Activities Golf, horse riding, mountain biking, kayaking, walking, hiking, wineries, vineyards on Coromandel Peninsula.
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Coromandel Peninsula Region Overview and Activities
 
Coromandel, Thames, Waihi, Whangamata and Whitianga

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Regional Overview.


Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is the finger of land which separates the The Hauraki Gulf and The Bay of Plenty.  The history of the area since European settlement was based on the extraction of gold and timber, these days things are much quieter and relaxed, there's probably not much gold left with the exception of Waihi, but there are still plenty of trees. With the more coastal areas being used for farming and 'lifestyle' properties. Thames is the western gateway town at the head of the Firth of Thames. The western edge of the Firth is known as the Seabird Coast with over 100 species either living permanently or wintering over on the salt-water shallows and mud flats. Visit the Miranda Shorebird Centre for more information.

The town of Thames has all commercial services and has a population of about 7,000. There are lots of historic sites, including the operational gold stamp and some interesting buildings remain. The drive up the Western side of the peninsula is scenic with views across the bay to offshore Islands. The beaches are shallow and fringed with ancient Pohutakawa trees, which flower around Christmas time. Most of the settlements along this road are very small, some just a few houses. Coromandel Township is also relatively small with a permanent population of only around 1,000 people, but has all the necessaries including a superette, petrol station and Bank. 

Only a couple of roads cross the divide between east and west, all have sections that are winding and/or unsealed even Highway 25. The eastern beach resorts of Whitianga, Pauanui and Whangamata have sheltered waters and sandy beaches and are popular spots for swimming and boating. Waihi is known more for its surf.

The eastern side of the peninsula features some more substantial settlements at Whitianga, Tairua/Pauanui, Whangamata and Waihi/ Waihi Beach.

Whitianga has a population of about 4,000 and is located on the shores of Mercury Bay, a sheltered harbour with wharf and marina. A passenger ferry (no cars), runs to and from “Ferry Landing” and Flaxmill Bay, with a shuttle connection operating to Cooks Beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Visitors staying in these locations would most likely want to take their vehicle via the road route (approx 40km). Mercury Bay has a craft trail with a brochure available from the Whitianga Information Centre. At Hot Water Beach south of Hahei  you can dig yourself your own hot water pool 2 hours either side of low tide – note the ‘dangerous swimming’ signs.

Tairua/Pauanui are located on either side of the mouth of Tairua Harbour with a passenger ferry service operating between the two. Tairua is the original township with Pauanui having grown due to the establishment of holiday homes and New Zealand’s first canal housing development. The harbour provides sheltered waters for for boating and both settlements have beaches suitable for swimming and surfing.

Whangamata’s location offers close proximity to both beach and rainforest. The beach is known for it’s good surfing breaks and safe swimming. Just offshore is a section of the Pacific Ocean popular for ‘big game’ and recreational fishing. A local craft trail brochure is available from the Information Centre.

Waihi (township) features some interesting historical buildings, due to it’s goldmining past. A fully productive gold mine, the Martha Mine is still active – though may not be immediately apparent. The Martha Mine produced 85,000 oz of gold and 680,00 oz of silver in the 1998 year. Tours of the mine are available. Ph (07) 863 9880. www.marthamine.com.au.  Nearby is  Waihi Beach, which has its own surfside community adjacent to the white sand beach.

 

Forest, Maritime & National Parks in the Coromandel Region

A large area of the peninsula is now included in the Coromandel Forest Park. There are some fine examples of Kauri trees are accessible to visitors, some beside the 309 Road, which heads inland just south of Coromandel and others off the Tapu to Coroglen Road.

Marine Reserves and Diving, Coromandel Peninsula

This is located off the coast near Hahei Beach, access to the marine reserve and Cathedral cove is from the look-out. There are many areas around the peninsula popular with divers, from the north west region, around the tip of the penindula and down the eastern shoreline to the Sho and Slipper Islands

Other items of interest

Thames has a craft and produce market which operates every Saturday morning at Grahamstown, Pollen treet, Thames.

Kauaeranga Valley, inland from Thames has numerous walking tracks and picnic areas.

Karaka Bird Hide is near the Goldfields Shopping Mall in Brown Street. A walk through the Mangroves takes you to a hide where you can view the bird life.

Coromandel Craft Trail. A guide to Coromandel Craft People. See over two dozen crafts people working in their studios.

North of Coromandel a partly unsealed road take you out onto the peninsula tip. The area is known as the Pohutakawa Cape.The road is not a complete circuit but is split into a road around the west to Fletchers Bay and a road to the east, to Stony Bay. At the end of Stony Bay Road a walking track climbs to the Mt Moehau summit area, but access is not permitted on the actual summit as this is sacred Maori land.

Hot Water Beach south of Hahei. For 2 hours either side of low tide you can dig your own hot water pool. Note the 'dangerous swimming' signs.

Martha Mine, Waihi. A modern operating mine extracting  85,000 oz of gold and 680,000 oz of silver (in the 1998 year). Tours are available. In addition to the modern operation the town of Waihi has an olde-worlde feel about it with some historic buildings remaining from the original mining operation, including the old Pump House.  Phone: (07) 863 9880
Website: www.marthamine@normandy.com.au 

Regional Activities.

 

Nature.

Bird Watching In New Zealand

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Miranda Shorebird Centre and Hot Springs situated in the southwest corner of the Firth of Thames (approx 35 kms from Thames). Walking trails to view migratory shore birds, also interpretative visitor centre. The Miranda Springs hot mineral pool is the largest in the southern hemisphere.
 

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The Coromandel Peninsula has some fine examples of the New Zealand native tree the Kauri, and to see most of them usually requires at least a short walk, so we have listed them under 'Walks'
 

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Butterfly and Orchid Garden, Victoria Street, Thames (within Dickson Holiday Park) 3 km north of Thames. An exotic garden with orchids, water lillies and butterflies flying around you. 
Enjoy Butterflies in New Zealand
'Phone (07) 868 8080
: Website: www.butterfly.co.nz 

 

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Operating out of Whangamata is Kiwi Dundee Adventures who offer personalized guided walks in the Coromandel, hikes & tours of 1 day, and 2-5 day options.
'Phone: +64 (07) 865 8809.
:Website: www.kiwidundee.co.nz
 


Historical Sites in The Coromandel Region

 

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Thames offers a range of activities that take in the Gold Mining History of the area including the Historical Museum, the Thames Goldmine & Stamper Battery and the Thames School of Mines Museum (see 'Walks below for Rocky's Gold Mine Trail.)
 

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Bush & Heritage Walks offer you personalised (daily) guided tours that include everything you’re looking for in the Waihi/Karangahake area. Experience the area with us as you discover the heritage, secluded river valleys and ocean bays.
:Website:http://www.beach-bush-heritage.co.nz/
 

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Coromandel has a fully operational 100 year old Gold Stamper Battery, Buffalo Road, Coromandel
:Website:  http://www.goldmine-experience.co.nz/
 

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Waihi Gold Mining Museum 54 Kenny St, WAIHI
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Website: www.waihimuseum.co.nz 
 

Other activities Waihi
 
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Waihi Water Lily Gardens
441 Pukekauri Rd, WAIHI
'Phone: (07) 863 8267
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Website:  www.waterlily.co.nz
 
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Waihi also has historical sites associated with its Gold Mining past, the industry still flourishes today. There is also the Goldfields Railway, 1 hour scenic train journey between Waihi & Waikino
'Phone: +64 (07) 863 9020
:Website:  www.waihirail.co.nz
 


Horse Riding in the Coromandel Region

 
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White Star Horseback Riding caters to learners and experienced riders with 1 to 5 hour and overnight treks.
Located 30 mins nth of Coromandel Town
'Phone: +64 (07) 866 6820
:Website: CLICK HERE
 

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Rangihau Ranch, Rangihau Road, Coroglen
Guided horse treks into the Coromandel Ranges following the original packhorse trails of the 1800s. Rugged ranges, native bush and fantastic views. Treks of 1, 1 1/2, and 2 hours. All ages and experience including pre-schoolers.
Friendly Hosts: Nick and Tessa
'Phone: 07 866 3875   Fax: 07 866 3837
Email: rangihau@xtra.co.nz
 

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Twin Oaks Riding Ranch, Kuotuna Road, RD 2 Whitianga
Trek through farm, bush and streams to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. 10am, 2pm (& 6pm summer only)
'Phone: +64 (07) 866 5388
:Website:
http://www.twinoaksridingranch.co.nz/
 

Golfing in the Coromandel Region.

 
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Matarangi Golf Links, 20 minutes north of Whitianga on the Matarangi Peninsula. A Bob Charles designed course. Bookings essential during the holiday season.
'Phone: +64 (07) 866 5394.
 
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Mercury Bay Golf & country club, Golf Road Whitianga
'Phone: +64 (07) 866 5479.
 
  Waihi Golf Club
Cnr Woodland & Old Tauranga Rds, WAIHI
'Phone: 07 863 8678
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Website: www.waihi@nzgolf.net
 
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Whangamata Golf Club
'Phone: +64 (07) 865 8479
 
Water Based Activities.

 

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Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking - Hahei
Sea Kayaking on the Coromandel Peninsula operating from beautiful Hahei Beach. This Coromadel sea kayaking trip explores a spectacular section of the Coromandel Peninsula coastline including beautiful Cathedral Cove. No kayaking experience is necessary.
:
:Website: CLICK HERE
 
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Papa Aroha Fishing & Kayaking, Coromandel, have self drive hire boats, dinghies and kayaks, also operate half and full day 6.5m Cat charter trips to off-shore islands.
'Phone: (07) 866 8818
:Website:http://www.papaaroha.co.nz/html/adventures.htm

 

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Cathedral Cove Dive, Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula, cater to beginners and certified divers with hire equipment available. Dive in the Marine reserve or outlying area
'Phone: +64 (07) 866 3955
:Website: http://www.hahei.co.nz/diving/  
 
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Seafari Windsurfing & Kayak Hire Whitianga. Beginners tuition and/or hire equipment. - Windsurf in New Zealand. Kayak in New Zealand.
'Phone: +64 (07) 866 0677    -  Mobile: 021 239 2107

 

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Cave Cruzer. 23ft inflatable, coastal scenery, wildlife and photo trip ex Whitianga Wharf.
'Phone +64 (07) 866 2275
'Mobile: 025 866 744
: Website: www.cavecruzer.co.nz 

 

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Stingray Charters P.O.Box 225 Whitianga  Andy Kerr runs an 8.5m custom built Rayglass out of one of NZ's premium fishing locations, Mercury Bay, Whitianga,
'Phone: 07 866 4493
E-mail:
coozafish@xtra.co.nz

 


Walking in the Coromandel Region

 
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From Thames, Rockys Gold Mine Trail, Bush Walk of up to 3 hours walk starts from Dixon Holiday Park.

 

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Waiomu Kauri Grove. Ex Waiomu approx 14 kms nth of Thames (2 1/2 hours return) access begins at end of sealed Waiomu Valley Road. Said to be one of the Peninsulas best remaining Kauri stands.  The trail involves a 15 minute climb to the main ridge.

 

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Square Kauri Tree (20 minutes walk return) Take the Tapu to Coroglen Road to the summit (about 5 kms from Tapu). The walking track is short but quite steep, the tree is estimated at 1200 years old.

 

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Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove Lookout. The falls are 7 kms along the "309" Road, (the junction is about 3 kms south of Coromandel). The walking track to the Kauri Grove is a further kilometre along the road (Duration of walk is approx 30 minutes return.). The grove contains a Siamese kauri that begins as one, then separating into two trees.

 

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Cathedral Cove. From Whitianga. Duration of walk approx 2 hours return) This recreation reserve boasts some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. A walking track from the car park leads down to Gemstone and Stingray Bays as well as Mare's Leg and Cathedral Coves.

 

These are just a few samples of the many walkways on the Peninsula. We recommend you acquire a brochure put out by the Department of Conservation "Coromandel, Recreation Information" which describes the tracks and has location maps.

Other:

 

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Driving Creek Railway, just north of Coromandel township, Driving Creek Road. 1-hour trains ride on New Zealand’s only narrow gauge railway. This railway was created by well-known New Zealand potter Barry Brickell, The railway has been created to travel through areas of replanting of native tree species, many interesting engineering feats have been accomplished to create the railroad. A working pottery is on site with resident potters displaying their work in progress and finished pieces.
'Phone: +64 (07) 866 8703
:Website: www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz 

 

 

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