The splendid isolation of The Coromandel lies just down the road from the bustling metropolis of Auckland, but it is a world away. With its white sand beaches, secluded coves and large tracts of bush-clad mountain landscape, The Coromandel is the place to go for a relaxing holiday or weekend escape.
Surrounded by 400 km of picturesque coastline, with subtropical forest highlighting our mountainous spine, The Coromandel is at one with the elements and nature holds back for no one. It’s part of the appeal and enables experiences like nowhere else. The true beauty of the region can only be found when you take the time to slow down and explore all that it has to offer. A journey around Hauraki Coromandel will be just as spectacular as the destinations you reach. Whether its boating, fishing, surfing or diving, everyone has their favourite aquatic pastime and location.
Many visitors arrive on The Coromandel via Thames and head north up the western seaboard where the Pohutukawa-lined coast of the Hauraki Gulf is a burst of festive colour. Thames is a gateway to outdoor adventures on The Coromandel. Enjoy a great coffee and soak up the gold mining heritage. The northern end of Thames, known still as Grahamstown, offers cafés and boutique shops in a charming colonial setting. Be sure to visit the museum, which covers early Māori times, the arrival of the first pioneers and the development of mining, logging, railways and shipping.
You could wander among the coolness of the pristine bush; The Coromandel is a walker’s paradise. Explore the relics from the area's gold mining heritage, follow the Karangahake Gorge and the Pahi Coastal Walk, hike the Pinnacles, or hop on your bike and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Or simply sit and relax in a warm bubbling pool at Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa two hours either side of low tide..
In the wild and striking remote northern Coromandel the Stony Bay road winds past Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat, a beautiful and important ecological property that is home to more than 50 kiwi. Here guests can listen to kiwi calling in the native bush around the lodges at night, perhaps while laying back in the open air bush spas or by visiting the nearby kiwi viewing platform.
As you re-enter Coromandel Town, you come upon one such creative mecca, Driving Creek Railway, known for its narrow-gauge mountain railway but also home to a large collection of ceramic art. The one-hour train ride traverses a series of engineering marvels including viaducts and tunnels, up to a lookout over the bay with panoramic views. The track is lined with pottery sculptures and the station houses a pottery and craft gallery.
The eastern seaboard of The Coromandel is home to well-known surf and white sand beaches, and the sheltered waters of Mercury Bay, with its distinctive protective islands. Whitianga is the largest town, and it is here you can find a range of accommodation, from holiday parks to sophisticated apartments.
Situated on the south side of Coromandel town on SH25 is one of the favourite seafood spots to visit. The Coromandel Oyster Company is renowned for its fresh Coromandel Pacific Oysters. You can relax in their garden and eat fresh oysters, mussels, and gourmet takeaways. Come try their famous mussel chowder and paua or mussel fritters.
Don't miss the spectacular Cathedral Cove, the jewel of a protected marine reserve. Located near Hahei, in southern Mercury Bay, the grand volcanic cathedral arch can be appreciated from the water with a boat or kayak tour out of Whitianga or Hahei.
With almost endless coastline, a myriad sheltered bays, rivers and mountain streams – water based activities are a good way to enjoy the spring time. Combined with the cool natural green interior for tramping and hiking, you will soon see why a visit to The Coromandel really is good for your soul.
