercatchers, Herons, eels, skinks, etc. (Please ensure your group understands the importance of not disrupting their space.) ***** FISHING...Of course there's plenty of secret shellfish and fishing spots to try your luck here! Bring your surfcaster. (Please don't take more than your fair share though.) ***** HANG OUT and meet some friendly locals at Whiritoa Surf Lifesaving Club. The club is about halfway along the main surf beach, and may serve up a mean pizza etc to accompany a much deserved 'cold one' at the end of the afternoon (during season only when Volunteers available)! We'd love you to support them further by considering becoming a paid up member too... it costs a lot to keep us all safe! Membership here also gives you access to the Whangamata LS Club. *****SO MUCH TO EXPLORE in the great outdoors at Whiritoa! But there may also be something good going on INDOORS for humans too at the Community Hall ...Table tennis, Indoor Bowls… Movie Night...Kids entertainment. Check the Notice Board outside OR our Whiritoa community facebook page. The Community Hall is next to the Whiritoa Volunteer Fire Service, near the turn off to Whiritoa (Whiritoa Beach Rd). *****BACH ENTERTAINMENT -- Modern Smart TV with Bluetooth in lounge. -- Older big TV screen with cable to connect device to (no Bluetooth). -- Play your own digital music using our Bluetooth capable speaker in the lounge. OR BETTER YET, play our guitar and ukelele! Important- we have a wonderful old open fireplace here but it must not be used by anyone in its current condition. It is, however, decorated with pine cones and an LED string of lights for pleasing ambience- look for the white battery holder on the left side and press button once to turn on; long press to turn off. Short presses will change the effect... provides an extra special touch!

A GOOD SPOT THATS CENTRAL TO FUN STUFF FURTHER SOUTH: ***** WAIHI , Our Neighbouring town, has lots of Gold Mining history and is rich with strange stories, artefacts and imposing ruins. *****THE KARANGAHAKE GORGE, A bit further along, the Gorge is still regarded as a formidable engineering feat! Early pioneers created the road and then tunnelled through rock to bring the railway to Waihi. You can explore tunnels on foot, enjoy dog walks by the beautiful riverside and even book a train ride to learn more. *****WAIHI BEACH...12km of beach coastline to explore... has a few lovely bar/cafes if you crave ''civilisation'' too. *****MT MAUNGANUI- 1hour+ from bach. Fun, popular party beach town EAST FROM US: *****THAMES- 1hour A quaint seaside town on opposite coast to bach, lots of interesting quirky collectors shops and home to the Steampunk Festival. Has its own Hospital. FURTHER NORTH: So many awesome beaches to visit all the way up the east coast, each with their own interesting quirks. *****WHANGAMATA- world famous beautiful holiday beach town, complete with a Golf Course, Wharf, Bike Hire, Bars, Cafes and Restaurants, as well as all the supply shops you need. All within 20 minutes drive from bach. *****ONEMANA BEACH- 25 minutes. Another lovely beachfront with great cafe with dog friendly area. *****OPOUTERE BEACH AND RESERVE- 35 minutes from bach. Walk through (and play in) a whimsical pine forest full of art and humour to reach an absolutely stunning but remote white sandy surf beach. Magical. *****PAUANUI, TAIRUA- approx 45minutes from bach. Beautiful tourist destinations, beautiful beaches with sophisticated, developed tourist activities and shops. *****HAHEI (Hot Water Beach) 1hour+ Popular tourist place. Perfect place to go if you want to dig yourself a natural, sandy, hot water bath!