10 Reasons Not To Miss The Coromandel In New Zealand
- Helen
- Apr 2, 2019
- 6 min read
The Coromandel Peninsula at the top of New Zealand's north island is a must see destination for any visitor to this spectacular country.
Incorporating stunning beaches, a largely forested interior, relaxed and friendly towns and an interesting history, the Coromandel is a very popular holiday spot for many New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike.
Located just 90 minutes drive from Auckland, the Coromandel has a very different feel and a relaxed pace of life.
Earlier this year I undertook a house-sit in the coastal town of Whitianga (read more about Whitianga here) on the Coromandel Peninsula and I fell in love with this beautiful region. I could easily have stayed much longer!
When planning your trip to New Zealand, ensure you make time to enjoy the Coromandel...
Here are 10 reasons why!
10 Reasons You Must visit The Coromandel in New Zealand!
1. Beaches That Will Leave You Speechless
New Zealand has some incredible beaches, including some that have been voted in the world's best.
Therefore, to say that you must visit the Coromandel for the beaches should give you an indication of just how spectacular the beaches in this part of the country are!
White sand beaches stretch for miles along the coast of the peninsula here, with many being largely empty of crowds and most being safe, in terms of swimming and water based activities (although always check locally).
Turquoise and crystal clear waters lap the shores and trees provide shelter and privacy to make the beaches here feel a true escape..
Among your options of beaches to visit are New Chums Beach which is only accessible by foot and some of the other equally stunning beaches on the same stretch of coastline.
The beaches in the Coromandel are truly worth your time and they will take your breath away (guaranteed!!).
2. A Rare Chance To See Very Ancient Kauri Trees!
At the time the first settlers arrived in New Zealand forests made up of Kauri trees covered most of the north island.
As the second longest living tree in the world, a Kauri tree can live up to 1000 years!
With the arrival of the European settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was found that Kauri timber was ideal for building ships and so many of the native trees were felled for their wood.
Unfortunately, by the time Kauri logging stopped in the early 20th century, very little of the original forests remained. This has now been made worse by the spread of 'Kauri dieback', a disease that has killed thousands more of the remaining Kauri in New Zealand over the past 10 years.
Today preservation attempts are in place to protect what is left of these incredible native trees.
In certain areas of the Coromandel there are still pockets of Kauri that were left untouched by the logging and can be seen on some of the walking trails around the region.
One example that is good to visit, with an easy 30 minute walk around it, is the Waiau Kauri Grove located just south of Coromandel Town.
Other Kauri examples popular with visitors are the Square Kauri tree - thought to be 1,200 years old and one of the largest on the peninsula, as well as another called Tanenui which is the 6th largest in the country.
3. To Cycle The Hauraki Rail Trail
One great option to explore more of New Zealand and it's scenery is by bike, using the Hauraki Rail Trail of which large parts run through the Coromandel.
The Hauraki Rail trail is 160 km long and split into 5 sections.... it is also said to be the easiest cycle trail in the country and suitable for all levels of fitness.
By experiencing the cycle trail you can visit the Karanghake Gorge, proclaimed one of the "14 wonders of New Zealand", visit historic gold mining towns such as Thames and enjoy parts of the coastline while spotting it's abundant variety of shorebirds.
The rail trail here is a very popular activity for many, so why not get on your bike!
4. A Chance To See Shorebirds & Wildlife In Their Natural Habitats
The Coromandel's shore line, surrounding waters and native forests mean that the region is rich in a variety of wildlife, which will ensure any nature lovers are in their element!
Marine wildlife found around the Coromandel include dolphins, blue eyed penguins, fur seals, gannets and killer whales.
A wide range of sea-birds can be seen and (if you are lucky enough) you might find one of the shy 'flightless birds' for which New Zealand is famous, the Kiwi, alongside other native birds such as the fan-tail.
If diving is your passion then scuba diving in the waters around the peninsula will also reward you with sea-life native to the region...
Various tours and experiences are on offer if you wish to indulge in some eco-tourism so ask at the local i-Site offices (tourist information) when you are in the area.
5. To Visit The Unique Sights Of Hot Water Beach & Cathedral Cove
The Coromandel is also home to the two neighbouring sights of Cathedral Cove and Hot Water beach, located on the east coast, south of Whitianga.
These two spots are unique in very different ways but both absolute musts to experience when you are in New Zealand's Coromandel.
I have written a separate full guide to visiting Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, so please check that out to find out more about them and all you need to know before your visit.
6. For A Rich Gold Mining History
It was in The Coromandel that gold was first discovered in New Zealand and this discovery led to a large migration to the area of others hoping to find their fortunes.
Between the 1860s and 1920s there were two large gold rushes in the area, with the first big strike occurring in the town of Thames in 1867.
During this time Coromandel Town and Waihi also developed as great gold mining areas.
Today, most of the mines in the area have closed down, but the mines in the Waihi region still operate and now produce most of New Zealand's gold and silver bullion.
Visiting The Coromandel is an opportunity to learn much more about the history of mining for gold with various mining sites, museums and experiences available to enjoy.
7. To See The Same Coastline That The Explorers Kupe & Captain Cook First Saw When They Discovered New Zealand
Two of the world's greatest explorers from history discovered The Coromandel in New Zealand which means visiting the region gives the opportunity to see the land they first saw and learn more about these two navigators.
Kupe was the first Polynesian explorer to sight New Zealand in around 950 AD. The original name for Whitianga in the Coromandel was in fact Te Whitianga a Kupe, which translates to 'Kupe's crossing place'.
Much later, in 1769, Captain Cook sailed into Mercury Bay in the Coromandel on his ship The Endeavour, and some of the nearby beaches and place names reflect this part in the region's history (such as Cook's Beach, a 2 mile stretch of sand that first caught Captain Cook's eye).
You will find opportunities to learn more about these two great men at local museums, particularly Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga and from some of the information signs and displays in the area.
8. Experience An Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Off the coast at Whangamata (on the south east side of the peninsula) lie 4 small islands, the most popular to visit being Whenuakura (or Donut Island).
This island is proclaimed to be one of New Zealand's most beautiful coastal attractions.
The island here was named Donut Island due to a turquoise lagoon in the centre of the island caused originally by a volcanic eruption.
Whenuakura Island is today a Wildlife Sanctuary that is being carefully preserved.
To visit the island involves a sense of adventure and taking a kayak or paddle board across a short stretch of water from Whangamata. You can stop at a stretch of sandy beach when you reach the island or find the single cave that will take you into the cove in the centre of the island where the natural beauty will leave you speechless.
It is possible to experience the islands here self-guided but it is advised for safety to take a tour, of which many are available.
9. For A Temperate Climate
The Coromandel has a largely temperate climate, so even in the New Zealand winter the temperatures do not drop drastically low.
In summer months the temperatures are often warm or hot (around 24-31 Celsius) and in winter the daytime temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees Celsius (with some days being in the mid-teens).
There is a reasonable amount of rain in the region but this all helps keep the natural beauty so green!
10. To Truly Relax On 'Coromandel Time'!
When you visit the Coromandel you will learn the meaning of the term, 'Coromandel time'.
The locals will encourage you to set your clock to Coromandel time when you are there, meaning to adopt the relaxed and laid back culture of the region!
To visit the Cormandel is to truly feel no pressure to rush, to leave your stresses and worries behind and to take each moment as it comes; soaking in the sights, the beautiful natural environment you are in and to enjoy the warm climate.
Only in the Coromandel will you really appreciate the meaning of Coromandel Time and it is as good a reason as any of the others in this list to ensure you visit this stunning part of New Zealand!
So, what are you waiting for?
Ten great reasons to ensure you visit The Coromnadel in New Zealand - I cannot imagine anyone regretting a trip to this incredible and beautiful part of the world.
**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**
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