Located just one and a half hours
from Auckland International Airport the
Coromandel is a world away from the urban
sprawl. Its unique landscape and relaxed
lifestyle make it an ideal destination
for both New Zealanders and international
visitors. There is plenty to do in the
Coromandel and plenty to learn about.
Along
with its natural beauty - misty rainforests
and pristine beaches - it's historical
past is rich and colourful. Captain Cook
visited the area in 1769 and observed
the transit of the planet Mercury across
the face of the sun hence the names of
some of the region's beaches and bays
- Mercury Bay and Cook's Beach.
In the nineteenth century the peninsula
teemed with human activity associated
with the exploitation of timber, gold
and kauri gum. Eventually the kauri and
the accessible gold were exhausted and
the gum market destroyed. The Coromandel
lapsed into an economic and social decline
that was eventually halted by the gradual
growth of farming, fishing, horticulture,
and tourism. The land slowly "mended"
and a new era of people moved into the
area, one that valued the environment.
Thirty four percent of the land on the
peninsula is now administered by the Department
of Conservation.
Many visitor attractions have been developed
so that visitors can reflect on the region's
former days. The Coromandel's history
is captured in the many museums around
the region. Guides are available to take
visitors into the bush to view the remnants
of the gold mining and logging era.
The
Coromandel is a walker's paradise with
many coastal walkways and inland bush
walks ranging from several hours to several
days. Huge kauris that were saved from
the loggers' saws still remain and can
easily be viewed.
Many artists and craftspeople have made
the Coromandel their home, inspired by
the region's idyllic setting. Visitors
can follow an arts and crafts trail from
one side of the peninsula to the other
following the popular Pacific Coast Highway.
Other tourism operators have established
themselves to take advantage of the clear
waters and many kilometres of coastline
and islands surrounding the Coromandel.
Choose from the numerous water activities
available - fishing, sailing, kayaking,
snorkelling or swimming.
Take a few days to enjoy
this exceptional part of New Zealand -
it is too good to miss.
