Description
This wonderfully private boutique property is backed by native New Zealand bush with far reaching views out over the Pacific Ocean. Relax in the main lodge enjoying the library, 'snug' with Bang & Olufsen plasma television and sound systems or the solarium and deck, soaking up the sunshine in this beautiful corner of New Zealand.
Accommodation includes three beautiful one bedroom suites and a premier two bedroom suite with private outdoor lounge, fire place and balcony with ocean views. All stunningly appointed bedrooms come with en suites, extensive mini-bars, spacious balconies and bush or water views of the Purangi Estuary and Cooks Beach. Enjoy breakfast in one of many private corners of the gardens or in a secluded alcove in the lodge itself, with wonderful fresh produce served each morning to set you up for your day of exploring the Coromandel.
Take a walk to the private and secluded Lonely Bay through the Shakespeare Reserve or over the estuary bridge to the white, sandy Cooks Beach - the perfect setting for swimming and a picnic. From 970 Lonely Bay, visit the nearby Hot Water Beach, where you can dig a pool in the sand and enjoy the hot water bubbling up from the lava flow below the earth. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Mercury Islands or take a trip on the water and get active with a kayaking tour to Cathedral Cove; there may even be an encounter with the local dolphin pod!
Accommodation
All four minimalist, light, bright suites at 970 Lonely Bay Lodge are elegant and simple with lovely ensuite bathrooms and outdoor terraces. The spacious first floor Purangi & Shakespeare Suites both have bifold doors onto a large deck and the light filled ground floor Atrium Suite has its own private atrium The two bedroom 'estuary terrace' is a two bedroom suite with first floor terrace with covered entertaining/dining area and outdoor fireplace and a further roof terrace with great views.
Childcare
970 Lonely Bay Lodge is not suitable for children under 12 but families with older children are welcomed and the personal, attentive service the lodge is known for means that any special requests relating to children will be undertaken if possible.
Facilities
With only four suites, the lodge has a homely feel and guests are welcome to enjoy the library, A/V 'snug' and Bang and Olufsen plasma TV and sound system. There are multiple fireplaces and decks and plenty of places to sit in the sun both indoor and out. Continental breakfast is served daily in the dining room and evening dinners, picnic hampers, afternoon teas and more can all be easily arranged on request.
Activities
Cooks Beach Whitianga area is well known for its pristine beaches, and pffers a wide range of sporting and leisure activities. Swimming, diving, waterskiing, windsurfing, yachting, boating and fishing can all be enjoyed at sea and on land there are scenic walks, local tennis, local golf, wine tasting at local vineyards and the day spa pools and thermal treatments at Whitianga. Whitianga and Cooks Beach also have some wonderful fine dining venues.
When to travel
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
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Location and directions
Auckland and the Coromandel, New Zealand
The 970 Lonely Bay is located next to the historic Shakespeare Reserve, overlooking Lonely Bay. Just a short stroll from Cooks Beach, 970 is close to Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula.
How to get there
A 2-hour 30-minute drive to Cooks Beach from Auckland provides stunning views and interesting towns en route. 20-minute commercial flights, private charter planes or helicopters are also available from Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton to Whitianga. The lodge is 2 km from the Whitianga Ferry Landing and from there, a 2-minute ferry trip to Whitianga Wharf.
