Rugged and mysterious, yet also a place to flop on a beach and watch the waves roll in. Uncover the history of this remarkable peninsula while you indulge your need to escape.

The inspirational natural beauty of the Coromandel has led to the area becoming a haven for artists and crafts people. Take time to discover the many galleries and studios - you’ll gain lasting pleasure when you purchase a piece of art directly from its creator.

THAMES - gateway to the Coromandel
- Rocky’s Goldmine Trail - a three hour bush walk.  You’ll see excellent views of the Firth of Thames, regenerating native forest and swimming holes. 
- To spy on the local bird life, find the Karaka Bird Hide where you can sit and watch birds in the Thames Firth. 
- The War Memorial Monument  offers great views of Thames township.
- New Zealands only tropical butterfly garden.
- Rapaura Water Gardens is an extensive water garden of native and exotic plants surrounded by native forest park.
- Wilderness Gems near Ngatea has gemstones, crystals, fossils and shells from New Zealand and around the world.  Great and unusual gift ideas.
- Ngatea Water Gardens are only a minute away from Wilderness Gems.  Wander these picturesque gardens amongst the free-ranging birds and enjoy the fountains, waterwheels, waterfalls and vast variety of plantlife. Pass through themed gardens, including a castle setting with King Arthur's sword in a stone, and an old farmyard complete with a barn surrounded by vintage machinery. If all this doesn't make your day, the humourous novelties throughout the gardens are guaranteed to make you laugh. 
- See the Kauaeranga Valley  by mountain bike. Follow the Kauaeranga River and passing excellent swimming spots on the way.  Cycle up the coast road to the Square Kauri Tree, one of the largest and oldest on the Coromandel Peninsula. 

WHITIANGA - a holiday resort
- From Whitianga Wharf you can catch a ferry to the Stone Steps Wharf, the start of Cook’s Coast. 
- Front Beach, Flaxmill Bay, Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay and Cooks Beach are all within easy reach. 
- Lonely Bay is a small bay cut off by cliffs and totally unspoilt - only accessible by a short steep walk.
- there is safe swimming and surf casting here. 
- The hot mineral pools of Hot Water Beach are a legacy of a geothermal past. Also a good surfing spot.
- The area is popular for fishing, horse riding, boat cruises, kayaking, wind surfing and yatching.
- Some excellent restuarants are in this town as well as some interesting art and crafts.

COROMANDEL TOWN - known for its relaxed lifestyle and arts community
- Once a gold-mining and timber town.  Now the home to many craftspeople.
- A very popular place for boaties.
- Mussel and oyster farms have become popular in the region.
- The starting point for many sight seeing and fishing charters.  Go big game fishing, snorkelling or scuba diving.
- Cathedral Cove is a magical beach framed by a massive natural rock arch. 
Go big game fishing, snorkelling or scuba diving 
- The town hosts several multisport events.

WHANGAMATA - another holiday resort
- Excellent surfing.
- Beautiful combinations of beach and bush walks.
- Swim with the dolphins (in the summer).
- All water sports are catered for here.
- There is the beautiful Wentworth waterfall nearby with swimming holes.
- This town has some of the best shopping  and crafts the region has to offer.

PAEROA - the home of a famous New Zealand beverage
- The original home of the soft drink Lemon & Paeroa.
- Has a historical Maritime Park and museum.
- A collectibles and antiques trail
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WAIHI - centre of gold - past and present
- Conducted tours of the open pit gold mining operation
- Golf, surfcasting and fishing are popular here.
- Some lovely interesting walks at the Victoria Battery site.
- A vintage railway is in operation.
- Visit Waihi Water Lily Gardens