With its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back atmosphere, the Coromandel Peninsula evokes the feel of easy living and slightly other-worldly mystery. Over 7 Days we’ll explore beyond the commonly beaten track whilst still enjoying the destinations and activities for which this precious paradise is so beloved. Here’s a brief indication of the itinerary highlights;
Day 1: We leave home and head north towards the Bay Of Plenty, stopping at beautiful Papamoa Beach for lunch on the way to our overnight stop in Tauranga.
Day 2: Today we get our first taste of that special Coromandel vibe as we drive up the peninsula’s east coast stopping to enjoy the golden sands of first Whangamatā and then Hot Water Beach. After lunch we visit our friends at Cathedral Cove Macadamias and enjoy the fruits of their efforts, before continuing on to our accommodation in the popular seaside town of Whitianga.
Day 3: This morning we indulge ourselves with a soak in the legendary, and magnificent, Lost Spring and after a waterfront lunch we take to the water and cruise the peninsulas east coast with sights such as Orua Sea Cave, Cathedral Cove itself (only accessible by sea) and a number of spectacular blowholes.
Day 4: We leave Whitianga this morning and cross the peninsula to the west. With first a stop at stunning Whangapoua Beach and then a long-cherished tradition of visiting the remote Castle Rock Fine Foods to sample their delicious preserves, relishes and more. Then we arrive into Coromandel town itself for lunch. We’ll settle into our accommodation at the Anchor Lodge Motel with Free Time this afternoon to explore this quaint historic town.
Day 5: Today our first stop is the wonderful mountain railway built into the bush by the renowned potter, the late Barry Brickell. This amazing rail journey zig zags up to the ‘Eyeful Tower’ lookout with views right across the Firth of Thames to the Hunua Ranges on the other side. Then we head northeast, criss-crossing the peninsula again, enjoying a picnic lunch at a secluded beach, before arriving in Colville, back on the west coast. We’ll enjoy an ice cream here before following the Pohutukawa-laden west coast road back to Coromandel for the night.
Day 6: The direction is south today and the first stop is Thames. We’ll take a guided tour of one of the original old gold mines, learn about the history of gold mining on The Coromandel and see (and hear) a working 19th century gold stamper battery in action. We continue south across the Hauraki Plains, skirting around the mighty Kaimai Range, we arrive at Mamaku Blueberries, the country’s biggest producer of mega-healthy blueberry juice. We’ll have fun on a tractor tour of their orchards, and you’ll enjoy possibly the best blueberry muffin you’ve ever tasted. Tonight we stay at the swanky Pullman Hotel in Rotorua.
Day 7: This morning we begin our homeward journey. But not before we stretch our legs and take in the Redwoods Treetop Walk in Rotorua. Our homeward journey is broken at Taupo where we’ll have Free Time here in Taupo before continuing our return journey back to the Bay.
Largely hidden from international visitors because of its isolation, and so reminiscent of times past, ‘The Coromandel’ remains as it always has for Kiwis. Come with us and discover a little of the magic of this incredible region. Please Note: The same logistical limitations that keep heaps of international tourists away mean this tour is limited in its size.
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