The Coromandel
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SURROUNDING THAMES Rapaura Watergardens Developed over more than 45 years, discover 64 acres of bridges and streams, gardens, artwork and water sculptures, a waterfall and very happy wildlife.
Whitianga Thames The Thames Market Popping up every Saturday in the historic pocket of Grahamstown, for local produce and thrifty finds between 8am and midday.
The Hotoritori MTB Trails Located in Kauaeranga Valley, a network trails weaves through the forest, for beginners and expert riders alike. Thames Coast © Logan Dodds BELOW: The Pinnacles BELOW,LEFT: Coromandel Town BOTH: © Adobe Stock
Thames Historical Museum Learn all about Thames’ early settlers via unique displays, model heritage buildings and the town’s first newspapers. Open Friday to Wednesday 10am-3pm for $5pp.
Whangamatā
The Depot The beautifully restored 90-year-old brick building is now a creative retail and food precinct. Pop in for a bite to eat at Café Melbourne and to see the gleaming copper gin still of the Coromandel Distillery.
Hoffmans Pool Come summertime, pack a picnic and head to this secret swimming hole in Kauaeranga Valley, 20 minutes from Thames.
Thames Goldmine Experience Fun and educational, step into the realm of 19th century gold mining with a guided tour. Walk through the underground mine, watch the working machines and pan for gold.
Shorebird
Coast
The Treasury Housed in a fetching heritage building, feed your inquisitive side for $5. The region’s entire past is preserved in here, from historical maps to old school records.
Thames Coast Sunset Bike Rides Sunset along Thames Coast
Road is spectacular. Hire a bike from Joly Bikes and set off just before the sun dips.
Abseiling in Sleeping God Canyon Twenty minutes inland from Thames, daring types can canyon in Kauaeranga Valley. The guided tour involves a 300m descent via waterfall abseils, water slides and high jumps.
Billygoat Falls is the tallest waterfall in the North Island. At 180m, not all parts are visible, but it’s dramatic presence will enthral nevertheless.
PINNACLES WALK WALK to the summit and back (includes ladders and chains to the top) in approximately seven hours – or stay overnight at the Pinnacles Hut, DOC’s largest – just don’t forget to book a bed!
Hauraki Plains Coromandel
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Cove Coromandel Town is linked to downtown Auckland by ah two-hour ei & seasonal ferry. Ha Arriving at Hannaford’s Wharf, a bus transfers passengers town. ral hed Catinto See Map Section - pages 111 to 123
Cove
Art Galleries Visit Copperworkx for intricate copper objects; Hauraki House Gallery is a hub for local artists. Long Bay Just 3km out of Coromandel Town is a safe beach and campground with beautiful sunsets. The Long Bay Kauri Walk is a one-hour loop to a 1200-year-old kauri tree. Waiau Falls Swimming Hole Divert up the 309 Road for 7km. A short, five-minute walk leads to this lovely waterfall and swimming lagoon. Driving Creek Railway Ride a narrow-gauge mountain railway, ascending to the ‘Eyefull Tower’
for jaw-dropping views across the Hauraki Gulf. Afterward enjoy a walk in the sculpture garden and native sanctuary. There is also an option to zipline here. The Waterworks Do your kids love a water gun? They’ll go giddy for the water-powered inventions inside this whacky theme park. Prepare for quirky contraptions, water cannons and a good soaking. MORE IN COROMANDEL TOWN
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