Travel Cloud

Storm clouds gathering over the Coromandel Peninsula

One of the little cafe's on the Coromandel Peninsula

Inside you will find a log fire and a great cafe.

A recent holiday to New Zealand took me to the little towns of Wahi and Thames at the the beginning of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island.  A Art tour festival was on the agenda in the charming township of Coromandel which sits near the northern tip of the Peninsula. However, due to heavy rains in the region we were warned not to travel on the roads in this mountainous area as landslides were predicted.  Instead, the historic township of Thames which is the gateway to the Coromandel area, was a safer choice.  This charming and vibrant town has plenty to keep you occupied both in terms of gold rush architecture, the Saturday markets in Grahamstown, Gold history and delightful cafes. With native rain forest to dazzling white sand beaches, the Coromandel area is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed. Activities and attractions are plentiful. You might choose skydiving in Whitianga or a guided sea kayak tour around the coast. The peninsula is steep and hilly, and is largely covered in temperate rain forest. The Coromandel Range forms a spine for the peninsula rising to nearly 900 metres, and the large island of Great Barrier, which lies beyond the northern tip, can be thought of as an extension of the range.

One of the charms of this area is the beautiful coastal drive on the Hauraki Gulf side of the Peninsula featuring the calm waters of the Gulf and the water hugging roadway with beautiful overhanging Pohutukawa trees (stunning in November/December with red flowers). Charming little townships crop up along the way. Towards the end of Peninsula you  begin a steep ascent to the charming arts town of Coromandel where many fine artists have set up their studios.  I recommend a few days in this area.  Make sure you have a green lipped mussel fritter and chips at the local fish & chip shop. 

Continuing on with your exploration of this area you can descend down the other side of the mountain range to coastal surf areas and secret coves. Head to Cathedral Cove where a naturally-formed archway divides two small, perfect bays. Dig a hole at nearby Hot Water Beach and bathe in naturally heated mineral water that bubbles up from deep within the earth (only when the tide is out). Or, if you’re a keen surfer, head to Pauanui or Whangamata – both towns have beaches known for their consistent swell.

As well as stunning beaches, there’s a myriad of walking tracks on offer in this region. The most popular is The Pinnacles, a 2-day walk that takes hikers up to one of the highest peaks in the Coromandel Forest Park for spectacular views. The Coromandel Coastal Walkway is a day walk that winds its way along the coast and traverses bush, farmland and coastline; while walks in theWentworth Valley showcase a beautiful waterfall and abandoned gold mines. Ref: 100% NZ www.newzealand.com