Coromandel Peninsula is situated on the eastern coast of the North Island in New Zealand.If driving from the nearest international airport to the entry point of the peninsula town of Thames it will take the average person around one and a half hours.
There are many small towns in the area and this region is a mecca for holiday makers from all over New Zealand. Over summer the small towns swell to maximum capacity.
The main attraction here are the beautiful beaches, amazing fishing and diving, and surfing. There are many islands off the coast which are accessible only by boat.
Some of the roads are very narrow and are not tar sealed and take awhile to navigate but thhis adds to the charm of the district.
Favourite spots:
Kuotunu Beach
If you are after a true New Zealand Clean Green experience the Coromandel is a classic example of both old and new life styles in the Antipeadon sense.
Kuotunu beach is a small but quaint bay at the heart of the region. There is a small store and a boat ramp.
There are holiday homes to rent ranging from the old style of the kiwi DIY bach, and beautiful luxury beach front villas.
There is also a camping ground by the beach which is fully equiped with tent sites thru to caravans for rent.
What's really great:
Just off the boat ramp
If you want to get more remote than Kuotunu then you can take a drive over to Opito Bay and Otama beach. On a good summers day the beaches here are virtually empty and are some of the best in the world. If you dive off the rocks around these areas you will be guaranteed a meal of fresh scallops, paua and mussels. The spear fishing is also second to none however be warned there are a few resident bronze whaler sharks to be wary of!
Sights:
There are many sights to see in this area. Most of them are natural wonder like tranquil beaches or beautiful native forests.
The Cave cathedral over at the most remote part of the Coromandel is really alluring.
Also the Lagoon rock is definetly worth a look if you have a boat.
Accommodations:
Bach
There are plenty of accomadations in the town larger towns of Thames,Coromandel and Whitianga. There are backpackers, camping grounds, motels, hotels and private holiday homes for rent.
We choose to stay with family who have a home here or sometimes we rent houses from the website bookabach.co.nz.
Nightlife:
Full moon xmas eve
The Corraglen pub 20 minutes south of Whitianga is know for all best gigs during the summer months. Each year a first rate line up of the best of kiwi bands tour through here. They open up a paddock nearby for parking and camping so there is no need to drink drive!
Hangouts:
Usually the beach and its surrounds are sufficient to entertain the body and soul. There are decent cafes in the area with good positioning to people watch if you are that way inclined.
There are bush walks up into the native bush that can be hiked but make sure you are well prepared and you have contacted the local authority regarding your plans. New Zeland although well known for its hiking can be a dangerous place because of its isolation.
Interesting read and being a scantily populated place at places too far from the urban areas, I appreciate the caution which is very helpful. I luv fishing but what do you do if a whale shark goes for the bait???
Thank you for sharing and someday, NZ is included on our trips. I will catch up with you on your Kiwi sights... count on it. ;)
Plenty of hints and very informative, however a little brief. I am excited about New Zealand as I have not been there yet, but it is one of the options for 2009. Thanks for sharing.
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