The Magic Of The Coromandel

New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled regions of the North Island. It is an area with majestic mountains and a stunning, isolated coastline vying with native bush and forests.

Thames is the gateway to the Peninsula on the western side, and in the 19th century was a busy gold mining area. The winding roads and charming tiny townships hidden around Thames make it a must-see area, especially if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century.

There are some natural wonders to be found in the Coromandel Peninsula that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.

At Hot Water Beach, you can take a spade and dig less than a foot deep to sit in the mineral spring salt water, hot enough to keep you nice and snug on a cold winter’s day.

Take a trip to view the wonderful rock formations that make up Cathedral Cove. Or visit beautiful Whitianga and take a two-minute ferry crossing to Cooks Beach, a popular holiday spot that would take an hour to get to by road.

Coromandel Town on the other side of Peninsula is the epitome of what life really means here. Quaint, older styled buildings underline the laid back lifestyle and the town is a haven for the unusual in arts and crafts, boutiques and hand made wines and liquors.

For those who love the unspoiled beauty of deserted beaches, Mercury Bay, Wilson Bay or Kennedy Bay are perfect. Outside the main holiday season, it's particularly peaceful .

For a great display of information on the area, look at the official Tourism Coromandel website.