The Coromandel tourism industry is welcoming people to return for a relaxing holiday, to make the most of summer plans. It has been business as usual for most of the region with communities surrounding the Firth of Thames quick to bounce back from the storm a fortnight ago, with road access restored.

All roads are now open with travellers on the Thames Coast Rd and East Coast Rd north of Kaiaua experiencing minor delays while road repairs are under way. Visitors in campervans along the Kaiaua Coast are recommended to stay at the Miranda Holiday Park or advised to take extra care at popular spots such as Ray’s Rest.

Coromandel Adventures tour company initially had to re-route their services due to road damage. Business owner Willie Lochore, who features in the Time and Again promotion, isn’t one to be blown away by the weather. “Retaining connectivity to the Peninsula is crucial for locals and visitors, we literally went the extra mile to stick to our schedule.”

Based in Coromandel Town, Coromandel Adventures connects visitors to the hotspots all around The Coromandel and the Central North Island plus downtown Auckland via the 360 Discovery Ferry. While increased driving times weren’t ideal for the tour company, their customers weren’t fazed, according to Willie Lochore. “They (the visitors) just thought it was another day in paradise, thankfully business was quick to return to normal.”

Locals are hoping for a long-term solution on the Thames Coast Rd. Waiomu Beach Café is popular with locals and visitors, and owner Julie McNillan remains optimistic about the future. “If building a cycle and walkway could be included in the road repairs, that would provide further protection from erosion and safety for road users. The benefits to Thames, the coast and the wider region would be massive.”

Across the Firth in Kaiaua, business is also returning to normal. The newest leg of the Hauraki Rail Trail is open from Miranda Holiday Park, an ideal place to stay and enjoy the thermal mineral springs. They’re holding a fundraising event in conjunction with the Kaiaua volunteer Rural Fire Force on Saturday 27 January, with all proceeds going to the Kaiaua Coast Disaster Relief Fund.

All major boat ramps around the Firth are open and scheduled events for the summer season will go on as planned. There is clearly plenty of Coromandel summer yet to be enjoyed. Visit www.thecoromandel.com for upcoming events.

© Scoop Media