Ring Lost at Whale Bay, Matapouri – Found in the Sea.
Natalie and her partner were enjoying the summer at one of Northland’s secrets — Whale Bay, near Matapouri. Waist-deep in the water, they were playing volleyball when she saw her treasured ring fly off her finger as she hit the ball.
The first ring her partner gave her, gold and aquamarine, it was irreplaceable due to the significance it carried.
They spent some time with masks and snorkels looking for it, but by then, it had already been covered by the light and mobile, broken-shell sand.
She posted a plea in the local Facebook groups, and my reputation for success led people to recommend me.
We met in the car park and followed the track down through the bush to the bay. As we passed each window in the trees, the beach came into view, and you could see why it was one of the most popular local spots.
On reaching the sand, we went over the backstory of the what’s and where’s, and I began the search pattern.
Once the intertidal sand was cleared, I moved into the water. The sand was deep and soft where it was being actively pulled down from the beach, but after a few more minutes, I was wading ashore with a smile.
Natalie started walking toward me, her expression uncertain — and I wondered if she thought I had given up. Then I held out the sand scoop to her, and there it was.
Her precious ring, safely sitting at the bottom.
Her prompt call to a ring finder with 37 years of experience and a solid success rate gave her the best possible chance of recovering her ring.
And all for less than the cost and uncertainty of hiring a DIY metal detector.
