Coromandel

East of Auckland only two hours away is the Coromandel Peninsula. If you are heading to Rotorua, if travelling south, or to Auckland if going north from Rotorua. A few days exploring the Coromandel Peninsula will not be wasted. The Coromandel is one of New Zealand's premier holiday destinations, with the fantastic untouched coast with native Pohutukawa trees on the western side, and on the east the brilliant white sandy beaches.

The Coromandel region is a spectacular rugged and densely forested peninsula sticking out into the Pacific Ocean. The jagged, volcanic hills of the Coromandel Peninsula still retain their original rainforest, including giant Kauri trees. There are great hiking trails in the forested hills, but probably the greatest attraction is its fantastic coastline of sandy beaches, coves and harbours that provide boundless opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming and New Zealand adventure. Hot Water Beach, with warm water bubbling up through the sand that allows bathers to scoop out their own spas is a must see and do in the Coromandel.

Coromandel's history is based around European mining and logging. You will also find ancient Maori pa sites. The past is also reflected in colonial architecture and historic buildings found in the small towns around the region, which had their heyday in the mid-1800s following the discovery of gold.

Thames: Main town and gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel: Old gold mining town with many craft shops.
Whitianga: With excellent restaurants. Nearby are Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach
Pauanui: Luxury resort town with fish restaurants and boat charters
Whangamata: Is the region's best surfing beaches, popular with recreational fishers.

The Coromandel is the perfect place if you want to experience New Zealand's diversity of activities, fine cuisine and retail opportunities.

The Coromandel region is has a beautiful and plentiful coastline which means that the local cuisine consists of a wide variety fish, crayfish and other delicacies. The Coromandel district has a number of eateries and evening entertainment; there are many cafes and speciality restaurants to suit all every traveller.

You can try a number of adventure activities in the Coromandal. Coromandel is named after the Coromandel Coast, south of Madras in India, including fishing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking and sailing. You must try your own hot water pool at Hot Water Beach where hot mineral water bubbles up from depths along the shores. Sit in you hot water pool then walk into the water of the Pacific Ocean.
While on the Coromandal book a guided sightseeing tour and take a visit to the gardens. The Coromandal has several great wineries where some of the finest New Zealand wines can be sampled and purchased.

The discovery of gold in the Coromandal during in the 1850s caused an economic boom that resulted in some impressive wooden buildings along the main street. The Gold Stamper Battery on Buffalo Road still puts on a display, with machinery that is over a century old - how gold used to be processed. Give gold panning a go and make your own fortune by gold panning, for only $5.

The Coromandel Historical Museum on Rings Road sits in front of the old jailhouse and contains mining memorabilia.

Enjoy all that the Coromandel has to offer. All New Zealand adventure travellers will remember the Coromandal.

Coromandel Map

Coromandels climate:

Average Summer temperature; 22c
Warmest months; December to March
Average Winter temperature; 13c
Average Hours of sunshine per year; 2200hrs
Average annual rainfall; 1400mm

Popular Coromandal activities

Miranda hot springs
A trip on New Zealand's only narrow gauge railroad at Driving creek
Surfing at Whangamata or Pauanui
Art and craft shops at Coromandel township, Whangamata, Opotuere and Thames

Key Features   Cathedral Cove A 20 minute 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. Key Tips The Coromandel is just 1 hours from Auckland International Airport. It is also close to Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua. Drive the coastal Pacific Coast Highway from Auckland to the Coromandel the scenery is superb. The best time to visit is during autumn and spring - the weather is good and you'll avoid the crowds. Allow enough time to explore the region. Some of the roads are windy and driving can be slow at times.

COROMANDEL    Population: 39,000 Area: 23,530 km2