Place in Waikato, New Zealand
Photo: Fraser, Colin, 1875-1944; Adams, James Henry; New Zealand Geological Survey, No restrictions via Wikimedia Commons
Kuaotunu is a small coastal township on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand. It is a popular destination for summer holidays for tourists on the Coromandel tourist circuit. It is one of the most northern beaches on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and is popular with campers and beach lovers.
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Kayaks can be hired from Kuaotunu Campground.
The main thing to do in Kuaotunu is enjoy the magnificent beach.
A beautiful and secluded beach with native forest down to the sand. Accessible only by boat or by foot. Cross the stream at the northern end of Whangapoua Beach (22 minute drive from Kuaotunu) and follow the rough track for 30 minutes. At high tide you might get a bit wet crossing the stream.
A 2-km white-sand beach that has only a few houses at the eastern end, and at times you may be the only people on the beach, which is astonishing given how beautiful it is. The beach is very good and safe for swimming and the sand may squeak when you walk on it. Sections of the road to the beach are sealed. From Otama you can continue on the unsealed road to Opito Bay, the next beach.
Small grocery and general store with icecreams in a cone that go as big as the five-scoop Kuaotunu Killer.
A small pizza place with a million dollar view. Also does seafood, salads and a burger. The Gallery does coffee, sandwiches and baked goods.
Camping and campervan park right next to the beach. Has cafe and takeaways, open 7 days during the summer. Also rents kayaks.
Popular backpackers lodge right on the beach.
Drive east over the spine of the peninsula from Coromandel town on the west side (30 minutes), or north from Whitianga (20 minutes). Both roads are sealed these days.
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