Coromandel Travel and History Information

Coromandel Peninsula, noted for its arts n crafts and located just over an hours drive from Auckland, offers an excellent diversity of tourism activities.

The road to Cape Colville runs past the oyster farms of Long Bay, and a succession of tree lined bays facing islands

A little further south, from the picturesque village of Tapu (which to the Maori means sacred or forbidden) a scenic road strikes up a valley, straddling the range at an elevation of about 2,000 feet, and so to Coroglen, a farming settlement near the east coast, and thence to Whitianga on Mercury Bay.

A little back in the hills is a plaque stating: "The first gold found in New Zealand was discovered in this area by Mr Charles Ring in 1852."

This is Captain Cook country. Near Cook's Beach, on a hill overlooking Mercury Bay, is a cairn with a plaque: "In this bay was anchored 5-15 Nov. 1769 HMS Endeavour Lieutenant James Cook R.N., commander.

He observed the transit of Mercury & named this bay." A little further north is Whitianga, meaning "the crossing", said to have been occupied by the Maori 1,000 years ago.

Whitianga was once famous for kauri timber, but is now more noted as a base for deep-sea angling and home to the Mercury Bay Boating Club, which triumphed in the America’s Cup in 1995.

Fishing is excellent here and being a major source of crayfish and scallops, the seafood is of very high quality.

A passenger ferry crosses over to the historic stone wharf of “Ferry Landing”, built in 1837, and then onto Cooks beach and Hahei, renouned for its diving at the stunning “Cathedral Cove”.

Further South of Cathedral Cove, hot springs can be accessed at Hot Water Beach.

• The Peninsula Waterfront Retreat is situated on a small headland on the shores of the Whangamata Harbour in the Coromandel Peninsula, this large lodge styled home with 1.5 acres of tropical gardens, swimming pool, and tennis court makes for the perfect holiday getaway. Do as little or as much as you please, kayaking, fishing, tennis, coastal walks, golf or simply lounging by the pool. Ever changing views down the harbour and over forested hills provide a secluded paradise.
• On the Beach Backpackers beach front hostel overlooking the beautiful Mercury Bay. And for budget travelers this is a perfect option as the room range from as little as $25 to $70 per night. Perfectly situated to visit Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.

Click here for all available Coromandel accommodation deals and special offers.

• Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises - Explore the magnificent Coromandel Coastline on 28ft ex coastguard vessel. Snorkel the marine reserve. Snorkel equipment provided.

  View fish via underwater camera and huge 32" colour TV. Seating inside or out. 2 and a half hours of magic departing daily from Whitianga Wharf. 10.30am & 1.30pm. Other times by arrangement. Prices - adults: NZD$75.00, children: NZD$45.00

• Two Day Tours- Over the two days you will travel from Tauranga via the picturesque pohutukawa-lined peninsula coast, through Katikati mural town, Thames, Whitianga and Whangamata.

  You will spend the night in the historic Coromandel township, choosing your accommodation from the many motels, B&Bs and backpackers. You will also visit the world-famous Driving Creek Railway (entry fees apply).

  Other spots visited - time, tide, and weather permitting - include Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, a beautiful waterfall and grove of kauri trees set in typical native bush, and the Waihi goldmine excavation Visitor Centre. And to add to the hassle-free travelling, we will drop you off at your home again the next day!

• Harley Davidson Full Day Motorcycle Tour - Feel the breeze, smell the rich and vibrant potions put out by the natural beauty of some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Experience the freedom on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle.

  Experience a splendid day of cruising the spectacular Pacific Coast Highway around the Coromandel peninsula on a motorcycle,

  Over the ranges to magnificent Mercury Bay and Cathedral Cove, where we stop for lunch in a relaxed country setting nestled amongst the lush pastures of the surrounding farmlands.

  We then head through Waihi on our final leg through the picturesque Karangahake Gorge, but not before enjoying a welcoming coffee break at the historic railway village of Waikino before making our way back to Auckland.

Recommended Book

Coromandel Book

Travel writer Ian Robinson takes the reader on a journey around the Coromandel Peninsula including Paeroa, Waihi and Karangahake Gorge. He stops at small towns, visits hotels and museums, explores bays and beaches, traces the history, comments on the present, and meets the people who live and work in this unique region.

Charting adventure racing events, local festivals and cultural occasions around the area, this book provides a feast of local colour and experience with glorious photographs that capture the beauty and charm of the Coromandel.

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