Lonely & Lovely Bay

New Zealand is hardly a country of beaten paths. Nevertheless, foreign visitors tend to flock to certain towns and regions, whilst other areas remain untouched or visited primarily by vacationing Kiwis (as in the people of New Zealand, not the national bird of New Zealand).

The Coromandel Peninsula is a prime example of a classic local getaway, especially during the summer season. A popular spot for Auckland’s city folk to have a ‘bach’ (cottage), it is a short jaunt from the big city and a wonderful throwback to simple beach life. The attraction of the area is the abundance of nature and ocean activities, like hiking, fishing, hunting, and kayaking.

I recently visited the Coromandel and had the serious pleasure of spending a night at 970 Lonely Bay, a lovely lodge just steps from the ocean on a secluded part of the Peninsula. Beautifully decorated, and masterfully hosted by Loring Stewart, who was just about the best host we could hope for, I couldn’t have imagined a more genuinely welcoming experience.

Now that I think of it, the room was pretty welcoming as well. We were in the Terrace Suite, with a huge private outdoor seating and dining area. Our spacious digs even had a cozy little private loft space with an extra bed, ideal for families. Also worth mentioning is the amazing food, lovingly prepared by Loring herself. We were wowed at her daring—she took a shot at soufflé for 8 for the first time, in a new oven, without a window. And she nailed it.

If you’re planning a visit to New Zealand sometime soon, try and set aside a few extra days to visit 970 Lonely Bay. While the Coromandel offers less obvious treasures than some of the places on the popular path, the pleasure of staying just inches from a blissfully calm beach is reward enough.

Mike wants to tell you more about Lonely Bay. Give him a ring to hear all about it.