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No
one need wonder why The Coromandel is
one of New Zealands top visitor destinations.
The answers are easy to find. Some people
are drawn by the magnificent scenery,
others by the flora and fauna and yet
others by the gold rush era and fascinating
history. Or you may simply be seeking
solace or relaxation.
Away
from the cities you’ll discover
the unique, intriguing character of
the region. Quiet villages where life
goes by at an enviable carefree tempo
and walking trails meandering through
green valleys, and then there are the
beaches. Aside
from the scenic beauty and the endless
rhythm of the waves, the coast provides
ideal conditions for anglers and divers.
Solitude is easy to find and fish are
abundant in a great variety.
Whatever
your budget or interest, whatever your
taste senses may be, The Coromandel
is waiting to indulge you.
Relaxation
is the key. The Coromandel is the best
place to unwind after a big flight or
after a strenuous New Zealand vacation.
Only
a short hour and a half from Auckland
International Airport, The Coromandel
is a must for any itinerary.
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Suggestion
1: Auckland to Thames to Coromandel Town
Morning
Depart Auckland on the Pacific
Coast Highway. The route takes
you through attractive farmland, along the
Seabird
Coast and across the Hauraki
Plains before arriving in Thames.
 Built
on the pioneering industries of gold mining
and kauri logging, Thames is the largest town
in the region. Its fascinating history can
be uncovered by visiting two excellent museums
and taking a tour through an old gold
mine.
There is a good Department of Conservation
field station and information centre based
nearby in the Kauaeranga Valley. A range of
walks and tramps depart from the Centre taking
you through interesting and diverse semi-tropical
rainforest that is prevalent on the Coromandel.
If you prefer to walk and play golf at the
same time, then the Thames
Golf Club offers a challenging course.
Thames also has Goldfields Shopping Centre,
the major shopping complex of The Coromandel.
Continue north
along SH25. This tree-lined road hugs the
coastline offering memorable views across
the Firth of Thames and the Hauraki Gulf.
Take a short detour inland at Tapu to visit
the beautiful Rapaura Watergardens and again
just before Coromandel Town for a delightful
stop at Waiau Waterworks.
Afternoon
Arrive Coromandel
Town. This town is primarily known
for its vibrant arts community and colonial
style architecture. The numerous galleries
and studios displaying fine works
by local artists, sculptors, potters and painters
could keep you amused for hours.
 Spend
the remainder of the afternoon visiting the
many other treasures Coromandel Town has to
offer including Driving
Creek Railway, Taraire Gardens and Waitati
Gardens.
Alternatively, you can hire a fishing rod
and try your hand at some of the best coastal
fishing New Zealand has to offer or get out
on one of the Mussel Barges and cast your
rod for the delicious New Zealand Snapper
that are abundant in the waters off the west
coast of the Coromandel.
For those who really want to get away from
it all, you can just stop and relax under
a giant Pohutakawa tree, soak in the view
and enjoy the tranquillity that is the Coromandel.
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Suggestion
2: Coromandel Town to Whitianga
Morning
Depart Coromandel Town and take SH25 across
to Whitianga
via the stunning beaches of Kuaotunu, Otama
and Opito Bay. These beaches are ideal for
swimming and there are numerous rock pools
and interesting caves to explore.
 On
arrival at Whitianga, a thriving town set
in the heart of Mercury Bay on the eastern
side of the peninsula, you will find plenty
of activities and superb eating places to
indulge yourself with. Try your hand at carving
your own authentic Maori bone carving at Bay
Carving, take the ferry across to Ferry
Landing, wander around the numerous shops
along the main street or simply enjoy the
view from the main beach.
Afternoon
If golf is your game than enjoy a round at
Mercury
Bay Golf Club. There is also a
lovely museum and some interesting galleries.
For the more adventurous there are horse treks,
jet boat rides and 4WD bike safaris to name
but some of the activities available.
A walk along Buffalo Beach is a perfect way
to end another perfect day in the Coromandel.
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Suggestion
3: Whitianga to Tairua/Pauanui
Morning
Take a day trip with Aotearoa
Tours and discover some of the
hidden treasures the northern Coromandel has
to offer.
If you prefer to get on the water there are
numerous boat charters departing the marina
daily – fishing, diving, sightseeing
and swimming with dolphins (at their invitation!)
are all on the menu.
Afternoon
Hot
Water beach is a must to visit
on your way down the east coast of the peninsula.
Situated just south of Whitianga it is here
that you can dig your own thermal hot pool
in the sand at low tide.
 Cathedral
Cove is just around the corner.
An easy 40 minute walk takes you to a picture
perfect beach set within a stunning natural
rock amphitheatre.
Continue down SH25 to Tairua
and Pauanui. These two towns are separated
by a safe and natural harbour, dominated by
the impressive landform of Paku Hill. Interesting
art galleries, studios and gardens abound
in the area and there is plenty of soft adventure
to be had in the surrounding hills.
Finish off your day overlooking the ever changing
Pacific Ocean from the superb vantage point
of Paku Hill in Tairua or with a leisurely
stroll along Pauanui's surf beach, enjoying
the beauty that is the Coromandel.
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Suggestion
4: Tairua/Pauanui to Whangamata
Morning
Spend the day with Johansen
Guiding Adventures, Kiwi Dundee Adventures
or Waireka Tours and let them show you
what makes the area one of New Zealand's favourite
holiday destinations.
 Alternatively
you can partake in one of the many water sports
available, have a round of golf, a game of
tennis or a walk in the surrounding native
bush.
Afternoon
Carry on down SH25 to the popular holiday
spot of Whangamata.
Once again, you'll find a fantastic surf beach,
an idyllic harbour and plenty to do.
If you missed that game of golf in the morning
or feel like a spot of game fishing, there
is another world
class golf course and a number of fishing
charters available. The nearby
Wentworth Valley is home to a series of great
walks through native bush, one such walk taking
you to the impressive Wentworth Valley Falls.
Time to catch up on some great shopping too
as Whangamata's main street is lined with
a huge range of boutiques, galleries and interesting
stores.
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Suggestion
5: Whangamata to Waihi to Paeroa to Miranda
Morning
Take advantage
of Whangamata’s superb surf beach by
getting up early and perhaps catching a few
waves or by just enjoying a leisurely stroll
whilst marvelling at the sun rise.
Depart Whangamata and head down to Waihi
on SH25, an historic gold mining town
and one in which there is still a working
mine sourcing both gold and silver. It is
from here you can take a fun and interesting
journey on Goldfields
Railway through the stunning Karangahake
Gorge.
 Once
you depart Waihi and head inland along SH2
to Paeroa
you will pass through more of the gorge, the
road hugging the river with the impressive
mountains covered in native rainforest towering
above you.
Paeroa is one of the main service centres
for the surrounding Hauraki Plains and is
famous for its natural mineral water that
is bottled at source and sold throughout the
world.
Wilderness
Gems is also nearby with
an impressive range of gemstones, crystals,
jewellery and marbleware.
Afternoon
A unique and fun thing to do whilst in New
Zealand is to visit a working dairy farm.
Carousel Dairy Farm
offers interesting and informative tours of
their milking operation for both groups and
FITs. The one hour tour is topped off with
a sumptuous home made afternoon tea.
With all the activity that you will have been
doing, a soak at Miranda
Hot Springs is a perfect way to
relax and rest those weary bones before carrying
on with your journey to Auckland, Rotorua
or Hamilton – all within one to two hours
drive.
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ZEALAND COROMANDEL Series
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