Coromandel

The Coromandel Peninsula is about two hours southeast of Auckland and this unspoiled, relaxed and rustic area is one of New Zealand’s best loved holiday destinations.

The Coromandel is where the bush and beach can be accessed easily and in the same day you can enjoy one of the spectacular beaches along the 400 kilometers (240 miles) of the Pacific Ocean as well as the quietness of the beautiful green kauri forests set on rugged volcanic hills.

The historic towns of Thames and Coromandel were once the scene of the first gold rush in New Zealand in 1850. You can learn more about this at the Goldmine Experience in Thames through underground tours and gold panning, as well as at the Coromandel School of Mines Museum.

You could take a ride on New Zealand’s only narrow gauge railway at Driving Creek Railway or shop for souvenirs at the Saturday markets in Thames. Bird lovers will enjoy the 100 species of migratory birds that live around the Firth of Thames and visit either the Miranda Shorebird Centre or the Karaka Bird Hide.

For the more adventurous you can mountain bike or hike the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, or take a dip in the hot mineral water at the Miranda Hot Springs. Driving on from Coromandel Town is the quiet country town of Colville.  Originally in pioneering days, a busy milling town, the town became popular with hippies in the 1970’s and today is a quiet town of artists and farmers. It is possible to drive about one-and-a-quarter hours toFletcher Town at the top of the peninsula, but not to drive around the entire peninsula.

The shortest route to get from Coromandel to Whitianga is the mostly unpaved, narrow and windy 309 Road.  This road is so named due to the finest 309 Kauri trees that are easily accessible along this route. Part way across you can stop to take a scenic walk to the Waiau Falls where the Waiau River crashes over the rock face, and take a swim in the lagoon.

The town of Whitianga is an excellent base for exploring the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. From this beach town, you can go scuba diving, snorkeling or big game fishing. You can enjoy seafood at one of the many local restaurants or visit the numerous artist studios or galleries. At nearby Hot Water Beach, for two hours either side of low tide, it is possible to make your own hot pool by digging in the sand for hot springs water, a phenomenon from New Zealand’s volcanic and geothermal past.

Cathedral Cove is a guided kayak trip or two-hour round trip walk to a beautiful white sand beach with a massive natural rock arch. You can snorkel or swim, or just enjoy a picnic and relax under the pohutukawatrees. Continuing further around the region are the twin towns of Tairua and Pauanui. With surf beaches on the coast and a tranquil harbor inland, you get the best of both worlds. Tairua harbor is dominated by the volcanic peak of Paku and it is a relatively easy hike to the summit. As well, you can hike the Pauanui Mountain track for spectacular views over the Bay of Plenty. Diving, snorkeling, fishing and historical sites can be found on Slipper Island, slightly offshore from the mainland.

Further south, the surf town of Whangamata is busy in the summer and quiet the rest of the year. Enjoy local artisans along the Whangamata Craft Trail, and enjoy the Waihi Art Market where you can find both traditional and contemporary art. Whangamata is the also the southern end of the Coromandel area, and has become a popular retreat for people from Auckland, with the population tripling during the summer months. From here it is easy and scenic drive across the Hauraki Plains back to Auckland. These green but very flat rural plains are all about farming, and it is possible to sample and buy the local produce at various small towns on the way through.

Enjoy the numerous picturesque local beaches and at Waihi Beach. Alongside the 9 kilometer (5.5 mile) beach is a stunning coastal walkway. The fully operational gold and silver mine at Martha Mine is located in Waihi and you can take one of the guided tours that explains the past, present and future of gold mining. TheKarangahake Gorge was the site of Waihi’s 1875 gold rush and the beautiful Ohinimuri River runs through there. Enjoy a step back in time on the Goldfields Vintage Railway or take a stroll along one of the walkways where you can see gold mining history by the mining relics and old mine tunnels that still adorn the tracks.

The Coromandel Peninsula is a region of contrasting landscapes.  From the crashing surf on the east coast to the tranquil bays around Thames; from the rugged peaks and ranges in the north to the flat Hauraki Plains in the south, there is something for all tastes. The past can be found in the historical buildings and colonial architecture found in several of the towns. Relics from the gold mining era enable us to experience some of the fascinating history of the area. And the stunning scenery and idyllic surroundings have inspired numerous artists and craftsmen to make this region their home.