The Coromandel Peninsula – A slice of Heaven on Earth!
If any of you have grown up in New Zealand, you will understand what I mean when I say we are so lucky to have so many spectacular places right at the tip of our fingers.
One of my favourite regions being the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island.
The Coromandel is renowned for it’s picturesque beaches, native forests and ample outdoor activities.
The perfect time to visit the Coromandel, is around the end of January/beginning of February. The Christmas and New Year period is extremely busy due to it being the school/work/ and university summer holidays. I would recommend not going during this time.
Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Whitianga or Cooks Beach are good locations to use as your base. You’ll need at least 4-6 days in this area depending how tightly you want to squeeze in all your destinations. All of these spots have a holiday park/camping site.
You can also look at Book A Bach for accomodation.
WHERE TO EAT
Hotties Beachfront Eatery // Hot Water Beach // 29 Pye Pl, 3591
Mercury Bay Estate // Cooks Beach // 761 Purangi Rd, 3591
Poivre et Sel // Whitianga // 2 Mill Rd, 3510
Flock // Tairua // 227 Main Rd, 3508
Lukes Kitchen and Cafe // Kuaotunu // 20 Black Jack Rd, 3592
Go Vino // Cooks Beach // 19 Captain Cook Rd, 3591
The Vessel // Cooks Beach // 37 Captain Cook Rd, 3591
Eggsentric // Flaxmill Bay // 1049 Purangi Rd, 3591
Salt // Whitianga // 1 Blacksmith Ln, 3510
Mercury Bay Estate
Hottie’s Beachfront Eatery
WHERE TO GO
- Pauanui
- Tairua
- Hot Water Beach
- Hahei
- Cathedral Cove
- Cooks Beach
- Whitianga
- Opito Bay
- Otama Beach
- Kuaotunu
- New Chums Beach
- Matarangi
- Waikawau
WHAT TO DO
The Lost Spring // The perfect place for relaxation is at these Natural Thermal hot pools and Day Spa. The springs were thought to be lost (hence the name) but were rediscovered in 1989.
Banana Boat Whitianga // Experience a state of the art water craft that skims through the water at speeds of up to 40 km/h. They customise the ride to suit all ages.
Scenic Flight // Take in the beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula from above, with the awesome range of itineraries that ‘Fly Stark’ has available.
Kayak Tour // Modern sea kayaking with qualified guides guarantees you will have an amazing experience every time. Their Cathedral Cove tour offers great photo opportunities and are topped off with cappuccinos, hot chocolates and cookies at Cathedral Cove!
Dig holes for Natural Hot Springs // Head to one of New Zealand’s most famous beaches, Hot Water Beach, where a patch of thermal water is bubbling just beneath the surface of the sand. Plan your trip to dig your own hot pool two hours either side of low tide.
Hahei Explorer (Boat Tour) // An hour long boat tour that takes visitors into coastal islands of the marine reserve, reefs, massive sea caves and bays, including the world famous Cathedral Cove.
Cathedral Cove Dive and Snorkel // They offer Scuba Diving & Snorkelling trips both within the stunning Marine Reserve plus the outer islands, pinnacles and volcanic coastline outside of the Marine Reserve boundaries.
Hike the Pinnacles // The Pinnacles Walk follows the original steps constructed for packhorses which carried supplies for kauri loggers, gum diggers and gold miners who plundered the area in the early 1900’s. Atop the Pinnacles, you’ll find the most spectacular panoramic views of the coast.
Where Kate Resides 