In his speech, the Prime Minister spoke of the importance of tourism to
the New Zealand economy, and how fitting it was to have some overseas
visitors there at the opening. The date of the Centre’s official launch just
happened to coincide with the arrival of the Star Princess in Auckland, and
a group were on the ‘Coast to Coast Eco-tour’ shore excursion hosted by
owner’s Donna and Stuart Hamilton. As Stuart is Treasurer of the Visitor
Centre, and was required to meet the Prime Minister on arrival, the tour
group had to attend as well, as neither event could be cancelled.
The Kumeu Visitor Centre had humble beginnings many years ago in Huapai
(close to Kumeu). Staffed by volunteers and occupying a small tin shed
adjacent to the local garden nursery, resulted in this centre never able to
achieve an I-site status. More recently, it shifted onto the opposite side
of the road into a building with United Travel. Even though this move was to
a better building, it was unfortunate that it was not in the correct
position for vehicles travelling north. When the latest location became
available, the Kumeu Coast and Country committee unanimously agreed to
shift. A lot of these recent achievements have been made possible by the
Visitor Centre Manager Bernadette Limbrick.
Funded by Rodney District Council, the Kumeu Visitor Centre is well on
the way to becoming an I-site and when this is achieved it will be the only
I-site in the west Auckland area, and also the only I-site in John Key’s
Helensville electorate.
With being just 30 minutes from downtown, the west Auckland area (of
Rodney), is rapidly becoming Auckland’s playground. Historic wineries,
mountain biking in the Woodhill forest, Muriwai beach with its black iron
sands and famous sea-bird colony, cafes, bed and breakfasts and wedding
venues, all cater for the many visitors.
The locally owned and operated tour of ‘Coast to Coast Eco-tours’ is an
ideal way in which to explore this west Auckland region. Established in
2002, this tour has been rated Auckland’s No1 activity on the Tripadvisor
review website since May ‘08. Hosts Donna and Stuart also incorporate their
sheep farm and Homestead, and are able to share personal experiences and
stories of this region where their family has lived since 1922.
‘Coast to Coast Eco-tours’ caters for smaller sized, more personal shore
excursions, compared to the regular tours offered by the Cruiselines.
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Donna Hamilton
Coast to Coast Tours
www.coast2coastnz.com
