http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21787 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21787 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17479 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17479 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17352
Go there for an early morning swim (there's a wire mesh net across the mouth of the bay to keep sharks out!) then have breakfast at the cafe there. If going on weekends, get there before 9.00 or else the small car park (with its narrow, steep, one-lane driveway) is full and you have to park way up the hills on either side and walk down. As well as a beach there's a large grassy area for picnics, and a children's playground.

Other pleasant places to swim and eat in the area include Camp Cove and Nielsen Park.

There's more cafe choice at Balmoral on the north side, but weekend parking is even more impossible - get in by 8.00!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17352 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16719
You can choose to walk inland or by the beaches spending as much or as little time as you like there. Arrive by kayak or walk in, leave by water taxi admiring the splendor you have just tramped through. If you have not been there then go. Now.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16719 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16604 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16604 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16485
Families flock to Merimbula during the holidays. It is a popular spot with city families with Melbournites and Sydneyites holidaying there. Merimbula is a great spot!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16485 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16471
You've got a beautiful lagoon right at the foot of the property, which opens out into the ocean right in front of you. There's bush walks to the north and a long beach with a blowhole at the end to the south. Lovely quiet town but 15 minutes from Whangamata if you need it. Loads to do, or nothing if you just want to enjoy the tranquility. This is the best place in the world!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16471 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16465 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16465 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16464 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16464 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16463 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16463 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16462
There's a promenade behind the beach with a couple of good bars and cafes. There are more impressive beaches further up the peninsula but for convenience and all-round utility you can't beat St. Clairs.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16462 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16461 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16461 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16451
The beach is wild and rugged, and you walk from the car park across sand dunes and an estuary to get to the seafront. If you're not a strong swimmer you're best to stay within your depth, but the water is lovely and it's a great place for beach cricket.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16449
The beds are huge and comfy, cocktails are highly recommended (although beware - you can put all your food and drink costs on your room bill so be careful or it'll take you by surprise when you check out!) and you can dine on fresh coconut and starfruit for breakfast.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16449 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15892 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15892 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15537
It is sunny, there is accommdation on the beach and there is a chilled out vibe. Don't make a special trip to visit though as it's not beautiful.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15537 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15314
Ignore the main beach in town. Instead head north through the township and stop at Wainui beach or go over the hill to Makarori (where the surfers go).

Both beaches are beautiful and are sandfly-free (really!). There are some fantastic restaurants in Gisborne, and one of the best bookshops in NZ (Muirs). The whole East Cape is beautiful, and worth a visit if you have the time.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15314 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15252
The surfing's great, the beach is safe for kids, there's an island you can walk to at low tide with its own private beach and marine eco-system. It is paradise on Earth.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15252 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14970
One of the main attractions (apart from the lack of forced activities, relaxation and friendliness of the atmosphere) is the stretch of beach stretching away from the hotel, pure white and, apparently unusual for the area, somewhere you won't get harassed by beach boys - who'll simply introduce themselves on the first day, point out where their shop is and ask you how long you're staying.

Found it through Trip Advisor where it was highly recommended for a very quiet, peaceful break.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14970 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14861
Forty Thieves bar/restaurant is a popular haunt that opens right on to the beach and at night is an amazing place to sit and watch the ocean.

Food is good, particularly the crab. There is music later in the evenings and a pool table but there are quiet corners and comfy sofas to sit back on and enjoy where you are. Locals and tourists alike go there which tells you something.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14861