".... little New Zealand ...." a Coromandel Travel Page by vtveen

Although number 5 on my New Zealand list, it is a great place to visit. I often call it 'little New Zealand', because you will find almost every kind of scenery from all over the country, except the real (high) mountains.

Coromandel is situated about 11/2 hours drive from Auckland and most tourists will come from this city. The first town on your way to the Coromandel is Thames, a former mining town. You still can take a look at an old gold mining complex.

Nearby Thames lies the Kauaeranga Valley, a hidden treasure with typical native bush and a lot of tracks. I would call it 'little Coromandel'.

The west coast, along the Firth of Thames, has a lot of splendid bays and everywhere along the winding road with great views are lots of (old) pohutukawa's. Oh, it must be so colourful in December with these flowering NZ-Christmas trees.

From Coromandel Town, a nice quiet town, take road nr. 309, to the east coast. It is a gravel road, winding and hilly. You are driving through green forests and along the road are several car parks. From one of them you can visit some kauri's and from another one a water fall.

The east coast has some excellent beaches. Whitianga with Buffalo Beach, try to stay in one of the accommodations on this beach. Not so well known is Tairua, with a lovely beach and Paku Hill with fantastic views.

By far the most beautiful beach of New Zealand is 'Cathedral Cove'. Not far away you will find 'Hot Water Beach', also a must see activity and Hahei Beach. Further to the south another lovely beach in Opoutere with almost white sand.