View Larger Map
Top Places: Whangamata, Whitianga, Tairua & Pauanui, Waihi, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and any rainforest walk.
The Coromandel is a scenic peninsula that sits out to the east of Auckland City and is a popular day trip for Aucklanders. It takes about an hour by car depending on where you want to go and is also accessible by yacht. Many ex Aucklanders wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city have also chosen to live here and some have chosen to live an alternative lifestyle.
The
main attractions of the Coromandel besides solitude and scenery, are the many
fine beaches and scenic coastline that rate amongst the best in the country.
Generally speaking, the
east coast has the best beaches. One notable beach called Hot
Water Beach; has volcanic heat rising through the ground. All you have
to do is dig a hole in the sand and wait for it to fill up with water, and
presto you have natures equivalent to a spa pool. Other beautiful beaches
worth a visit are Cathedral
Cove and Whangamata.
Inland
the area consists of ancient extinct volcanoes that are covered in temperate
rain forest and are ideal for tramping (trekking). The forests here contain
the tallest fern trees in the world. There are also many other fern species
here, which gives thearea a subtropical look and feel.
The biggest town in
the Coromandel is Thames which has many leftover relics from its Gold Mining
days. There are also many smaller towns dotted around the region such as Coromandel,
Whangamata, Waihi
and Tairua.
Original versions of our photos can be purchased & web versions can be shared subject to conditions.