Coromandel Travel Guide

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The quickest way from the east coast to Auckland is from Whangamata to Thames via State Highway 25a and through the Coromandel Forest Park; but if you do this you miss out on the beautiful beaches and wonderfrul scenery of the Coromandel Peninsula.

May I suggest a detour via Tairua, Whitianga and Coromandel Town with an overnight or two in the Whitianga area.

The road over the range from Whitianga is a bit slow going being steep in places and winding but this makes fore some breathtaking views especially those from the lookout at the top looking east over Whangapoua Harbour and west towards Coromandel Town. The road continues through lush green farmland and then after Coromandel Town turns south along the coast of the Firth of Thames.

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There are a number of cruises on Mercury Bay. I chose to take the Glass Bottom Boat. Unfortunatley the weather, although fine, was very windy making it too rough to see anything through the glass bottom. Also no-one was keen on snorkelling in Cathedral Cove which is an activity offered by the tour operators with the use of equipment included in the price. The boat would normally draw up to the beach but again it was too rough.

The rest of the trip was fantastic. Leaving the harbour we followed the coast crossing Maramaratotara Bay and past the Shakespeare Cliffs; across Cook Bay and around the headland to The Blow Hole, Cathedral Cove and Gem Bay. Then we explored some of the islands looking for seals before returning home. Most of the trip was in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve.

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Whitianga, on Mercury Bay, has been settled by Mâori people for almost 1000 years. The bay was discovered in 1769 by Captain James Cook on a journey to document the transit of Mercury. With a natural harbour and inlet Whitianga became a centre for boat building, flax milling and gold mining. There was also a huge Kauri mill and the associated gum digging.

Whitianga is one the centres on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and its main industries are fishing, farming and tourism. There are a number of cruises around the bay and to Cathedral Cove made famous in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

There is a ferry across the harbour which connects with the road to Hahei and Hotwater Beach saving a drive of about 30kms.

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Driving Creek Railway is a unique one hour journey, narrow-gauge bush railway that takes you to lookout over amazing views of the Hauraki Gulf towards Waiheke Island. Situated on the edge of Coromandel town, on the west coast of the Coromandel Peninsular.
The site was initially developed by one man, Barry Brickell, who came here to forge his life as an artistic potter. Barry built the early stages of the railway to extract clay from the hills, to use in his pottery. He also planted thousands of native trees and plants which have grown to provide a stunning bush cover. Eventually the idea came to him to further develop the railway in order to allow people to share his tiny piece of paradise, see the views and experience his love of the bush. Naturally this railway eventually became the money earner to help pay for the land and development.
The whole enterprise is a credit to Barry Brickell, who now has a wonderful band of merry helpers.
As well, Barry hosts potters from all over the world, who come and learn, and experience this amazing place and what it has to offer.
The railway trip is fun, exhilirating and enlightening what one man can do if he has a dream. He and his team have designed and built the trains and carriages, and Barry himself planned and laid all the railway tracks.
Once at the top, you get to view the amazing scenery from the Eyefull tower, before returning to base.
The journey takes you through a few tunnels, all lined with pottery bricks, and over some viaducts, one being double decked! In order to negotiate the steep incline, Barry has incorporated three reversing platforms, in a zigzag way . These are very interesting, see photos.
Totally interesting and amazing place to visit for a few hours, I thoroughly recommend Driving Creek Railway.

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If you have an hour or two to spare in Coromandel I can recommend this walk. It takes you right into the forest, after about 15 minutes you reach the Pa lookout for a stunning 360° view of Coromandel town and the harbour on the other side. Just going to this point is already worthwhile, but if you want the whole experience continue towards Harbour view road. Beautiful views every step of the way.
I have made this walk over 5 times, in two seasons and each time it was different. So many things to see, not only the stunning views, but also beautiful trees, flowers, birds, insects. You'll discover something new every time.