GOLD CUP SUMMER CARNIVAL

Have you been to the races lately?  The atmosphere and spectacle are unbeatable.  Expect an experience that combines relaxing and socialising in a picturesque setting, the thunder and excitement of the races, good live entertainment, plus great food and drink.  The blend of high standards and local racing character go together to deliver a fantastic day out.

Race 3 of the 7 race national triathalon series.

Tri My Sport Race: caters to the first time competitor

Contact Energy Cup Race: a medium to advanced level compeition open to anyone over the age of 18

Whether you're keen to participate or just want to soak up the fun and excitement as a spectator, make sure you don't miss the National Series when it hits Whangamata this summer.

 TBA - THAMES HARNESS RACING CLUB

 TBA - THAMES JOCKEY CLUB RACES

Have you been to the races lately?

The atmosphere and spectacle are unbeatable.  Expect an experience that combines relaxing and socialising in a picturesque setting, the thunder and excitement of the races, good live entertainment, plus great food and drink.  The blend of high standards and local racing character go together to deliver a fantastic day out.

Take a ride on the wild side!
Largely single track off road mountain biking event that starts and finishes in Coromandel township. Along the way competitors take in awesome vistas of both coastlines of the Peninsula.The event caters for all abilities with 3 races:

• the 62km Classic    • the 45km Challenge   • the 20km Rookie

The ride covers some of the most spectacular countryside the Coromandel, most of which is on private land and not usually assessable to the public.

Some quotes from riders:
“This is one race I will be using my gears“
Clinton Jackson – Current World Champion – single speed.

“Once I realised that this was more than just a mountain bike race, but an adventure with my mountain bike – I really started having fun” Phil Wood 2003 winner of the MI3

“As scenic as it is tough”
Michael May 2003 winner of the MI5

oin in the sunshine, surf and slime when Nick Takes Over Whangamata Beach on Saturday 16th February 2008 from 11am till 2pm. Come along and meet Nickelodeon stars including SpongeBob Squarepants as well as enjoy lots of fun Nick-tivities including sack races, hoola hooping, tug-o-war and the chance on the day to win a limited edition Billabong surf kit including a surfboard, wet suit and lesson with a Billabong Surf Pro.

Whangamata

A great day for all ages from the fun rider to the serious rider. The cycle race is made of up three events: 10km, 30km & 75km.

Start time is 10.00am and prizegiving is around 1.00pm. Great spot prizes up for grabs, including a mmountain bike.

07 862 8994 or office@stjpaeroa.school.nz

An arts trail set in NZ's most stunning location!

The volcanic, beautiful but remote Coromandel Peninsula, long a destination for outdoor enthusiasts intent on hiking, fishing, and bathing, has also attracted a population of permanent and part-time residents; musicians, sculptors, painters and crafts folk, whose life-style and products expand the regions attractions.

Art 2b@bettycollings@.com

Concert morcom@xtra.co.nz,

70km of MTB ecstasy!

Starting in Colville, the race takes you over the Whangapoua hill onto the dramatic coastline of the north eastern Coromandel. Riders then round the remote northern tip of the Coromandel via a dedicated MTB track across DoC land. One your vertical climb to 500m along the way catch awesome views of Great Barrier Island. A couple more hills need to be tackled before returning down the coast road to Colville through unspolit coastline. There is also a shorter 24km track for those who want an introduction to the area. Get along and find out why the Coromandel is a haven for adrenaline seeking MTBers.  Check out the webvideo

The Great New Zealand Trek is New Zealand’s most ambitious outdoor event taking an army of trekkers the length of the country. Participants can choose to mountain bike, ride a horse, or walk the distance, finishing each evening at the travelling campsite complete with gourmet mess hall, bar, hot showers and massage.

The Great New Zealand Trek is held over 12 stages (one each year) and traverses from the Far North to the deep south of New Zealand in a ‘Trek towards a Cure’ for Multiple Sclerosis,

STAGE 3 is planned for March 15 to March 23, 2008 beginning at Port Jackson at the top of the Coromandel.

Steve 07 889 0567

Indiana Jones’ style Adventure Race

The ARC 24 is a 24 hour adventure race for teams of 4 people
The ARC 12 is a 12 Hour Adventure race designed for teams of 2 or 4 people.

Disciplines include sea kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, navigation and regaining, rifle shooting, mine exploration, rope work and special mystery activities.

The Mikkelsen Gallery in Paeroa, Waikato is proud to launch the first limited edition archival reproductions of popular New Zealand artist Barry Ross Smith. Preview will be on Thursday 20th March from 6pm - 8:30pm and the public are encouraged to attend. These high quality reproductions of iconic rural images will be showcased alongside the originals and the artist, for authenticity, will sign each limited edition reproduction.
Archival Reproductions have an astonishing level of quality with tonal values and saturation of colour that far exceeds that of traditional printing. In fact it's not unusual to see a Reproduction hanging alongside the original in an International Gallery. They also have a life expectancy of up to 100 years and it's for these reasons that Barry has chosen this medium to represent his artwork. At this time however there is going to be a very limited quantity of each print, with no more being produced once the edition is sold out.
Barry Ross Smith was born in Kauri, Whangarei and brought up in Tauranga, before venturing overseas for a short time. Barry has become well known over the last 6 years as a professional painter who can capture the essence, or spirit, of instantly recognizable New Zealand imagery.

A day of old fashion family fun!
Focusing on yesteryear with an Anitiques Road Show; vintage & classic car displays, motorbikes & other forms of historic transport; working stationery engines; live music; food & market stalls; raffles' children's entertainment; museum and heritage displays including family history research.

For more information please click here and here

As sister event to the East Coast International Blues And Roots Music Festival (Byron Bay Bluesfest) there are now three Australian festivals that are more than proud to host artists and ethos associated with one of Australia’s premier international annual events.

In 2008 New Zealand has achieved a rare honour in becoming a part of this festival circuit with Bluesfest NZ (the Coromandel Peninsula Blues And Roots Music Festival 2008).

Bluesfest NZ, is to be positioned in Whitianga on the glorious East Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Bluesfest NZ will bring to New Zealand shores a flavour of the amazing Byron Bay Blues Festival. The inaugural festival is scheduled as a one day event and will play host to some impressive names in blues, reggae, funk, roots pop and swamp rock.

For more details check out the programme and a site plan

125km Bike Ride.
Lots of great spot prizes to be won, with cash prizes for the Elite Race.

Open to anyone with a bike!

The Moehau Man - 125km Multisport race. A circumnavigation of the Coromandel peninsula. The race entails Sea kayaking (including a true ocean kayak), mountain biking and off road running. The race is open to individuals and teams of up to 4 people
Son of Moehau - 66km Multisport race. Set in the shadow of the Moehau the race includes Sea kayaking, mountain biking and off road running. The race is open to individuals and teams of up to 4 people.
Moehau Tri – 50km Off road Triathlon. Includes a 1.5km 0cean swim at Waitete Bay, 12km Off road run and 36km of mountain biking.

The Echo Walking Festival is about experiencing the fantastic walks that the Southern Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges have to offer.

From 19 to 27 April people are encouraged to explore these hidden gems with a programme of walks that showcase historic gold mining trails, stunning scenery and native flora and fauna.

In addition to the guided walks, each town has many more "freedom walks".

To register for any of the walks, please contact Information Centres in Katikati, Waihi, Paeroa or Te Aroha.

Or pick up your copy of the Echo Walking Festival Brochure that outlines the details of each walk.  This can be found at each town’s Information Centre’s or www.sportwaikato.org.nz

The highlight of the festival is over 1200 beautifully restored hot rods and classic cars, which take part in a grand parade, and other cruises to beaches up the coastline. There's also Rock n Roll bands from New Zealand and Australia and dancing/competitions in a street festival and various venues throughout the weekend.

A range of other family related activities like a drive in movie, Low Brow art competition, Nostalgia Golf tournament, 60's style longboard competition, and the ever popular Hop Idol and a Nostalgia fair.The result is a colorful extravaganza showcasing rock n roll culture, set against the back drop of one of New Zealands iconic seaside towns, and unparalleled anywhere in New Zealand. Most importantly, the festival is a community event, with all proceeds going towards the various Water Safety organisations which support the seaside town.