The coastal strip of a thousand hideaways, fabulous beaches and dewy rainforests settled on an intersection of prairies and highlands is known as Coromandel Peninsula. This is the kind of landscape we all see in famous paintings and wonder if its real.

A drive of approx. 1.30 hrs from Auckland will take you to Coromandel’s coastal town Thames, from where the coastal road up north reveals the true beauty of Coromandel ranges, fringed surfing towns & villages, goldmines, gorge trails, coastal walks, classic dairies and meditative garden retreats.

Coromandel is a paradise for birdwatchers. Species you might catch a glimpse of are Black Stilt, Plover Tui, Oyestercatcher, Terns and Gulls, a lot are spotted near shores and bushes.

• Lookouts: Luca’s lookout, Shakespeare Cliff lookout, Gemstone bay, Stingray Beach, Smiling Sphinx Rock
• Cathedral cove: The northern end of Hahei beach features a one-hour walking track that leads along the cliff top before descending to Cathedral cove. The cove is named for its majestic arched cavern that passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The sandy beach framed with Pohutukawa trees is a perfect picnic spot. Nearest Parking: Pa road and Grange road.

• Te Hoho Rock: A large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock has been sculpted by wind and water over centuries now looks like a prow of large ship.
• Hot Water Beach: Recognised as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Two hours on either side of low tide allows you to dig your own hot pool spa. Spades can be hired in the local café and general store. Access is off state highway 25 at Whenuakite.

• The Pinnacles- Sunrise spot
• Karangahake Gorge- Dark tunnel walks
• Shorebird Coast-Birdwatching
• Mount Paku-Hiking
• Whenuakura Island-Day trips
• New Chum- Picnic spot

The coastal town of Whitianga seems coolest for a lunch break or a late afternoon coffee overlooking the vast ocean views. The local cafes serve amazing fish n chips.

The town is home to kayaks and caters fun water adventures, fishing charters, mountain biking, waterfalls and nature walks during summers. If you are travelling in a camper van, you might consider staying at Whitianga campground alongside Mercury Bay.

A small town of Cambridge located near Waikato river is the perfect location to stay in order to save time and reduce next day’s driving distance. The town’s close proximity to major attractions like Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Caves and Hamilton Gardens made it our favourite accommodation spot.

Driving Distances:

• Hobbiton Movie Set: 30 mins
• Hamilton Gardens: 20 mins
• Rotorua: 1 hour
• Waitomo Caves: 50 mins
• Otorohanga Kiwi House: 40 mins