With its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back atmosphere, the Coromandel Peninsula evokes the feel of easy living and slightly other-worldly mystery. Containing some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery, from deserted beaches with barely a footprint in sight, to awesome mountains and native bush ringing with birdsong, this region is packed into a narrow strip of peninsula leading ultimately to the warm, balmy breezes of the Hauraki Gulf. 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 Whangamatā and 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 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. This afternoon we indulge ourselves with a soak in the legendary, and magnificent, Lost Spring.
Day 4: We leave Whitianga this morning and cross the peninsula to the west. With first a stop at stunning Whangapoua Beach before a complete change of scenery as we arrive into Coromandel town itself for lunch. Afterwards we head into the hills along ‘The 309 Road’ with waterfalls, Kauri groves and possibly even a piglet encounter in our sights, before arriving at our accommodation back in the 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, crossing the peninsula again, through Kennedy Bay and Tuateawa to remote and sheltered Little Bay for a picnic lunch and wander on the untouched beach. We loop over to Colville, back on the west coast where we find ourselves in Hereford country. We’ll enjoy an ice cream and pick up some supplies at the Hereford ‘n’ a Pickle Café before following the Pohutukawa-laden west coast back to Coromandel for the night.
Day 6: The direction is south today and the regions largest town, Thames. After a morning cuppa and a tour of the stunning Rapaura Watergardens, it’s into town and a truly unique destination. ‘The Aviator’ is our lunch venue with a difference. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings of WWll. And today, right in the middle of Thames, you’ll get the chance to pilot a Spitfire over the fields and towns of France without even leaving town. Intrigued? Well, buckle in and prepare to be amazed! This afternoon we’ll visit a working 19th century gold stamper battery and learn about the history of gold mining on The Coromandel. Continuing south across the Hauraki Plains we spend tonight in beautiful Cambridge.
Day 7: Beginning our journey homeward, we stop at Mamaku Blue, the country’s biggest producer of megahealthy blueberry juice – and you’ll enjoy possibly the best blueberry muffin you’ve ever tasted. A visit to the National Bird Of Prey Centre to experience the live ‘Flight Of The Falcon’ and a rail journey with a difference rounds out our day in the Mamaku Valley before we continue on to Rotorua for our final night of the tour.
Day 8: After the heartiest of breakfasts, we continue our journey back to the Bay, stopping for lunch, and plenty of time to wander, in Taupō on the way.
Largely hidden from international visitors, because of its isolation, and so reminiscent of times past, ‘The Coromandel’ remains as it always has for Kiwis. A part of our country retaining its unique qualities and relaxed, simple pleasures where you can connect with the natural world and enjoy a slower pace. Come with us and discover a little of the magic of this incredible region.
Please Note: The same logistical limitations that keep the heaps of international tourists away mean this tour is limited in its size. Don’t miss out on booking your place.