Stockist Spotlight: Cove Beach Essentials, Hahei

Cove. Beach Essentials is the kind of store every beach town needs. Practical, well-curated, and right at the centre of things in Hahei – equally relied on by locals, bach owners, and the steady stream of visitors passing through.

Owned by Tim and Lauren, Cove has been under their care for four years – a period that’s included storms, closed tracks, and a long wait for tourism to find its rhythm again. With the Cathedral Cove track reopening last year, this summer was shaping up to be the first full season back at something close to normal. Winter had been busier than expected and early signs were strong.

Then, as Coromandel locals know too well, the weather had other plans.

Recent storms swept through the region, bringing heavy flooding and temporary road closures that once again disrupted what should have been peak summer trade. It’s been a tougher start than anyone hoped for — another reminder of how exposed coastal communities can be to the elements.

Familiar bread, new setting

Manager Chanel has been running the store for the past two years, after moving from Cambridge to nearby Whitianga. She already knew Volare well – and had a long-standing affinity for our Cranberry Chicken Sausage Rolls – so was pleased to see them on Cove’s shelves when she started working there.

Volare has gained real traction at Cove, especially with locals who pre-order their bread each week. It helps the team manage demand, reduce waste, and keep things moving smoothly in a small coastal store – particularly important when weather and visitor numbers can shift quickly.

What people come back for

At Cove, our Olive & Thyme Sourdough and San Francisco Sourdough are the most popular loaves – reliable favourites for both locals and holidaymakers. There’s also steady interest in Turmeric, Cumin & Onion Sourdough when it’s available. Almond Croissants are another standout, especially when the town fills up.

Volare currently delivers twice a week during the busier season, dropping back to Fridays through winter. It’s a rhythm that works for a coastal store – keeping shelves fresh and waste to a minimum.

A challenging few years – personally and professionally

The past few years haven’t been easy for Hahei. Tourism slowed after the storm damage, and the town needed time to recover. For Tim and Lauren, that period was compounded by a major personal loss when their family home, just across the road from the store, was destroyed by fire early on Christmas morning last month. Everyone staying there made it out safely, but the house was lost.

It’s been a lot to carry. Yet when asked about the hardest part of running the business, Tim was more focused on what’s ahead than what’s behind.

Life by the beach

Ask Tim what keeps him in Hahei and the answer is simple: the water, the people, and the balance. Surfing, fishing, time with friends – and a community that shows up for each other when it matters.

More young families are settling back in. Locals are returning home. The town supports full-time living as much as it does summer escapes. There’s golf, tennis courts, a weekly pickleball game with 30 regulars, and Whenuakite School just down the road. It’s not just a holiday spot – it’s home.

Looking ahead

This summer hasn’t unfolded the way anyone planned. But if the past few years have proven anything, it’s that Hahei is resilient.

Roads reopen. Visitors return. The season stretches on.

We’re proud to have Cove. Beach Essentials as a Volare stockist – a store that continues to serve its community through the ups and downs, and keeps good bread within easy reach.

If you’re heading to the Coromandel in the coming weeks, take the detour. Stop in. Grab a loaf. Support the businesses doing it tough after the floods.

Local tip: if you’ve got a favourite loaf, ask the team about pre-ordering – especially around long weekends and holiday periods.