A fascinating slice of this region’s history came nearly a century after the gold miners and decades after the bushmen who felled the kauri that once stood tall in the rainforests of the rugged Coromandel Range.
It was time for the hippies to move in and the beginning of a thriving artistic community.
Why would they come here? Well, it is hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t been to this area what drew hundreds of what was termed “the Flower Children” to the Coromandel during the 1960s and 1970s.
At first glance, it’s a pretty unpromising country to head for if you’re after a comfortable living off the fat of the land. Think rugged, stony, heavily forested and where we were housesitting on the western side, and where Coromandel Township is very tidal.
Was it the stillness of the rainforest, the misty vistas of mountain, headland and sea that called the souls of the commune-founders hither?. Or perhaps it was the ready availability of cheap land and abundant earth that produced premium clay for pottery. Or the more cynical may believe it had to do with less productive work in the form of having camouflage in the way of the bush to plant their crops, in those days it had more to do with pot than clay.
Whatever the reason, Coromandel, rivalled only by Nelson was to become Hippy Central for New Zealand. And while most of the residents of the communes in the 1960s and 1970s spent the 1980s turning on and tuning in to the stock market, there are still real hippies living, feral and shy, in and around Coromandel. Just a few years older like myself.
The great thing about people who live alternative lifestyles is that they are, to make a sweeping generalisation, are usually creative and unconventional types. They made Coromandel the place it is today, still a relatively speaking thriving artistic community. Viewing art is one of the primary reasons I love visiting this area and of course, not forgetting the stunning bush and beaches.
Coming over for a visit? Then check out when the next Artist Tour is happening – https://www.coromandelartstour.co.nz/our-artists
My Connection – Waikawau Bay
I was first introduced to the Coromandel when my brother and friends brought thick bushland further up the peninsula during the 1980s. I was to make a few trips with this lot of entrepreneurial nut tree growers, mainly in the role as a chief cook [not a dishwasher], and tree planter.
Other memories linger more vividly.
Those times were when I stayed alone at the base camp to cook up a storm. Where more than once I could be found sitting on a chair with feet tucked up with arm stretched out trying to stir the simmering pots. While waiting patiently or not, for the tree planters to return to assure me the visiting rat had gone!
The real fun memories were to be created when the Squire and I had the opportunity to enjoy a few occasions up in “the bush”, enjoying the delights of an outdoor bath and dinner by candlelight after a day’s exploring. Those stays were in the comfort of a building with a roof, door and windows. Then on our last night, I was reminded of a previous visit, when we heard scratching on the window.
Throughout our history, memorable moments are made from the unexpected. Don’t you agree?
Life at No. 22 
Wonderful photo of Waikawau Bay – we had that beach all to ourselves and a few biting flies for a couple of hours on 26th December. Couldn’t work out why – maybe it was the flies!
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You were fortunate to claim a deserted Coromandel beach during the Christmas break. Perhaps others were recovering from said festive celebrations and the flies?
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Hi, Suzanne – You always make me wNt to visit every place that you write about!
And, I 100% agree with your closing statement!
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Hi Donna, thanks very much for your lovely comment. I’m very chuffed that I’ve enticed you to visit NZ. Hope your feet have recovered from your Camino walk.
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Hi Suzanne. Hippies, I think, had very positive influences in many countries. The world would be a better place if it had more of a hippie mindset. See you!
Neil
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Hi Neil, I think you could be right. A more peaceful world!
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Interesting place and beautiful shot of the bay.. 😉
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Thanks very much Lisa and the Coromandel area has certainly had an interesting past. In the future it will be more of an environment issue as we have more weather “bombs”.
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The Coromandel has certainly changed since the roads have been sealed and the Jaffas moved in to Pauanui and Matarangi. Fewer hippies and more retired professionals there these days I think.
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Wendy, I am not a fan of that side of the Coromandel [ Pauanui area]. The area I was referring to is the Coromandel township and further up north of there to Coville. Pauanui is too ‘false’, and most of those houses aren’t lived in for most of the year.
An issue that many small communities may need to address in years to come. Parts of the Devon/Cornwall area don’t allow people to buy houses there as “2nd homes”, as it has ruined the community spirit. Especially in one small village, we housesat in.
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We all could benefit, I believe, from channeling our inner hippy (the peaceful, artistic kind, not the druggy kind 🙃). Coromandel looks and sounds like a place I would enjoy.
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I agree Janis and I am sure you would enjoy exploring the Coromandel Peninsular. It has a more rustic side then the opposite opulence on the other. Try and avoid the school holidays!
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Great to read this Suz, I had no idea about the history of this area. It was a beautiful place to visit and your words were beautifully written. Thanks so much for telling these stories.
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Thanks Deb and yes the Coromandel does have some beautiful places to explore. You are more than welcome.
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Yes I do agree Suzanne, memorable moments are made from the unexpected. Lovely to read about your memories and the photographs you take of your travels are wonderful.
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Thanks very much Sam 🙂
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