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Where you can

on the
Coromandel Peninsula

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The Coromandel Peninsula Region can be said to stretch from Te Aroha and Katikati in the south, through Paeroa and Thames, west to Ngatea and Miranda, east to Waikino, Waihi, Waihi Beach and Bowentown and then onward to Coromandel, Colville and the tip of the Peninsula. On the eastern side of this scenic finger of land (including Cook's Coast) there lies some of New Zealand's finest beaches and holiday resorts with romantic Maori names such as Opoutere, Onemana, Otama, Opito, Whitianga, Whangamata, Tairua, Pauanui, Matarangi, Kuaotunu to name just a few. The Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames, rich with bird and sea life, occupies the western shores and creates a boating and recreational paradise.

Historic places and museums with relics of the gold mining days are readily found, with art galleries, potters' studios and many interesting craft outlets scattered throughout the towns and highways. Waihi has tours through a working gold mine.
Bush walks, tramping and guided treks are just some of the activities that the holiday maker can pursue. The quiet waters of bush streams, the rushing and excitement of white water rafting, the thrill of the mountain top conquered, or the pleasant stroll on a sandy beach, can be experienced by all.
Luxury motels or budget cabins, first class camping grounds or wilderness camps are readily available, catering for all levels of accommodation. Aircraft, for commercial or scenic charter flights, launches and yachts for fishing or pleasure cruising, cars, buses, mini-buses and cycles can be hired in the main towns.
Game fishing, rock fishing and scuba diving are widely catered for and the crayfish, scallops, snapper and marlin tempt seafood gourmets cooked on a camp fire or served at the best restaurants.
Semi-precious stones are found on the Peninsula, and rock-hounders can collect good specimens of quartz, carnelian and petrified wood in stream beds or where areas have been mined for gold and silver.
Vineyards and orchards of kiwifruit, citrus and pipfruit bear testament to the mild and sunny climate. The native bush that covers many acres of the Peninsula is accessible through the Department of Conservation's or the local forestry companies scenic reserves, farm parks or DOC Information Offices. Many majestic trees and virgin bush have been protected and can be seen from highways or walking tracks.
Mineral pools stemming from the deep-seated circulation of groundwaters located on old fault-lines are a popular attraction for pleasure and as health spas and these springs are found in their natural state as well as in commercial swimming pools.
The wild untamed beauty of the forests, the sweeping beaches and the quiet secluded coves, the towering mountains and craggy peaks that thrust upwards from the forest floor, unite to form this unique finger of land pointing north into the Pacific Ocean.
Largely unspoiled, the Coromandel Peninsula which is one of the most popular regions in the North Island, beckons to the visitor offering sandy bays, crashing surf and rock strewn shorelines shaded by huge knarled pohutukawa trees decked in their scarlet blossoms during December.
There is something for everyone, in this land of yesterday with gold mining, gum digging and timber milling contributing in no small part to the region's history.
Today, the bustling town of Thames bids welcome and provides the gateway to the Peninsula's treasure trove of seaside settlements and larger resort towns.
The land is rich with Maori History - pa sites, evidence of moa hunting and the establishment of coastal settlements, over a thousand years ago, according to archeological research.