I was fortunate enough to land in Coromandel after I decided to embark on a working holiday to New Zealand. I had arrived in Auckland with a friend and been staying in a hotel in the city centre. We were enjoying ourselves with the plethora of bars and nightclubs in the main hub but that quickly ate through our spending money. The friend I had travelled with had managed to get a job in the city and although I had a few interviews lined up, I was beginning to lower my expectations of finding a skilled job. I figured if I was going to work a backpacker job, then why not look at going somewhere beautiful and move out of the metropolis? I had been for a couple of skilled job interviews that seemed promising but they never materialized so I started looking into work for accommodation jobs in other areas.
I used a really great website that I had researched before embarking on my journey. It is called workaway.info. I was able to find a fantastic work for accommodation job in a lovely farmstay with a hostel and camping in Coromandel. I jumped at the chance to go and the lady was offering the use of her car which was perfect! All I had to do was a couple of hours cleaning the hostel in the morning for free board. I contacted the owner and she was so kind and helpful, she said there was another girl coming too but not till the following week. As soon as I had a look at the area online I was delighted. So much beautiful countryside with rolling green hills and white sand beaches. I couldn’t wait to get there so decided to set off in a few days. I was only going for a week or maybe two so I left my backpack in storage at the hostel and brought a smaller backpack with me. I booked my bus, which was only $20 or so and made my way on the hour and a half journey directly to the farm. Luckily the main village and beaches were all within 5 mins drive so it was really handy.
I got chatting to a girl around my age at the bus stop about the stop we were getting off at and by some mad coincidence, she was the girl who was going to work there too! She had decided to go a week sooner than planned so we were both happy to have the company and got on really well. The drive there was beautiful and I was so happy to leave the city and discover the real New Zealand. The stunning scenery was lush green and rainforest like with sprawling hills and forest. It was a sunny afternoon when we arrived at the farm and our host was very welcoming.
The next day we went to visit the nearby Hot Water beach with some friends we made that were staying at the hostel that night. The name is due to the hot water pools that are formed when you dig a hole in the sand. Hot water comes from the earth below and creates a warm bath! One of natures wonders, it is a must-do experience in Coromandel for sure! I went back there for a visit again a few years ago with my Mum too as I just had to show here the area and its beauty when she came to visit.
After that we discovered the beautiful Hahei beach which is the main beach and is completely amazing. It has white sand and is just idyllic. I felt blessed to be staying in such a beautiful place. From Hahei we went on a walk to the famous Cathedral Cove which is the most popular one I think. The photos show you why!
Along the walkway to Cathedral Cove, there are a couple more unique and wonderful beaches to visit. Stingray Bay was a personal favorite of mine. Then Gemstone Bay where all these pretty and unusual rocks were plentiful. Stingray Bay is like your own private beach as there is hardly ever anyone on it except for maybe a few at a time so its very special. Incredibly relaxing and makes you feel you are living the dream for real!
Next day we did a lovely walk up around Hahei where the views looking down on the vast beach were out of this world!
In fact I was so in love with the place that I decided to look for a job there in order to stay! I heard from my friend that there was a job going in the local cafe. The lady I worked for at the farm knew the owner and I was able to arrange an interview. Got the job and she even said there would be accommodation available. I couldn’t believe my luck when I found out it was at the top of the walkway to Cathedral Cove and just a short stroll down to Stingray Bay. I was over the moon since it was also near to the cafe so everything was working out perfectly.
I went back to Auckland and collected my backpack, spent one crazy last night there and said goodbye to my friends. It just so happened the girl who came to work on the farm managed to get a job there too so we moved into the accommodation together. It would have been too expensive on my own so I was lucky. Having company was a real plus too as we were able to enjoy our time more.
I ended up working and living in Coromandel for a couple of months until the season went quiet. I adored my time there so much that I vowed to come back with my Mum and I did, in a camper van which was great fun. We visited and stayed at the camping site on the farm and had dinner at the cafe. We also met up with a great friend of mine, Old John who is one of the loveliest people I ever met. He lived on the beach and always sat on his porch greeting people who pass in front. He is a popular old fella and he gave us somewhere to stay when we had to move out of our accommodation. If you ever visit Hahei, you will probably meet John and he loves socializing with everyone so will be bound to make you feel welcome in Coromandel. The whole community are wonderful people and the area is truly amazing. It has to be seen to be believed!
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