Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula has a fascinating history of Maori settlement, logging and mining. Gold was discovered on the Coromandel Peninsula in the 1850s, and in Waihi about 20 years later. Around the towns of Thames and Coromandel there are gold mines, relics and historic buildings left over from the rush. Excellent museums explain the mining history of the area. There’s still gold in the hills – a fact you could prove with a gold pan.
There are tranquil harbours on the western coast and golden surf beaches on the eastern coast. The Coromandel Forest Park covers about 73,000 hectares of the peninsula, the most popular being the Kauaeranga Valley, 10km from Thames.
Visitors can go on day walks and hike along tracks that lead into the rugged backcountry. The high ranges have enough forest to hold and shelter many species. Birds that can be seen in the forest park include bellbirds, long-tailed cuckoos, grey warblers, native pigeons and tui.
Source: AA Travel
Photo: Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Regional Tourism Association
More information
See our guides section for information on skifields, wineries, art galleries and more.
AA Regional 101s
Walk the Stunning Coastal Walkway Between Fletchers Bay and Stony Bay
