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The Coromandel Peninsula is situated at the western end of the Bay of Plenty, in the North Island of New Zealand. Although Coromandel is governed by the Waikato Region, its environment is uniquely Coromandel’s own. The Coromandel Ranges are the backbone of the peninsula, they reach as far south as the Karangahake Gorge, which separates them from the Kaimai Ranges. There are many stunning beaches on both coasts, numerous islands and rugged, steep bush clad hills and gully’s dominate the interior. Coromandel is a year round playground, with many outdoor activities and water activities to keep the enthusiastic pleasantly occupied.

Coromandel Town is situated on the north-west of the Coromandel Peninsula, on the Coromandel Harbour, named after the ship HMS Coromandel, which sailed into this harbour in 1820. Gold was found at Driving Creek near Coromandel in 1856 and soon after in Thames and Waihi, they are still digging gold out of the Martha Mine near Waihi today. Kauri logging was also a boom industry in the 1800’s, until the trees run out leading to the next craze, instigated by the Kauri gum diggers. Today mussel farming and tourism are the biggest industries, agriculture, horticulture, commercial fishing and forestry are still important industries also.

Coromandel is renowned for its alternative lifestyler’s, the hills are full of artists, hippies, guru’s and families that managed to break away from an urban existence, to get closer to nature. It's also a popular holiday destination. In the summer months the regions population explodes with people from Auckland and Hamilton taking over the most popular beaches of Whangamata, Whitianga and Pauanui. These places get a little crazy over Christmas and New Years, the police have included an alcohol ban in public places and on the beaches during this period.

State Highway's 25 & 25a circum-navigate the peninsula. A great way to see this part of Aotearoa is with a campervan or a motorhome. The scenery is breath taking. The human population density decreases as you travel north up both coasts. All of the settlements are near the coast. There are two gravel roads that cross through the rugged interior. The 309 and the Tapu-Coroglen roads, pass through some beautiful forests with giant Kauri trees beside the road and more down short tracks. Be aware that some rental companies insurance don’t cover these roads.

The Coromandel has over 400 km of prestine coastline. On the western coast, there are numerous bays looking over the Firth Of Thames and the Hauraki Gulf. On the hills north of Coromandel township, on a fine day, you may get a glimpse of Auckland 55 km to the west. Coromandel’s northern most point is Cape Colville, near Port Jackson. 20 km north of Cape Colville is the Great Barrier Island, the sixth largest island in New Zealand, and the setting for the BBC Ones reality show, “Castaway“. The Pacific coast on the east has some very stunning beaches. Whitianga is situated on Mercury Bay, an excellent sailing harbour. Hahei and Cathedral Cove have some spectacular coastal scenery. At Hot Water Beach you can dig a hole in the sand at low-tide, where the geothermal activity from underground, will fill it like a perfect hot bath.


There are many awesome surfing spots on the Pacific Coast, Whangamata is the most popular, but Whiritoa, Sailors Grave, Tairoa and Pauanui all get good waves, when the swell, tide and wind conditions are compatible. Fishing is very popular here. For the last twenty years the mussel farms have been introduced into this area, creating a perfect habitat for many species of fish to thrive in, with plenty of food and safety from the international fishing fleets. Every year the fish get bigger and better quality. There are many great dive spots in Coromandel‘s waters. There is also good walking tracks throughout the interior, leading through many diverse landscapes. The Kauaranga Valley near Thames has some interesting walks that lead to old Kauri dams. The two day Pinnacles Hut tramp takes you to the Pinnacles, which are a natural look out point with 360°views of the Coromandel peninsula and both coasts.