Click HERE for a map of Coromandel Peninsula and
surrounding areas
The Coromandel Peninsula, is one on
New Zealands many areas of outstanding natural beauty and is a must
include in any fly drive tour of the North Island. The
peninsula is part of Waikato Region and is in the District of
Thames-Coromandel. It is 53 miles (85 kms) long and forms a
natural barrier protecting Hauraki Gulf and the city of Auckland,
which is 34 miles (55 kms) to the west.
The area is one of the longest
continuously occupied parts of New Zealand, having been settled by
the Maori chief Kupe and his tribe of explorers in
950. The English name for the peninsula was taken from
the Royal Navy ship HMS Coromandel, after she
had anchored there in May, 1820. She had
transported 300 prisoners to penal colonies in Australia, and on
her return sailing, she stopped to trade for supplies and
kauri timber spars, which she delivered back to the Royal Navy in
November 1821.
Although close to Auckland and
Hamilton, two very large populated parts of New Zealand, the
peninsula itself is very sparsely populated, with an average
resident population of less than 30,000 people in
total. Its very rugged, hilly landscape
is covered with large subtropical rain forests, which limits
the areas that are available for urban development.
Scenery around the Coromandel
Peninsula is breathtaking, from long, golden beaches, and stunning
coastal scenery, to rugged forested parks with delightful walkways
and trails to explore. You can take a kayak or boat cruise
around the beautiful coastline, or out to some of the small islands
around the peninsula, visit the many art studios, museums and
heritage sites around the area, and wine and dine at
the abundance of stylish restaurants, chic bistros and
charming cafes around the many small towns and villages, all linked
by the Pacific Coast Highway.
The towns located within
the peninsula are Coromandel, Whitianga, Thames, Whangamata,
Matarangi, Whangapoua, Whiritoa, Hikuai, Tairua, Pauanui and
Colville. Also accessable from the peninsula are a large
number of small, picturesque islands, the main ones being
Waiheke, Matukawaoe, Aldermans, Slipper and Mercury
Islands
Although on a clear day the
Coromandel Peninsula can be seen from Auckland, such is the
geography it will take over 3 hours to drive from Auckland to
Coromandel and Whitianga, which are the northern most major
towns on the peninsula. This will vary depending on
how many charming towns you stop at on the way!
Alternatively, there are ferries that traverse the Hauraki Gulf and
the Firth of Thames, between the Coromandel Peninsula and Auckland,
several days a week.
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