Fabulous golden and white sand beaches with magnificent coastal scenery, a rugged forest cloaked interior waiting to be explored, are just some of the natural attractions that have people returning to The Coromandel time after time.

As a walkers paradise with a range of trails to explore, from short coastal walkways to multi day treks, the region will delight you at every turn.

Go for a swim, take a launch trip, sea kayak, be fascinated by the amazing seascapes of our marine reserves ,visit an artists studio or reflect in one of our museums on the heritage of a region first discovered by the two great navigators, Kupe and Cook.

The key feature of The Coromandel is our people, living mainly in several small towns linked by the Pacific Coast Highway and known as friendly, relaxed and welcoming they look forward to meeting you and sharing our paradise with you.

Blow Hole Big Bay Hahei
© Tourism Coromandel

Culture & Heritage

Evidence of some of the earliest Polynesian settlement in New Zealand exists on the Coromandel. Historical interest points exist around every corner, telling the stories of the two great navigators Kupe and Cook and those who followed in their footsteps.

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.

The Coromandel is a rich and colourful creative hub with many studios and galleries showcasing some of New Zealand's most talented artists’ work.

Cornish Pump House Waihi
© Tourism Coromandel

Population

Source: 2006 Census statistics