A relaxing world of sand, sea and forest
The rugged volcanic hills are cloaked in native rainforest, and more than 400 kilometres of spectacular coastline promises you can find the beach of your dreams. The Coromandel is a place where bush and beach are both easily accessible. In the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forest.
Inspired by the region's idyllic setting, many artists and crafts people have made the Coromandel their home - visitors to the area are welcome in their studios. The area's fascinating history is evident in gold mining relics, logging dams and ancient Maori pa sites. The past can also be found in the charming colonial architecture and historical buildings preserved in several towns around the region.
Spring signals the opening of the Coromandel scallop season. Dive for scallops to barbeque yourself or savour them at a local seafood restaurant. Coromandel's famous water gardens at Rapuara come alive in spring. Take a cruise and see an abundance of marine life up close.
Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand's best-loved holiday destinations.
The Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel's dramatic and unspoiled coast, with native Pohutukawa trees on the western side and beautiful white sandy beaches on the east, offers endless opportunities for fishing, diving, boating, surfing and swimming. Enjoy the unique experience of Hot Water Beach where, at low tide, you can dig in the sand, allowing the sulphur heated waters to rise to the top to create your very own thermal spa. Swim with dolphins, hire a kayak and explore the many off shore islands or simply let the azure water lap at your feet and marvel at the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Kauaeranga Valley
A highlight of the region is the Kauaeranga Valley, an extensive area of mostly forest park with magnificent hill and bush scenery, stony streams, swimming holes, walking,tramping, camping and picnic spots. The rugged hills, which include Table Mountain (846m) and the Pinnacles (759m), provide a spectacular backdrop.
Thames
Thames is the main commercial centre for the Coromandel Peninsula and the adjacent region. It is an ideal place to base a holiday. Founded in 1867, Thames is truly a colonial town. The Gold rush and boom days have left the town with a unique character for the visitor to explore and enjoy.
Cathedral Cove
A 2-hour return walk, or a guided kayaking trip, will bring you to the white sands and arches of Cathedral Cove. It's an idyllic place to swim, snorkel, picnic or simply relax under the pohutukawa trees.
Hot Water Beach
This beach lives up to its name. For two hours either side of low tide, you can create your own hot pool by digging into the sands. The hot spring bubbling up through the sand is the legacy of an exciting volcanic past.
The 309 Road
From 'The 309 Road' you can walk to the foot of the Waiau Falls, where the Waiau River crashes over a rock face. Another 10 minute track will take you to the 309 Kauris, the finest stand of kauri trees in the region.
Thames is the main commercial centre for the Coromandel Peninsula and the adjacent region. An ideal place to base a holiday. Founded in 1867 during the New Zealand goldrush, Thames is truly a colonial town. The Gold rush and boom days have left the town with a unique character for the visitor to explore and enjoy.
Within Thames there is a wide range of attractions and activities to enjoy, gold mine tours, Olde Grahamstown with the museum and school of mines museum, train rides and a tropical butterfly garden.
A highlight of the region is the Kauaeranga Valley, an extensive area of mostly forest park with magnificent hill and bush scenery, stony streams, swimming holes, walking,tramping, camping and picnic spots. The rugged hills, which include Table Mountain (846m) and the Pinnacles (759m), provide a spectacular backdrop.
Picturesque Whitianga is built on the shores of Mercury Bay. It is a popular spot for fishing and has a selection of shops and a museum. Nearby, stunning Cathedral Cove and the thermal spas of Hot Water Beach are popular with visitors.
You'll find a great choice of places to eat and drink. Dolphins live in the bay and sometimes frolic around the wharf. A passenger ferry provides a link with the Cooks Beach side of the harbour.
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