-	Alle foto´s van Coromandel Town

Coromandel Township is a colourful port town, with almost 200 years of European history. Located on the Coromandel Harbour, which opens out onto the Hauraki Gulf on the north-western side of the Coromandel Peninsula, in the North Island of New Zealand.

The name Coromandel comes from the south-eastern coast of India, it came to New Zealand with the ship HMS Coromandel, in 1820. The first enterprise the European settlers embarked on here was to clear the peninsula of the giant Kauri trees, which were mostly made into British navy ships, later to be sunk in other parts of the world. Gold was discovered at Driving Creek, 3 km north of the town, in 1856.

Today Coromandel is home to an array of artists and crafts people, alternative lifestyler’s, commercial fishermen, timber workers and enjoys a steady flow of tourists throughout the year.

There are plenty of activities in Coromandel to entice you to come and enjoy. The beautiful clean and clear waters of the Hauraki Gulf are sheltered from the Pacific Ocean swells, by the peninsular and many scattered islands. Coromandel sea fishing is what most people come here for, either off the rocks or from a boat. There are also some great dive sites and plenty of boats ready to be charted. The area is perfect for sea kayaking and sailing. The many sheltered bays are great for swimming, or snorkelling and there is an abundance of shellfish to be shared also. On the land there are some nice walks along the coast and in the nearby forest to be enjoyed. There are adventure activities including high zone adventures, 8 Wheel Argo Tours, horse treks and exciting guided bush walks, plus much more.

The Coromandel attractions include, the Driving Creek Railway, which is New Zealand’s only narrow gauge railway. Visitors to the railway can take a thrilling ride through replanted native Kauri forests, up to the Eyefull Tower, which is a scenic lookout come pottery shop/studio. The Stamper Battery, 2 km north of town, is worth checking out, you may even find some gold for yourself. The Waiou Water Works are an interesting water powered theme park. Visit the Kauri Grove, 11 km from Coromandel town centre, on the 309 road. There are many nicely restored buildings in the town dating back to the colonial era. The Waitati and Tairaire gardens are nationally acclaimed gardens. There are countless art studios throughout the region, and some fine galleries to inspect also. There is also a well renowned language school here that offers English classes plus a Coromandel experience not to forget.

Coromandel offers a multitude of accommodation options. The camping grounds along the coast are set in native forest surroundings, and are great places to pitch a tent or park your campervan. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, homestays, farmstays, self contained cottages, batches, holiday houses, and caravans available for rent. Enjoy your stay and come again.