I love visiting the beach in the winter. Don't get me wrong, I love it in the summer as well, but there is something great about walking along the beach on a cold winter's day, rugged up, cold nose, and the sun hitting your back.

Hahei is one of my favorite spots. The beach is sheltered, the water is clear, and if you visit in summer it doesn't get as busy as some of the other Coromandel hot spots.

The drive was quick and painless, broken up with a stop in Tairua at Manaia Cafe for some lunch.  The food was okay, slightly overpriced, but hey it's a beach town! The women's bathroom was rather impressive with a chandelier - random for a café, but I digress.

Back on the road, we arrived at our accommodation - The Church, 11 wooden cottages, surrounded by garden and bush. We stayed in a self-contained cottage with a fire place. It wasn't cold enough, but I couldn't wait to get the fire going. All of the cottages have been designed to match the restored restaurant which was actually an old church. They're cosy, basic, but have everything you need for a weekend away, including spades if you fancy a trip to Hot Water Beach.

Once we had checked out our room we hit the road, walking the track to Cathedral Cove.  The walk takes about 30-40 minutes each way, depending on how speedy you are. The track is well looked after, but I'd recommend some good walking shoes.  If you are like me you will have your moments where you get a bit puffed, especially on the way back, walking up those stairs! But the huffing and puffing is worth it - the beach is stunning and you feel like you could be a million miles away from anywhere.  The water is beautiful and clear and even though it was a cold day, I was tempted to jump in.

I hadn't been to Hahei for such a long time, so on our first of many walks along the beach it dawned on me how amazingly beautiful it is - how could I have forgotten that?

During our stay we ate at The Church Restaurant. Everything was exceptional - the food, the service…and I think the words “best steak ever” were muttered from my companion.

Our weekend away included stops to Hot Water Beach, Whitianga and dreaming of buying a beach front property - oh, to have won Big Wednesday.

Special mentions must go to:

• Cathedral Cove Macadamia Nut Shop - great dukkah (had to get some after having it at dinner) and other tasty macadamia goods.

• Salt Restaurant - we stopped there for lunch, great food, and a view of the marina. Try the steak sandwich, it was delicious.

• And although we didn't visit, The Lost Spring in Whitianga has got rave reviews from many, so make the time to immerse yourself in some spring water.

Hahei is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relax and enjoy a truly great New Zealand destination.

Find out more about the Coromandel Peninsula.

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