The Coromand el
written by Megan Nunn / photos by www.thecoromandel.com
Call in to The Coromandel IT’S WHERE KIWIS HOLIDAY
J
ust a couple of hours’ drive – or less – from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, The Coromandel feels a world away from normal nine-to-five life. The peninsula’s onnone-lane bridges let you know you’ve arrived. It’s time to dig out your jandals and wind down into holiday mode. The secret ingredient, according to the friendly locals, is the relaxed Coro’ vibe and the many simple ways there are to pass time, whether it’s fishing off the rocks, digging for pipis, camping under the stars or eating fish and chips on the sand dunes. When it comes to The Coromandel’s beaches, everyone has their favourite, an allegiance often born in childhood. Cathedral Cove is one beach firmly on the tourist map, and for good reason. Arguably one of the most picturesque spots (and there are many) in The Coromandel, the Cove is accessible by boat or by foot from Hahei. You will recognise the cathedral-like arch from many-an-Instagram post, and the Pohutukawa-lined beach is the perfect spot for a picnic and a swim. A short drive from Hahei will bring you to Hot Water Beach, so called because of the heated mineral water that bubbles up through the sand. Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach you can dig your own pool up to two hours either side of low tide and lie back and relax. Despite its 400 kilometres of stunning coastline, The Coromandel has much more to offer than beautiful beaches. Much of the region is The Coromandel Forest Park and DOC conservation land, with
well-maintained walking trails that will take you through bush to waterfalls, giant kauri, swimming holes and abandoned mining tunnels. Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, aka the Pinnacles Walk, is a popular walk to the summit of the Pinnacles with spectacular views over The Coromandel. Up to Great Walk standard, the track can be completed as a day or overnight walk with the round trip taking 6–7.5 hours. The Coromandel Coastal Walkway and Mountain Bike Track at the northern end of the peninsula follows an old bridle path between Stony and Fletcher Bays. A 10-kilometre (one way) hike with some of the best scenery The Coromandel has to offer, this track offers plenty of variety as it winds through regenerative native forest, farmland and rocky shoreline. When it comes to things for kids to do, The Coromandel offers plenty of scope for self-exploration and discovery. A top pick for families is a visit to Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary, better known as Donut Island to Whangamata locals. A local secret until fairly recently, visitors are asked to go with a certified guiding company, stay in the water, and take nothing but photos. Another must-see for visitors young and old is the Karangahake Gorge, where you can walk, bike, camp and explore tunnels and gold-mining relics. or more information on things to do in F The Coromandel, visit thecoromandel.com
TOP FIVE TO DOS 1. KAUAERANGA KAURI TRAIL (THE PINNACLES)
www.thecoromandel.com/explore/kauaeranga-kauri-trail
2. KARANGAHAKE GORGE
www.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/karangahake-gorge
3. WHENUAKURA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
www.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/donut-island
4. CATHEDRAL COVE AND HOT WATER BEACH
w ww.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/cathedral-cove and www.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/hot-water-beach
5. THE COROMANDEL COASTAL WALKWAY
www.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/coastal-walkway
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