Coromandel Penninsula has some of the most dramatic hill and coastal scenery in the North Island. Framed by native pohutukawa trees on the western side and beautiful white sandy beaches on the east, the Coromandel stretches over 400kms of coastline. Rugged ranges and misty rainforest s protect a myriad of picturesque coves. The region is made up of a variety of townships which provide a diverse range of activities and spectacular scenery. Coromandel town is one of the country’s true pioneering towns with a unique character, enriched in arts and crafts. Well kept, small and friendly, it is a welcome home for kiwis and visitors alike. Here you can rediscover the true essential heart of a New Zealand holiday. Close by you can explore historic Thames, famous for it’s gold mining past, or stay in Whitianga and Hahei for some time in and around the water.

Accommodation is interesting and varied. Stay in an old historic pub, waterfront campground or pamper yourself at one of the many charming lodges and quality apartments throughout the area.

There are many things to do in Coromandel Peninsula, it is well known for it’s quality cafes, bars and restaurants. Live music and entertainment combines with a pleasant mixture of local seafood and friendly service. The olde worlde colonial buildings only add to the atmosphere. Fresh fish and shellfish is readily available from specialty outlets such as The Coro Smoking company and the Coro Oyster Company who have many years of experience in preparing you a kiwiana taste of the pacific. Local specialties include venison, pork, mussels, scallops, oysters and crayfish. You can even dine on an old steam ferry, converted into a restaurant and bar.

The eastern side of the peninsula is sheltered and full of on the water activities. In and around the small islands are a large number of mussel and oyster farms The farms attract the fish providing perfect conditions for diving, fishing, sailing and sight seeing. Charter boats offer all of these activities.

Visit working art studios , marvel in the many galleries and home based crafts people who get their inspiration from this area . Climb aboard the Driving creek railway and potteries train ride. The railway winds a narrow gauge passenger train up the hillside, through tunnels and over bridges to the “Eyeful Tower” for a panoramic view below.

Wind your way across the peninsula across the 309 road towards Whitianga. Stop by at the Waiau Waterworks, a combination of wizardary and gadgets in a cafe/garden setting. Take a bush walk to the Waiau falls, leading in to the spectacular Waiau Kauri Grove. Experience the ancient volcanic activity hidden within the country behind. Discover the awesome hill and bush scenery of the Kauaeranga Valley with it’s beautiful walking tracks, streams, waterfalls, prolific birdlife, swimming holes, camping & picnic places. There are over twenty one walking tracks and this part of the Coromandel forms a sanctuary for some of the country’s more interesting wildlife. Share your journey with Cave wetas, native frogs, large centipedes and enjoy the birdlife including tui, bellbird, fantail, kingfisher, kiwi and a variety of hawks and sea birds.

The ‘Sleeping God Canyon’ part way up the valley is a 300m waterfall, the site of CANYONZ’s canyoning adventures combining abseils, jumps and waterlides.

Whitianga is a thriving coastal township with a large range of activities to keep you busy, including the Mercury Bay Musuem which contains New Zealand’s earliest recorded history. Don’t miss a trip to Hahei to spend some time on what is reputedly the most enjoyed, brilliantly white beach in the area. You can walk through the Cathedral Cove marine reserve to the famous Cathedral Cove, the most photographed cave throughout this unusual white headland. You can also get there on the water on a boat trip or sea kayak adventure. Enjoy a natural hot spa bath in the sand at hot water beach by digging your own pool in the sand and relax for the afternoon or evening. Head up to the valleys from Whenuakite for bird parks, pottery, horse trekking and mountain biking. Fast flowing stony streams follow the roadside with waterfalls and swimming holes dotted about.

Stop at the old pub at Coroglen for friendly service, top bands out the back and the best burgers on the Coromandel. The Purangi Winery and cafe near beautiful Cook’s Beach and Castle Rock winery near Whangapoua make all types of wine and offer free tastings.

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Coromandel Peninsula