The Coromandel Peninsula is a stunning holiday destination not to be missed, and a favourite for kiwi families. The area offers both sheltered shallow bays and wild open surf beaches, with outstanding fishing, swimming, boating and surfing.
The bays on the west coast are calm and pleasant with plenty of shade and safe swimming. Between Thames (the main centre) and Coromandel there are numerous small settlements, with camping grounds and basic shopping. Coromandel township is an old gold town with colonial architecture. Don’t miss the narrow gauge Driving Creek Railway, built and maintained by local icon and potter Barry Brickell.
On the east coast visit Cathedral Cove near Hahei, a stunning unspoiled beach, recently featured in the movie Prince Caspian. At Hot Water Beach you can hire a spade from the local store and dig a hot pool for yourself where hot springs flow down the sand at low tide.
From many places on the east coast you can take a kayak or boat tour, enjoying the magnificent scenery and spotting the occasional whale or dolphin. Inland, take a bush walk or hike in the Coromandel ranges and Kaimai ranges, through lush native rainforest. Care must be taken in wet weather as rainfall is high and creeks can rise suddenly.
There are some small cafés and restaurants at the bays up the Thames coast, and Coromandel offers hotel dining, café dining and the Peppertree Restaurant.
On the East coast, there are a number of quirky café venues that offer great food in interesting surroundings.
In Tairua, you can dine in style in the SS Ngoiro, a former Auckland passenger ferry. Café Nina in Whitianga is set in a cozy 19th century cottage, while at the Purangi Winery at Cook’s Beach you can sit under the kiwifruit vines and enjoy a glass of fruit wine with your meal. Eggsentric at Ferry Landing not only has great food, but it also hosts regular entertainment in the evenings during the summer.
Further down the Peninsula, you can snack at the old Railway station at Waikino in the Karangahake Gorge, or in restored stables at the Ohinemuri estate winery. At the Athenree Gorge, you can visit the Pancake House.
There is a range of excellent accommodation, including camping grounds, backpackers, motels, hotels and luxury lodges. When you visit the Coromandel, you must book well ahead, as the area is very popular. The busy season is from late December to early February.
Tourism Coromandel
Website: www.thecoromandel.com