New Zealand is an otherworldly, photogenic and friendly country offering visitors unbeatable changes for adventure and exploration. The rugged islands are home to dense native forests, mountains, beaches, glaciers, thermal regions and fiords that have been well-preserved by the environmentally-conscious government and culture. New Zealand is a place where traditional Maori culture mixes with modernity in cosmopolitan cities, charming villages and vast expanses of untouched wilderness.
Pristine and heavenly, the island nation has something for everyone, including one of the following top tourist attraction in New Zealand, that is Coromandel Penisula.
What is this?
This north-eastern peninsula is famous for its white and golden sand beaches that frame magnificent coastal scenery, forests perfect for days of exploration and other natural wonders. Start your visit in Thames, a small but picturesque city with a rich history of gold mining. Don’t miss a stop at Hot Water Beach, where visitors can dig their own hot pool from the springs under the sands.
The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand extends 85 kilometres north from the western end of the Bay of Plenty, forming a natural barrier to protect the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames in the west from the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is 40 kilometres wide at its broadest point. Almost the entire population lies on the narrow coastal strips fronting the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty. In fine weather the peninsula is clearly visible from Auckland, the country's biggest city, which lies on the far shore of the Hauraki Gulf, 55 kilometres to the west. The peninsula is part of the local government areas of Thames-Coromandel District and the Waikato Region.
The Coromandel is everything that a big city isn’t. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed. Activities and attractions are plentiful, from fishing and diving to hiking and cycling. You might choose skydiving in Whitianga or a guided sea kayak tour around the coast. For the more adventurous there's Sleeping God Canyon, a 300m vertical descent down a set of waterfalls.
You could wander among the coolness of the pristine bush; The Coromandel is a walker’s paradise. Explore the relics from the area's gold mining heritage, follow the Karangahake Gorge and Coromandel Coastal Walkway, hike the Pinnacles, or hop on your bike and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Or simply sit and relax in a warm bubbling pool at Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa two hours either side of low tide. Don't miss the spectacular Cathedral Cove, the jewel of a protected marine reserve.
The Coromandel is the home of many artists and craftspeople. Pop into their studios – you’re welcome to visit – and pick up a unique piece of art or pottery to take home with you. It’s also the home of many events and concerts that draw locals and visitors alike to this remarkable place. Staying in The Coromandel is easy. Most of the accommodation providers have found themselves spectacular locations so whether your tastes are for the upmarket or the simple, you’ll find a room – or tent site – with an amazing view. It's just over an hour from Auckland airport, Rotorua and Hobbiton, and can be reached by road, air, or ferry.
What we can do ?
The Coromandel Coast offers some dramatic scenery and breath-taking views. Take the coast road north from the town of Colville and marvel at the huge, ancient Pohutukawa trees which cling to the cliffs in a seemingly impossible manner. The Coromandel weather is mild year round, so anytime is great to visit, but if you happen to be there during the flowering season from November to January you will be treated to a spectacular display of rich crimson flowers which has earned the Pohutukawa trees the nickname of New Zealand Christmas trees. Don't be too distracted by the impressive sights though, the road is narrow, steep and windy.
Pristine and heavenly, the island nation has something for everyone, including one of the following top tourist attraction in New Zealand, that is Coromandel Penisula.
What is this?
This north-eastern peninsula is famous for its white and golden sand beaches that frame magnificent coastal scenery, forests perfect for days of exploration and other natural wonders. Start your visit in Thames, a small but picturesque city with a rich history of gold mining. Don’t miss a stop at Hot Water Beach, where visitors can dig their own hot pool from the springs under the sands.
The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand extends 85 kilometres north from the western end of the Bay of Plenty, forming a natural barrier to protect the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames in the west from the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is 40 kilometres wide at its broadest point. Almost the entire population lies on the narrow coastal strips fronting the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty. In fine weather the peninsula is clearly visible from Auckland, the country's biggest city, which lies on the far shore of the Hauraki Gulf, 55 kilometres to the west. The peninsula is part of the local government areas of Thames-Coromandel District and the Waikato Region.
The Coromandel is everything that a big city isn’t. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed. Activities and attractions are plentiful, from fishing and diving to hiking and cycling. You might choose skydiving in Whitianga or a guided sea kayak tour around the coast. For the more adventurous there's Sleeping God Canyon, a 300m vertical descent down a set of waterfalls.
You could wander among the coolness of the pristine bush; The Coromandel is a walker’s paradise. Explore the relics from the area's gold mining heritage, follow the Karangahake Gorge and Coromandel Coastal Walkway, hike the Pinnacles, or hop on your bike and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Or simply sit and relax in a warm bubbling pool at Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa two hours either side of low tide. Don't miss the spectacular Cathedral Cove, the jewel of a protected marine reserve.
The Coromandel is the home of many artists and craftspeople. Pop into their studios – you’re welcome to visit – and pick up a unique piece of art or pottery to take home with you. It’s also the home of many events and concerts that draw locals and visitors alike to this remarkable place. Staying in The Coromandel is easy. Most of the accommodation providers have found themselves spectacular locations so whether your tastes are for the upmarket or the simple, you’ll find a room – or tent site – with an amazing view. It's just over an hour from Auckland airport, Rotorua and Hobbiton, and can be reached by road, air, or ferry.
What we can do ?
Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve
Located in the north-eastern part of the Coromandel Peninsula is the stunning Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve. Also known as Te Whanganui-A-Hei, the marine reserve was established in 1992 and is maintained by the Department of Conservation. The park covers 840 hectares and features an iconic natural arch formed in the limestone cliff between Mare's Leg Cove and Cathedral Cove. The park is accessible by foot in a spectacular hour-long walk along the cliff from the small town of Hahei. There was once a large Maori Pa (village) situated at the south end of the white sand Hahei beach. Arriving at Cathedral Cove by boat is another great option, and offers a different perspective of the incredible scenery. There is also excellent diving around the natural rock stacks, Sphinx rock and Te Hoho rock, and there's even a marked snorkelling in Gemstone Bay.
Hot Water Beach
The two coasts of the Coromandel Peninsula offer many different beaches, but one of the Coromandel beaches that visitors will not want to miss is Hot water beach situated on Mercury bay on the East coast. Here you can dig a hole in the sand within 2 hours either side of low tide, and let the hot water rise to the surface and fill the pool. The water, which can reach 64 degrees Celsius, comes from two large underground fissures and the spot is one of the most popular geothermal Coromandel attractions. Enjoy relaxing in your home-made hot-tub, but do keep an eye on the incoming tide!
Northern coastal drive
The Coromandel Coast offers some dramatic scenery and breath-taking views. Take the coast road north from the town of Colville and marvel at the huge, ancient Pohutukawa trees which cling to the cliffs in a seemingly impossible manner. The Coromandel weather is mild year round, so anytime is great to visit, but if you happen to be there during the flowering season from November to January you will be treated to a spectacular display of rich crimson flowers which has earned the Pohutukawa trees the nickname of New Zealand Christmas trees. Don't be too distracted by the impressive sights though, the road is narrow, steep and windy.
Pinnacles walk
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk) located in the Coromandel Forest Park offers the opportunity to enjoy some spectacular views over the Coromandel Peninsula. The complete Pinnacles trail takes 4-5 hours and can be done in one day, or with an overnight stop in the Pinnacles Hut. There is also the shorter Billy Goat circuit option which has visitors following historic packhorse routes and walking in the footsteps of the Kauri Bushmen as they travelled to the logging sites in the 1920s. Remains of skid roads can also still be seen, where logs were hauled out by teams of bullocks. A side trek of one km takes you to the 759-meter summit of the Pinnacles where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the peninsula.
Place of Love
The Maori name Te Aroha can be translated as "Place of Love" and you're sure to fall in love with one of the most magical Coromandel attractions. The Te Aroha Domain developed around the natural, hot soda water springs, and many of the original Edwardian buildings remain intact, with features such as the lakelets and the foot pool having undergone extensive renovations. While visiting Te Aroha be sure to visit the Mokena Geyser- the world's only hot soda water geyser.
Comments
Post a Comment