New Zealand Coast: Simpsons Beach
On the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand, is a beach town called Whitianga in the Mercury Bay. It’s a sweet place, though heavy with tourists in the summertime. Luckily for me, and now for you, I know of another beach right up the road that’s perfect for a mid-week escape.
As stated before, I’m believe very strongly in networking. When I was first starting my drive up to the Coromandel Peninsula a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to stay on Simpsons Beach. The 1970s-style beach house, complete with sunken bathroom, sunken living room, wood paneling, etc. etc. belonged to the friends of the family I was introduced to by the woman I met on the plane coming over to New Zealand. For a few days, I had the pleasure of being almost entirely alone on a gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach with gentle surf and unlimited sunshine.
Because the beach is not connected directly to a town, it is enjoyed almost entirely by locals. Surrounded by a few streets of houses, five-to-ten minutes up the road from the hordes of tourists, park in the neighborhood, walk up a small track, and you’re directly on the beach. If you go during the week, you’ll almost be guaranteed Simpsons Beach to yourself (at least until mid-afternoon; it is still summertime).
WildlyTraveled 