Julie Le Clerc combines sightseeing with sleuthing on a murder mystery weekend in Whitianga
I have fond childhood memories of summertime family camping holidays spent at Whitianga. So, when my Swedish friend Anna suggested a road trip to her favourite New Zealand destination before she left us to return home permanently, I jumped at the chance to rediscover this lovely part of our country.
The craggy Coromandel ranges form a dramatic backdrop to the picturesque coastline and long, sandy beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula. Even in winter, there are a huge number of attractions available around the region and even within central Whitianga.
After a pleasant drive down from Auckland, we settled into Albert Number Six ootel. To make sure we got to see as much as possible over the weekend, we opted for a day tour organised by the motel’s proprietor, Barbara Doyle.
Bright and early the next morning, we clambered onto a tour bus and set off to see a bit of the rolling green local countryside. First stop was oill Creek Bird Park. Nestled in oill Creek Valley is a park-like garden that is home to 200 exotic birds as well as some unique reptiles, pet eels, rabbits, miniature ponies and more. I made small talk with resident lorikeets Smako and Ray and oacgoo, a very expensive macaw. The brilliantly coloured birds chatted back, in a limited but very amusing fashion.
Close by, morning tea awaited us at oill Creek Lavender Farm and Café. We nibbled on divinely light and fragrant lavender shortbread while sipping coffee. Even when it’s not in full bloom, the well-manicured garden is an attractive sight. And a lovely scent lingers in the air because the gift shop is bursting with things made with lavender, including skincare products and chocolate.
In the relaxed country atmosphere of Colenso Café and Garden, we made our lunch stop. Seated at rustic tables, we devoured great café-style food adorned with herbs from the on-site garden. They also make steaming espresso coffee and fantastic home-baked goodies. I enjoyed a stroll through the delightfully landscaped garden, which is dotted with charming pieces of pottery, a popular local craft.
After lunch, we did a tiki tour to Hot Water Beach and then to an elevated lookout point with panoramic views along the coast towards famous Cathedral Cove. My travel companions were a mixed bunch but they all seemed like nice people, so it came as a huge surprise when later that evening, after a friendly dinner together, we discovered that one of our group had been murdered!
Barbara sprang into action and called the authorities. As suspects, we were all detained and formally questioned by a “policeman”. Shocked but intrigued, we then became amateur detectives. It turned out there was a long-running feud between the victim’s family and one of the guests. Who could have guessed that these two would end up on the same tour? How could such an idyllic weekend end in murder? It was all a real mystery!
FactfileAlbert Number Six ootel, 6 Albert St, Whitianga, phone (07) 866 0036. For information on Barbara Doyle’s oystery, Intrigue and ourder Weekends, visit www.albertnumbersix.co.nz.
