Coromandel

If you're driving to the Coromandel from Auckland it's pretty easy to find. Take SH 1 South to the Bombay hills, the turn off to SH 2 is clearly sign posted. Take SH 25 turn off just past Maramarua. It will take an hour and a half to get to Thames from Auckland, a little longer in rush hour traffic. If you have time a great option is to visit the Kaiaua coast famous for it's sea birds. There's also the largest hot mineral pool in the Southern hemisphere in Miranda, about 10km from Waitakaruru, 20km before Thames

Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel Township seems light years away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland City only a few hours away. Farmers 4x4's line the main street while kids run around barefoot in the park, set aside a tranquil well protected harbour dashed with rows of mussel beds and a scattering of fishing boats Coromandel is the gateway to some of New Zealand's best kept secrets.

The drive around the peninsula abounds with rocky inlets and sheltered coves flanked by flashes of golden sandy bays. Kauri, Rimu, Matai and other great trees of the ancient forest push their way through lush canopies as a myriad of rock strewn streams dissects one ancient peak from the next. The secret to enjoying the coromandel is taking the time to get out of the car and take it all in!As well as providing a great visual spectacle the Coromandel also provides a great opportunity to meet some real Kiwi's. The summer months sees the area swell with holiday makers from nearby Auckland and Hamilton. It's particularly busy around New Years when the cities customarily drain as Kiwi's flock to their favourite beach to see in the new year.

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is perhaps one of New Zealand's most photographed beaches, it also feature in an international campaign by tourism New Zealand. The cove is about 20 minute walk from the carpark at the top of the hill, be warned however, 20 minutes down seems like 40 minutes on the way back up especially after a few hours in the sun. Cathedral cove gets it's name from a limestone headland of which a huge wedge has fallen out leaving a cathedral like cave. The crystal clear waters, sheltered bay and marine reserve make this spot a water lovers dream.

Did you know?

The Pohutukawa is also referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree. Found most commonly around coastal areas it explodes into flower in a wash of red around the Christmas period. For most kiwis it's a reminder of hot sunny days, beaches, and ice cream running down your hands. The pohutukawa like many other New Zealand plants under siege from the possum so much so that in 1990 project crimson was set up in order to save this icon for future generations of kiwi's and visitors alike.