Discover that HOMEGROWN in ~ THE COROMANDEL good for your soul Produce, Restaurants, Cafes & Arts moment
OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE
REFER TO CENTRE FOLDOUT
www.thecoromandel.com Hauraki Rail Trail, Karangahake Gorge KEY Marine Reserve Walks Golf Course Gold Heritage Fishing Information Centres Surfing Cycleway Airports Kauri Heritage Camping
CAPE COLVILLE Fletcher Bay PORT JACKSON COASTAL WALKWAY Stony Bay MOEHAU RANGE Sandy Bay Fantail Bay PORT CHARLES
HAURAKI GULF Waikawau Bay Otautu Bay
COLVILLE
Amodeo Bay
Kennedy Bay Papa Aroha NEW CHUM BEACH KUAOTUNU Otama Shelly Beach MATARANGI BAY Beach WHANGAPOUA BEACH Long Bay Opito Bay
COROMANDEL Coromandel Harbour To Auckland TOWN Waitaia Bay PASSENGER FERRY Te Kouma Te Kouma Harbour WHITIANGA Mercury Bay Manaia Harbour Manaia 309 Cooks Marine Reserve Kauris Beach Ferry CATHEDRAL COVE Landing HAHEI
COROMANDELRANGE
Waikawau HOT WATER COROGLEN BEACH 25 WHENUAKITE
Orere 25 Point TAPU Sailors Grave Rangihau Square Valley Te Karo Bay WAIOMU Kauri TE PURU TAIRUA To Auckland Pinnacles Broken PAUANUI 70km KAIAUA Hut Hills Hikuai DOC PINNACLES Puketui Tararu Info WALK Shorebird Coast Centre Slipper Island 1 FIRTH (Whakahau) OF THAMES THAMES Kauaeranga Valley OPOUTERE Pukorokoro/Miranda 25a Kopu ONEMANA MARAMARUA 25 Pipiroa To Auckland Kopuarahi Waitakaruru 2 WHANGAMATA Hauraki Plains Maratoto Valley Wentworth 2 NGATEA Mangatarata Valley Whenuakura Island 25 27 Kerepehi Hikutaia
Kopuatai HAURAKI 26 Waimama Bay Wet Lands RAIL TRAIL Whiritoa
To Rotorua/ Netherton Taupo PAEROA
Waikino Mackaytown WAIHI 2 OROKAWA BAY Tirohia KARANGAHAKE GORGE Waitawheta WAIHI BEACH
Athenree Kaimai Forest Park Bowentown To Hamilton To Rotorua 80km TE AROHA To Tauranga 70km facebook.com/PickitupnowNZ/ The Coromandel Love BACKYARD TIDY HELP KEEPOUR DRIVING TIMES & DISTANCES Thames Coromandel Town Whitianga Hahei/Hotwater Tairua Pauanui Whangamata Waihi Paeroa
KMS TIME KMS TIME KMS TIME KMS TIME KMS TIME KMS TIME KMS TIME KMS TIME KMS TIME Thames 54 1.00 89 1.20 72 1.10 49 0.45 51 0.45 59 0.55 54 0.45 33 0.30 Coromandel Town 54 1.00 43 0.45 70 1.10 82 1.20 107 1.45 93 1.45 108 1.45 87 1.35 Whitianga 89 1.20 43 0.45 34 0.30 40 0.40 67 1.00 77 1.15 106 1.45 108 1.35 Hahei/Hotwater 72 1.10 70 1.10 34 0.30 20 0.20 45 0.45 56 0.55 85 1.30 87 1.20 Tairua 49 0.45 82 1.20 40 0.40 20 0.20 25 0.25 36 0.35 66 1.10 68 1.00 Pauanui 51 0.45 107 1.45 67 1.00 45 0.45 25 0.25 36 0.40 69 1.10 70 1.00 Whangamata 59 0.55 93 1.45 77 1.15 56 0.55 36 0.35 36 0.40 29 0.35 49 0.50 Waihi 54 0.45 108 1.45 106 1.45 85 1.30 66 1.10 69 1.10 29 0.35 21 0.20 Paeroa 33 0.30 87 1.35 108 1.35 87 1.20 68 1.00 70 1.00 49 0.50 21 0.20 Auckland 115 1.30 169 2.30 192 2.35 170 2.20 152 2.00 150 2.00 160 2.30 142 1.45 122 1.30 Tauranga 116 1.35 168 2.35 167 2.30 145 2.15 126 2.00 152 2.00 89 1.20 60 0.50 78 1.05 Hamilton 102 1.20 154 2.20 181 2.35 160 2.10 137 2.00 137 1.50 126 1.50 92 1.15 72 0.55 NOTE: Driving times vary depending on the routes taken. Times have been based on the shortest. THAMES THE COROMANDEL Parawai There are many beautiful places in the world, only a few can be described as truly special. With a thousand natural hideaways to enjoy, gorgeous beaches, dramatic rainforests, Must Do’s H friendly people and fantastic fresh food The Coromandel Walk The Pinnacles H Explore the Thames coastline experience is truly unique and not to be missed. while collecting fresh seafood The Coromandel, New Zealanders’ favourite destination, is H Fish & Chips and a Thames Coast sunset within an hour and a half drive of the major centres of H Bike or walk the Thames Auckland and Hamilton and their International Airports, and Coastline Walkway yet the region is a world away from the hustle and bustle of H Visit the old gold mining sites city life. H Hauraki Rail Trail Drive, sail or fly to The Coromandel and bunk down on nature’s doorstep while catching up with locals who love to show you why The Coromandel is good for your soul.
CONTENTS
Regional Map 1 Thames Driving Times & Distances 1 Our Towns 3-12 The Coromandel Our Region 13-28 3 Walks 29-34 The Coromandel
Homgrown Food & Art 37-38 The coastal town of Thames sits at the intersection of the plains and the Other Activities 39-54 mountains of The Coromandel. Steeped in goldmining history, it is now a convenient service hub for the region, minus any big city bustle. Tours & Transport 55-57 It is a ‘crafty’ town proud of its heritage and connected to the natural Accommodation 59-67 environment with an expansive bush wilderness as its backdrop and many delightful shops with local produce, art and friendly service. Local Radio Stations 68 A former gold mining boom town that once produced gold by the tonne, it has Events 69-73 proudly maintained its heritage buildings and has an operational gold stamper Coromandel Town battery and original tunnels that exist now only to preserve a fascinating insight to the past. Nearby Kauaeranga Valley is the best place to seek out campgrounds and bush walks which can be done as day trips or by venturing further up The Coromandel Cover Photo: Coastal Walkway ranges and staying overnight at the large hut owned and operated by the Fold Out: Hauraki Rail Trail - Karangahake Gorge Department of Conservation. Follow the Thames Coast north to experience a stretch of Pohutukawa-fringed DISCLAIMER: While all care has been taken in preparing this publication, Destination Coromandel accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or the offers or details of coastline interspersed with coastal villages, meditative and garden retreats, operator listings. Prices, timetables and other details or terms of business may change classic old dairies (corner shops) and other attractions awaiting those willing to without notice. Published Oct 2018. take a more relaxed pace.
Destination Coromandel PO Box 592, Thames, New Zealand 200 Mary Street, Thames P 07 868 0017 E [email protected] THAMES Phone: +64 7 868 7284 W www.thecoromandel.com i-SITE Visitor Centre www.thecormandel.com/thames
www.thecoromandel.com COROMANDEL TOWN WHITIANGA & MERCURY BAY Kapa-nga Te Whitianga-a-Kupe
Must Do’s Must Do’s H Cathedral Cove Walk H Long Bay Reserve H Natural Thermal Spa H Castle Rock H Hot Water Beach H Coromandel Coastal Walkway H New Chum Beach H Kauri Trees / Waterfalls H Scenic Cruises H Walk the Heritage Trail H Diving & Snorkelling H rive or Cycle past the Oyster D H and Mussel farms Kauri Groves Whitianga & Mercury Bay The Coromandel 4 5 The Coromandel
Historic Coromandel Town is a haven for talented artists and crafts people Located on the east coast of The Coromandel, Mercury Bay is an area packed with who have moved here from around the country - inspired not only by the spectacular scenery, coastline dotted with islands, walks, inlets, remote bays tranquil atmosphere, but also by the spectacular natural surrounds. and beaches, thermal hot springs, a marine reserve and native birdlife. The village has a unique character, soul and ambience reflecting art, heritage Its main town of Whitianga is short for Whitianga-o-Kupe (Kupe’s crossing and its cultural importance to Iwi. While it can be said that the journey is the place) after Kupe the explorer who visited Aotearoa (New Zealand) before the destination – arrive by ferry after a stunning journey across the Hauraki Gulf canoe migrations. from downtown Auckland or by road on the winding Pohutukawa coast from Steeped in maritime history, Mercury Bay was also visited by the expert
Coromandel Town Thames – Coromandel Town has much to offer. Polynesian navigator and high priest Tupaia with Captain James Cook, whose Homegrown cuisine is in abundance from its raw form, to elegantly cooked crew first sighted New Zealand from his ship the Endeavour in October 1769. and served at the many local restaurants. The discovery of gold at Driving It was on this first voyage that Cook visited Mercury Bay and named it to mark Creek in 1852 brought a boom to Coromandel Town, and the area has the place where his expedition observed the transit of the planet Mercury. continued to flourish while retaining a rich stock of surviving heritage The town of Whitianga is the main hub of Mercury Bay and has everything you may buildings. need to stock up on provisions before venturing out to explore the more remote Coromandel Town is also the gateway to the north Coromandel’s isolated and smaller coastal villages including Kuaotunu, Matarangi, Opito and Otama to beaches, campgrounds, mountains and walking tracks. the north and Hahei, Cooks Beach and Hot Water Beach to the south. Kayaking, diving, snorkelling, swimming and walking are perfect ways to explore the beauty of the area before enjoying the natural hot springs at Hot Water Beach and The Lost Spring thermal resort in Whitianga.
Kapanga Rd, Coromandel Town 66 Albert Street, Whitianga COROMANDEL TOWN Phone: +64 7 866 8598 WHITIANGA Phone 07 866 5555 Information Centre www.coromandeltown.co.nz i-SITE Visitor Centre www.whitiangainfo.co.nz
www.thecoromandel.com www.thecoromandel.com Tairua 6 The Coromandel TAIRUA www.thecoromandel.com oldest humanartefacteverfoundinNewZealand. For aneasierwalkorcycle,followtheTairuaHistory Trailtoseethesiteof great forkayakingandswimminginsummer. bush trails through oldgoldmines,native fern forests andafresh water river At Hikuaiatthefoothillsofrangestowest,you’llfindhistoricnative explored bybookingatripwithlocaldiveandfishingcharterboats. The offshoreislandsofSlipper,ShoeandtheAldermenIslandscanbe dumpy shorebreakthat’snotforthefaint-hearted. nature. Tairuahasslightlycoarsersand,steepdunesandasometimes Tairua. Boththesesettlementshavesurfbeaches–thoughverydifferentin views ofocean,islands,harbour,mountainsandthetownsPauanui Tairua isdominatedbyMtPaku,whichhasawalktothetopaffording360° brand ofkiwihospitalityandlocalknowledge. permanent population eager to accommodate visitors seeking that special backdrop tothewestofthesesettlements.Theyalsohaveasmallbutvibrant explore theeastcoastandoffshoreislands,orcraggymountainous Tairua andPauanuionthePacificCoastareexcellentbasesfromwhichto
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Phone: +6478647575 2 ManaiaRoad,Tairua www.tairua.co.nz bush At Hikuaiatthefoothillsofrangestowest,you’llfindhistoricnative charter boats. be exploredbybookingatripwithnumerouslocaldiveandfishing The offshoreislandsofSlipper,ShoeandtheAldermenIslandscan teeming withbirdlife. across wetlandstorevealthespecialecosystemofupperharbour, Pauanui –perfectsafecycleways.TheTangitaroriLaneboardwalkleadsyou The entirefamilywillenjoynavigatingthenetworkofwalkwaysthrough most conditions. Tairua wharvesandthebeachesareperfectforsafeswimmingsurfingin A numberofcharterandfishingboatsoperatefrombothPauanui from Tairua,featuresthecountry’sfirstcanalhousingdevelopment. Pauanui, a purpose built holiday community which lies across the harbour great forkayakingandswimminginsummer. Information Centre trails through oldgoldmines,native fern forests andafresh water river PAUANUI
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The Coromandel The 7 Pauanui WHANGAMATA WAIHI & WAIHI BEACH
Must Do’s Must Do’s H Gold Discovery Centre H Wentworth Valley Waterfall H Waihi Gold Mine Tours Walk H Goldfields Heritage Railway H Onemana Beach H Waihi Arts Centre & Museum H Swimming or Surfing H Waihi Pit Rim Walkway H Mountain Biking H Victoria Battery at Waikino H Fishing off Beach or Harbour H Hauraki Rail Trail H Opoutere Coastal Bird H Karangahake Gorge Walks Reserve H Waihi Beach Swimming H Whenuakura Wildlife & Surfing Sanctuary H Waihi Beach Village & Cafés Waihi & Waihi Beach The Coromandel The Coromandel 8 9 The Coromandel
Few places say ‘summer’ like Whangamata. Whangamata is the quintessential Waihi, New Zealand’s Heart of Gold; whether it’s exploring our gold mining surfing town, and surfing is a significant economic contributor. Surf board heritage and the modern mine, getting out into the magnificent bush-clad hills manufacturing and retail surf shops provide all a surfer could need. Its of the Karangahake Gorge, or just relaxing on the beautiful white sand of Waihi world-class surf break and white sand beach is linked to the main street Beach, the Waihi region is a great place to experience New Zealand’s great
shops by a network of walkways which give the town a truly ‘beach’ feel outdoors. Waihi township is the heart of the area. Our Region
Whangamata where boardies are de rigueur. As you explore the town centre you’ll find glimpses into our hard fought, The Coromandel Forest Park and Tairua Forest bordering the town offer short pioneering past as you step back in time and meander through yesteryear in walks, mountain bike trails and old gold mining sites to be explored. today’s pleasant setting. Whangamata also has one of the best shopping centres in the region, a Waihi’s main street is full of great cafés. What better way to round off your Rail unique café culture and a range of sporting facilities from golf (9 and 18 hole Trail day than to sit and relax with good coffee, food and friends. courses) to a swimming pool that is the envy of many nearby communities. It was the quest for gold that first brought people to Waihi in numbers. In 1878 Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary lies one kilometre east from Whangamata gold-bearing quartz was discovered on Pukewa spur. A decade later, Waihi was Beach. For a long time Whenuakura, (commonly referred to as Donut Island), the fastest growing town in the Auckland Province with a population three times was a local secret. The Wildlife Sanctuary has two small beaches in the centre that of Hamilton. The Martha Mine quickly became one of the most important of the island’s collapsed blowhole. Due to the entry of the cove being via a gold mines in the world. Today, Waihi’s huge working open pit gold mine is only single 40ft-high cave, it is recommended that you take a guided tour. metres from the centre of town. You can walk right to the edge and stare hundreds of meters down into the chasm.
616 Port Rd, Whangamata 126 Seddon St, Waihi WHANGAMATA Phone: +64 7 865 8340 WAIHI i-SITE Phone: +64 7 863 6715 Info Plus www.whangamatanz.com Visitor Centre www.golddiscoverycentre.co.nz
www.thecoromandel.com www.thecoromandel.com 10 Paeroa The Coromandel Te Paeroa-o-Toitehuatahi PAEROA www.thecoromandel.com and theHaurakiRailTrail. Paeroa isagreatbaseforexploringTheCoromandel, theKarangahakeGorge to makeitanevenmoreinterestingvisit. proactive localbusinesscommunityhostsnumerouseventsthroughouttheyear Expect friendly,helpfulserviceandawarmwelcomeinPaeroawhere climbing, swimmingandtheHaurakiRailTrail. on StateHighway2)isincrediblypopularforitswalkways,winery,fishing,rock Steeped ingoldmininghistory,theKarangahakeGorge(8kmsouthofPaeroa Paeroa” whichmadePaeroa“WorldFamousinNewZealand”. manufactured intoNew Zealand’s very first own natural soft drink: “Lemon and spring waterdiscoveredinthe19thcentury.Thiswater,mixedwithlemon,was proclaimed AntiquesCapitalofNewZealandandhometothetherapeutic self- Paeroaisthe through, mooch to stores antique manygreat With topping 70nominationsfromaroundthecountry. of CommunitytheYearat2012NewZealanderAwards, Paeroa isatight-knitandcaringcommunitythatwasawardedwiththehonour
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View the Paeroa Bottle Icon Ride the Hauraki Rail Trail Visit the Maritime Park Visit our Antique shops Visit the Museum & Art Galleries Information Hub Walk the many walks Paeroa Main St Markets
Must Do’s PAEROA
101 NormanbyRoad,Paeroa Phone: +6478628636 www.paeroa.org.nz
and wetlands with a view over the firth of Thames to the Coromandel ranges. enjoyable, easy 50km ride taking in the Miranda Shore Birds, lush farm lands The Hauraki Rail Trail has recently extended, joining Kaiaua with Thames. An Gulf, andthisisagoodplacetobooktrip. be happytotellyouabouttheworld-class snapper fishingintheHauraki Fresh produceandseafoodaresoldfromroadsidecountrystores.Localswill Miranda. There’salsofishingandworldrenownedbirdwatching. the bushwalksandorchardsofRegionalParkorhotspringsat Taste awardwinningfish‘n’chipsandperusepottery/craftsinKaiaua.Enjoy sample thecreativewaresonshow. This is a good route totake your time, enjoy the views and stop often to of Thames. campervan, stopoffatRay’sRest;apopularspotthatlooksacrosstheFirth Remember thatyousharetheroadwithcyclistsandiftravellingby coast isastopoffpointformanythousandsofmigratorybirdseachyear. pastures withexpansiveviewsofcoastandmarshlandalongtheway.This travelling toAucklandviaClevedon.Thedrivemeandersthroughgreen The ShorebirdCoastisyourentryandexitpointfromCoromandelwhen
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The Coromandel The 11 Coast Shorebird 12 Ngatea & the Hauraki Plains The Coromandel NGATEA &THEHAURAKIPLAINS www.thecoromandel.com your arrival. Locals are only too happy to offer help or give a customary wave to greet playground orattheskatepark. Pioneer Park, where you can relax while the kids entertain themselves on the Meander thepark-likegroundsofNgateaWaterGardens,orenjoyapicnicat sample thefareatoneoflocalcafés. Plan astoptopicksomehomegrownblueberriesontheHaurakiPlainsor tournaments, owingtoitscentrallocation. family. Thetownhostsmanyboutiqueconferences,weddingsandsports Tauranga andanidealjunctiontocoordinatetravelforbusiness,friends It isagreatstopoffpointwhendrivingfromAuckland,Hamilton,Rotoruaand away fromthecitylightsofAuckland,HamiltonandTauranga. boasts thebestofbothworlds.Thecountrylifestyleisaboutanhour’sdrive As athrivingservicehubfortherichfarmlandsofHaurakiPlains,Ngatea
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A fulllistofeventscanbeviewedatwww.thecoromandel.com Whangamata Beach Hoportakepartin Thames HeritageWeek. - celebratethe50s&60satannual those whoprefertogobackintime the K2 Cycle Race, Colville Connection and Waihi Nugget Race and for Coromandel sculptororpainter.Thereareenduranceraceslike talented the MercuryBay Art Escapeforthejoyofaquietone-on-onewith Zealand at theBillabong Pro inWhangamata orseeartistsinresidenceat in troublearealsovoluntary. And ontheothersideofcoast,witnessbestsurfersinNew many of themvolunteers – and the coastguard that assists boaties when might bemoreyourbag. Our beaches are manned only in the peakofsummerby surf lifeguards – Then theannual in Paeroa smell ofpetrol? battle ofthestreets the sweet sand andsteepduneswithsurfrollinginfromthePacific. and matched withquality live bands and cookingdemonstrations.Prefer to sweepsofwhite coves thickwithshellsandframedbysculptedcliffs, Scallop Festival,thedelectablescallopiscookedupbytalentedlocalchefs something todowithitsnumerous and diversebeaches – fromquiet celebrate itsdiversity in a very fun and tasty package. At theWhitianga may have It the beatentrack. very muchoff The Coromandelcanstillfeel and on theCoromandelthatreflect events arehosted A varietyof Island cities, major North to three For somewheresoconvenientlyclose 27 2 25 NGATEA Papa Aroha throughoutRegion TheCoromandel throughout the Coromandel Region Otautu Bay Shelly Beach Wa Fletchers iomu Bay 25 PA CO Stony Bay THAMES EROA ROMANDEL TO WN 26
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Matarangi hangamata - Surf - hangamata www.thecoromandel.com BEACHES 2 WA EVENTS Beach Cooks IHI TA Otama IRUA 25 Beach 25 Cathedral Cove Hahei WHANGAMA Hot Water Beach Whiritoa Opito Bay Onemana Opoutere PA Wa UANUI ihi Beach TA MUST DO’S CATHEDRAL COVE Te Whanganui-A-Hei CATHEDRAL HOT WATER BEACH The northern end of Hahei beach features a one hour walking track that COVE leads along the cliff top before descending to Cathedral Cove. Tip: Visit at low tide and take a spade to dig your own hot pool Tip: Take a scenic boat trip or Named for its magestic arched cavern that passes through a white rock kayak to the Cove headland to join two secluded coves, the cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur, while the sandy beach is framed by Pohutukawa trees, providing shade for a picnic. THE PINNACLES KARANGAHAKE GORGE A little way off the beach at Cathedral Cove is a large pinnacle of pumice Tip: Stay overnight to capture Tip: Don’t forget your torch, breccia rock known as ‘Te Hoho’. Over centuries this has been sculpted by the stunning sunrise there’s lots of tunnels to explore wind and water. It now looks like the prow of a large ship steaming into the beach. Cathedral Cove is a must-see on The Coromandel. There are two vehicle parking locations for Cathedral Cove, Pa Road and Grange Road. During Summer the Pa Rd park is serviced by a shuttle as COASTAL WALKWAY HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL the Grange Rd car park is for shuttle drop off and pick up only. Tip: Use a local shuttle for Tip: Ride the Goldfields train drop off and pick ups between Waihi and Waikino
WHENUAKURA ISLAND SHOREBIRD COAST Tip: Guided tours are the Tip: Visit Miranda Shorebird best and safest way to Centre, a mandatory stop for experience the island any birdwatcher
NEW CHUM MT PAKU Tip: Pack a picnic and make Tip: Grab your camera, a day of it at the beach the views are amazing
Cathedral Cove HOT WATER BEACH NEW CHUM Te Puia Hidden away from the masses and rarely explored by Kiwis is the Hot Water Beach is a truly unique experience where two hours either side spectacular New Chum Beach, which ironically has been voted as one of of low tide you can bathe in a hot pool that you’ve dug yourself. Spades the world’s top 10 beaches! can be hired in the local café and general store. Dig around to find a hot By wading through the estuary at the northern end of Whangapoua Beach water source – and beware that temperatures can be scalding hot - before and following the shoreline you’ll find a track that crosses the low point lying back to soak up the surroundings. in the headland saddle over to scenic New Chum Beach. This stunning There are three car parks at Hot Water Beach from which you can enjoy stretch of golden sand is fringed by Pohutukawa and native forest and is walks along the beach and through the small township, which features deserted for most of the year. an excellent camp ground, café and art gallery and other quality Make sure you put New Chum on your Must Do list! accommodation. Access is off State Highway 25 at Whenuakite. It’s the only notable turnoff and directs you to Hot Water Beach, Cook’s Beach and Hahei/Cathedral Cove. It’s little surprise Hot Water Beach was named among the top 10 beaches in the world by the Lonely Planet Travel Guide.
Hot Water Beach New Chum Beach SURFING FISHING & DIVING The Coromandel has always attracted surfers from nearby cities on With around 400km of coastline and over 100 offshore islands, weekends, holiday times and over the occasional widely-anticipated big The Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s favourite marine playgrounds. swell. Many have been lured into settling permanently, forgoing the It boasts some of New Zealand’s best quality fishing within a relatively hustle of city life for a more flexible, if less lucrative, working week where small area. With an East and West Coast, plenty of bays and islands for they can sneak out for a dawnie or lunchtime session with only a friend protection you can be sure you will find somewhere to fish, dive or snorkel. or two in the water – particularly in winter. The Coromandel’s selection of waves varies in character from playful beach breaks to a world-class point No matter what your interest whether it’s in surfcasting from the beach, break. Whangamata is the country’s best-known east coast surf town, sitting amongst mussel farms, live baiting or heading further afield to steeped in surfing heritage. chase that elusive game fish, The Coromandel offers plenty of choice. You can hire a board in Whangamata, Pauanui and Hot Water Beach among The snorkelling and swimming opportunities in Te Whanganui-A-Hei other towns, but the serious surfer won’t want to arrive unprepared and Marine Reserve are plentiful, especially in the shallow waters around suffer the torture of standing on the beach while the Pacific Ocean delivers Stingray Bay (Te Karaka) and the western side of Mahurangi Island. lines of swell and pumping waves. Gemstone Bay (Waimata) has a snorkel trail marked by buoys that illustrate the marine habitats and associated species that live beneath.
Surfing East Coast Mussel Barge Fishing MIGRATING SHOREBIRDS KUPE & COOK The Shorebird Coast is an important wintering ground for thousands of The Coromandel can boast of being one of the few areas in New Zealand to Arctic nesting Shorebirds. Many arrive exhausted and hungry at the end have been discovered by two of the world’s great navigators, Polynesian of the last leg of their epic journey from Eastern Siberia and Alaska. explorer ‘Kupe’ and European explorer Captain James Cook. The Shorebird Coast also plays an important role in migration systems The first Polynesian explorer to sight The Coromandel was reputed to be within New Zealand. Each year huge flocks of Pied Oystercatchers return Kupe, travelling from eastern Polynesia in around 950 AD. Aboard his after breeding in the South Island. mighty canoe, Matahorua, he sailed for two weeks until he sighted what was later to be called Mt Moehau. Te Whitianga a Kupe was the original It is ranked as one of New Zealand’s three most important areas for place name for Whitianga, meaning Kupe’s crossing place. Captain shorebirds and annually hosts more than 49 different migratory bird Cook sailed into the Mercury Bay on the 3 November 1769. Cook’s ship species, numbering 20,000 individuals. The ‘Muddy Feet’ project is a joint “Endeavour” was met by Ngati Hei canoes on arrival in the bay. Seven initiative of local and regional councils, iwi and the Miranda Naturalists days later, on November 9 1769 Cook observed the transit of the planet Trust to address habitat loss and degradation and is working with the Mercury across the face of the sun, hence the names of some of the community to protect this significant and special place. region’s beaches and bays - Mercury Bay and Cooks Beach. Cook also sailed into the Firth of Thames and spent two days on the Waihou River.
Migrating Shorebirds, Shorebird Coast Mahurangi Island GOLDMINING EVENTS KAURI HERITAGE Gold boom, dark financialthroughout depression theand aCoromandel long uphill climb Region back to Kauri logging was one of the major industries in early pioneering days of prosperity is how the first 100 years of Thames has been recorded. Thames The Coromandel. A lasting reminder of the once-thriving kauri industry are hadA variety a small of beginning events are with hosted the first on official the strikeCoromandel of gold inthat June reflect 1867. andThe relics of the kauri dams which are visible on various Coromandel walking ‘bigcelebrate bonanza’ its diversity was between in a very 1869 fun and and 1871. tasty Inpackage. 1871 the At topthe producingWhitianga trails. There are still stands of kauri that were left untouched by the early CaledonianScallop Festival, Mine the turned delectable out 361,581 scallop ounces is cooked – more up by than talented 10 tonne local -chefs with pioneers and can be seen at relatively short distances from the road. The aand total matched value of with about quality $1,950,000. live bands In theand late cooking 1870s demonstrations. people flocked Preferto the 6th largest kauri in the country, Tanenui, is growing at Manaia on The Waihithe sweet area smell in search of petrol? of their Then fortunes. the annual The mine battle we of nowthe streets know asin MarthaPaeroa Coromandel. Minemight soonbe more became your bag.one of the most important gold and silver mines in In the past 10 years, kauri dieback has killed thousands of kauri in Andthe world. on the Now other in itsside third of centurythe coast, of mining, witness Waihi the bestremains surfers a gold in townNew New Zealand. Human activity involving soil movement - such as on Zealandand its mines at the still Billabong produce Pro most in Whangamata of New Zealand’s or see gold artists and in silver residence bullion. at footwear, machinery and equipment - is thought to be the leading theMany Mercury relics of Bay The ArtCoromandel’s Escape for goldmining the joy of history a quiet are one-on-one still evident withtoday, a cause of the disease spreading. Kauri dieback has been detected on talentedsuch as the Coromandel Victoria Battery sculptor at Waikino,or painter. the There Crown are Mine endurance at Karangahake, races like The Coromandel, we need everyone to do their bit by cleaning boots the StamperK2 Cycle BatteryRace, Colville in Coromandel Connection Town and and Waihi the NuggetStamper Race Battery and and for before entering forest areas. Look out for the boot-cleaning kiosks that thoseThe School who prefer of Mines to go in backThames. in time - celebrate the 50s & 60s at the annual will help stop the disease - officially known as Phytophthora Taxon Agathis Whangamata Beach Hop or take part in Thames Heritage Week. or PTA. www.kauridieback.co.nz A full list of events can be viewed at www.thecoromandel.com
Karangahake Gorge Tunnel, Photo: Adam Crouchley www.thecoromandel.com Kauri Tree THE PINNACLES COASTAL WALKWAY The stunning Kauaeranga Valley, located upriver from Thames is one The Coromandel Coastal Walkway traverses the remote northern-most of New Zealand’s true hidden treasures. Of the many popular historic point of the peninsula with spectacular vistas up the coast and over the walks in the foothills of the valley, the Pinnacles walk rates as one of New Barrier Islands. At 10km in length, it is a 7 hour return walk, or use one of Zealand’s most popular overnighters, with an 80 bed DOC (Department of the local operators to walk end to end. Conservation) hut often booked out well in advance. Positioned between Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay’s in the Northern The track is steeped in Kauri logging history. Remnants of the logging Coromandel, the starting point for the trail is entirely up to you. From days can be seen on the track and in fact, the track itself follows the old Coromandel Town, follow Colville Road north for 31 km to Colville Bay. packhorse track that took supplies up to the kauri loggers working and From there, take Port Jackson Road for 30 km to Fletcher Bay or Port living in the hills. Giant kauri stumps, abandoned logs, kauri dams and old Charles Road for 20 km to Stony Bay. It is recommended that local guides and transport providers are used to shuttle you between Coromandel tramlines can also be seen on this walk. The highlight of the trip is the last Town and the start of the track. section of the track which is a steep climb leading to the jagged summit of the Pinnacles. Walkers are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views The Coromandel Coastal walkway is suitable for both walking and of The Coromandel. mountain biking.
The Pinnacles, Kauaeranga Valley © Daniel Murray - Coastal Walkway KARANGAHAKE GORGE HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL The breathtaking Karangahake Gorge is a walker’s paradise with an Following old railway lines between historic goldmining towns Waihi, abundance of walkways and old tunnels where you can discover the rich Paeroa, Te Aroha, Thames and on to the coastal town of Kaiaua, the history hidden in the gorge and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Not only is this grade one Trail is one of New Zealand’s easiest Great Rides. Suitable for one of the most stunning stretches of river in New Zealand, it was home to everyone from kids barely out of trainer wheels, to those who’ve been one of the busiest and most lucrative gold strikes in the country. pedaling since the days of Penny Farthings. The Windows Walkway would have to rate as one of the most spectacular From the stunning Karangahake Gorge, verdant farmlands and the salt in the area with windows blasted through the gold mining tunnels licked Shorebird Coast, this Trail gives cyclists plenty of reasons to stop providing stunning views into the Waitewheta river. The Gorge is also and get off their bikes along the way. The four leg, 147km ride, can be home to the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway, the Tunnel Loop Walk, completed in a leisurely three to four days beginning in any of the district’s five main towns, where accommodation, advice, bike hire, and shuttle Owharoa Falls and many other great walks. transport are available. The Karangahake Gorge is a major highlight for the Hauraki Rail Trail, which can be accessed from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, or Te Aroha. The trail offers a range of short riding options or for those wishing to make a weekend of it the entire trail can be done over three days.
Biking in the Karangahake Gorge Hauraki Rail Trail WHENUAKURA WILDLIFE WALKS SANCTUARY throughout The Coromandel Region Whangamata is home to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal Fresh air, spectacular views and a selection of walks to suit almost every attractions. For a long time Whenuakura, commonly referred to as level of fitness is what’s on offer to those keen to explore The Coromandel Donut Island, was a local secret. This has changed in recent years as this by foot. Pacific treasure is quickly becoming a ‘must do’ New Zealand adventure. Enjoy the sweet, fresh scent of native New Zealand plants, dense and Guardians of the islands and Whangamata locals encourage you to treat damp under a lush green canopy, or take in the wide open Pacific Ocean the islands with respect to preserve their future. Begin your adventure vista dotted with islands off The Coromandel coast before heading down to with a registered Tour Company, who will keep you safe in the open an isolated bay or sweeping ocean beach. ocean and reveal the significance of Whenuakura. Entry into the cove is via a single 40ft-high cave. Marvel at amazing rock formations as your voice echoes off the cliffs in the cave, then emerge into the small lagoon. Here, pohutukawa trees – known for their bright-red flowers in summer – drape sheer cliffs that lead down to the water below. You’ll feel like a castaway who has washed into your very own deserted paradise!
PLEASE REMEMBER H GO WITH A CERTIFIED GUIDING COMPANY - they will ensure your safety and the protection of Donut Island H STAY IN THE WATER - Whenuakura is a Wildlife Sanctuary. Please help preserve the fragile environment H TAKE NOTHING BUT PHOTOS - Remember to leave bags and food on the mainland, so as not to attract predators
Whenuakura The Pinnacles WALKING THE COROMANDEL WALKING THE COROMANDEL
THE PINNACLES - KAUAERANGA KAURI TRAIL Aka: The Pinnacles Walk Length: 8 hours round trip 1 Follows the old packhorse track that took supplies up to the kauri loggers working and living in the hills. Giant kauri stumps, abandoned logs, kauri 7 Coromandel Coastal Walkway dams and old tramlines can be seen. The highlight is a steep climb to the jagged summit of the Pinnacles. Walkers are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of The Coromandel region.
www.kauridieback.co.nz Walking The Coromandel
SQUARE KAURI WALK Length: 20 minutes return Where: Tapu Coroglen Road 2 Kauri Block 5 The 15th largest kauri on the Peninsula is found COROMANDEL just west of the Tapu-Coroglen road summit. TOWN Estimated to be 1200 years old, this tree has an unusual square-looking shape. The walking track to the tree is short but steep; from the viewing 309 Kauri Grove 4 WHITIANGA area visitors get good views across to Maumaupaki 8 Cathedral Cove The Coromandel (Camels Back) on the main Coromandel Range. 30 31 The Coromandel Square Kauri 2 WAIOMU KAURI GROVE Length: 2.5 hours return Waiomu Kauri Grove 3 TAIRUA 3 Tairua History Trail 10 Mt Paku 9 Where: At the end of Waiomu Valley Road Kauaeranga Kauri Trail 1 PAUANUI Waiomu, 12.5 kms north of Thames. & Pinnacles 12 Pauanui Trig Walk This track takes visitors to one of the best remaining stands of Kauri on the peninsula, and through 11 Broken Hills 13 Opoutere Beach luxuriant and diverse forest - from Nikau to tree THAMES fern to Kauri. This is another historic walk that takes visitors past mining remnants. Be prepared to cross a number of shallow fords and creeks.
Walking The Coromandel Walking NGATEA Wentworth Valley 14 WHANGAMATA 309 KAURI GROVE (Waiau Kauri) Length: 30 minutes return Where: 8km along the 309 Road 4 (Coromandel Town end) PAEROA Martha Mine Waihi A spectacular grove of Kauri trees. These Kauris 6 Pit Rim Walkway have been protected since before the turn of the 16 WAIHI Karangahake Gorge 15 Orakawa Bay Walk century and are truly magnificent. The track is very well formed with footbridges and boardwalks, WAIHI BEACH which take you close to the trees. An excellent walk for tree lovers.
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KAURI BLOCK MOUNT PAKU Length: 2 hours return Length: 30-45 minutes Where: Next to No. 356 Wharf Rd, 5 Where: Tirinui Crescent, Tairua 9 Coromandel Town A relatively short walk and visitors will be The Department of Conservation’s newest rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views. development at Coromandel township is called Displays are placed at the summit identifying The Kauri Block. It offers walkers a fantastic parts of the panorama and rich history of the panorama of land and sea with a taste of Maori area. The last 10-15 metres are steep. and Pakeha heritage. There is a side track leading to the Pa Site. Walking The Coromandel
MARTHA MINE WAIHI - PIT RIM WALKWAY TAIRUA HISTORY TRAIL Length: 4km Length: 40 minutes return Where: Seddon Rd, Waihi 6 Where: Start at Pepe Reserve, 10 An easy but spectacular walk when you visit Waihi, Main Road Tairua is the Pit Rim Walkway. The walk (or ride) begins A heritage trail taking in the social and built at the Cornish Pumphouse and rises gently to the history of Tairua directs walkers to 20 points of edge of the open pit for your first overwhelming interest in and around Tairua. From the oldest peek into the vast chasm. The wide gravel path remaining building in Tairua to the site of the continues west on an easy grade around to the oldest human artefact ever found in New Zealand,
The Coromandel highest point on the north wall where the view the trail features fascinating stories from the past. is simply breathtaking. Interpretative signs give interesting facts about Martha Mine as you 32 complete the 4km loop back to the Pumphouse. 33 The Coromandel COROMANDEL COASTAL WALKWAY BROKEN HILLS Length: 3-4 hours one way Where: Morrisons Road, which starts from Where: Tip of The Coromandel, Stony Bay to 7 opposite the Pauanui turnoff 11 Fletchers Bay (or reverse) Broken Hills has a number of walking tracks of Join one of our many tours departing from varying lengths in beautiful New Zealand bush. Coromandel Town to be dropped off at Stony Bay There are relics of the gold mining past still in to start the walk. Your tour operator will meet you evidence, and these are easily accessible via at Fletcher Bay for the return trip to Coromandel a network of walking tracks in the area. Town. It was also logged for kauri and only a few patches of unmodified forest remains today. The regenerating forest includes Towai, Manuka, Rewarewa, Fivefinger and Totara. Walking The Coromandel Walking
CATHEDRAL COVE PAUANUI TRIG WALK Length: 80 minutes return Length: 2 ½ hours return Where: Hahei 8 Where: Start from the carpark at the end 12 This is one of the most well known walks on The of Pauanui Beach Road Coromandel. From Cathedral Cove visitors can A gentle walk through pōhutukawa-dominated access Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve as coastal forest and occasional small beaches well as Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay and Mare’s to Cave Bay. From Cave Bay the track climbs Leg Cove. A snorkeling trail is located in Gemstone up through forest to the trig. An alternative but Bay. Cathedral Cove is named because of the steeper route to the trig is via the signposted natural rock formation. In time, this arch will track at the car park. Views of Pauanui town collapse due to natural forces. can be seen from the trig.
www.thecoromandel.com www.thecoromandel.com WALKING THE COROMANDEL protect kauri for OPOUTERE BEACH future generations Length: 45 minutes return Where: 11kms north of Whangamata 13 A great area for bird watching enthusiasts. At the it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure southern end the Wharekawa Harbour Wildlife Refuge protects a breeding area for New Zealand Coromandel kauri forests stay healthy dotterel and the variable oystercatcher. Start by crossing a wooden footbridge, follow a track through pine trees, walk along the shore then a boarded walkway crosses the sandspit. BeFore and aFTer entering our kauri forests follow these simple hygiene procedures to help us prevent the spread of the disease and keep our WENTWORTH VALLEY kauri healthy. Length: 2 hours return Where: Wentworth Valley Road, 14 South of Whangamata Be a Kauri Champion The track follows an easy grade alongside the Wentworth River, with two bridged crossings, before climbing to a good view of the falls. • Clean all dirt off your footwear, The falls are in two drops of about 20 metres hiking poles, tyres and equipment each. Continue along a steeper section of the
The Coromandel before and after every visit to a track to a basin at the top of the falls. kauri forest. 34 • STAY on tracks at all times and OROKAWA BAY WALK away from kauri roots. Walking on, Length: 1 hour 20 minutes return or disturbing soil around the roots Where: North end of Waihi Beach 15 can spread the disease and damage This walk takes you to a beautiful Pohutukawa fine feeder roots. lined beach. There is a 45-minute detour to the 28m high William Wright Falls. Tip: A well formed track, however you may • AlwAYS keep dogs on a leash as they get your feet wet at the start of the walk. can spread soil too. When hunting or moving between forests, clean their paws as well as your own gear.
Walking The Coromandel Walking PROTECT kauri by staying away from areas or tracks that are closed. KARANGAHAKE GORGE Lying between Waihi and Paeroa, packed with gold mining history and many of the old relics 16 of the gold mining days, all accessible through For more information visit a variety of walks. This area was once the busiest and most lucrative gold mining area in New www.kauridieback.co.nz Zealand. Tip: As an alternative way of getting there, Goldfields Historic Railway operate a daily service from Waihi.
www.thecoromandel.com PORT CHARLES
COLVILLE HOMEGROWN in THE COROMANDEL
Produce, Restaurants, Cafes & Arts KUAOTUNU r BAY WHANGAPOUA 1 COROMANDEL TOWN 25 54 t Mercury Bay WHITIANGAe Marine Reserve CATHEDRAL COVE 8 HAHEI 23
HOT WATER COROGLEN 6 7 BEACH 25 WHENUAKITE
Orere 25 Point q w WAIOMU FIRTH TAIRUA OF THAMES u PAUANUI KAIAUA
Shorebird Coast y THAMES OPOUTERE Pukorokoro/Miranda 25a ONEMANA 25 9
2 WHANGAMATA 2 u NGATEA 25 27
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To Rotorua/ Taupo PAEROA i WAIHI 2 WAIHI KARANGAHAKE www.thecoromandel.com GORGE BEACH
Bowentown To Hamilton TE AROHA To Rotorua 80km To Tauranga 70km HOMEGROWN Produce, Restaurants, Cafes & Arts
1/ LUKES KITCHEN Kuaotunu 6/ HOT WATER BREWING CO. Whenuakite 12/ BREAD & BUTTER GALLERY Whitianga LOCAL MARKETS A 20 Blackjack Road, Kuaotunu, Whitianga A 1043 State Highway 25, Whenuakite A 26 Albert Street, Whitianga Tairua Market Coromandel Town Market M 07 866 4480 P 07 866 3830 P 07 866 4927 Tairua Hall, Main Road. 31 Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town. E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] First Saturday morning each month. Fridays 8am - 12noon. W www.lukeskitchen.co.nz W www.hotwaterbrewingco.com W www.breadandbutter.co.nz Kuaotunu Market Whitianga Art, Craft Rustic seaside Restaurant and Cafe with wood Sample award winning beers, tasting trays, and Bread & Butter Gallery offers you a broad range Kuaotunu Township. Saturday morning & Farmers Market fired pizzas, fresh as seafood, amazing sunsets and beer food, all crafted onsite. Playground and of quality art sourced carefully from professional from Labour Weekend - Easter. Soldiers Memorial Park, Whitianga. live jam sessions. From Locals to Families or the Seabreeze Kiwi Holiday park next door. artists locally and across NZ. Saturday mornings on holiday weekends travelling Surfer, Lukes Kitchen is a true Kiwi gem. Matarangi Craft Market Matarangi Village shops. and community events. Check out the website for opening hours! 7/ HOT WAVES CAFE Hot Water Beach 13/ DRIVING CREEK RAILWAY Coromandel Town Sundays from December to January Whangamata Community A 8 Pye Place, Hot Water Beach A 380 Driving Creek Rd, Coromandel and holiday weekends. Market Port Road, Village Green. P 07 866 3887 P 07 866 8703 F/P 0800 327 245 Tairua Fireman’s Market E [email protected] E [email protected] Tairua Fire Station, Main Road. Sunday 9am - 1pm. Licensed Cafe and Gallery only minutes walk W www.dcrail.nz Saturday morning of Labour Weekend. Waihi Market 2/ THE POUR HOUSE Hahei Seddon Street, Memorial Hall. from Hot Water Beach. Serving delicious Come to Driving Creek Railway and see amazing Coroglen Farmers Market A 7 Grange Road, Hahei homemade food, tantalising vegetarian options pottery by Barry Brickell, our founder, and others Gumtown Hall, Coroglen. Every 3rd Saturday of the month 8.30 - 1.00pm. P 07 866 3354 and Allpress coffee. who worked alongside him. Sunday morning Labour Weekend - Easter. Waihi Beach Farmers [email protected] E Market W www.thepourhouse.nz Thames Market 8/ MERCURY BAY ESTATE WINERY Cooks Beach 14/ THE WATERWORKS Coromandel Town Pollen Street, Thames. Opposite Waihi Beach Hotel. A world class boutique brewery and quirky bar Saturday mornings 8am - 12noon. Every Sunday from Labour Weekend - Easter. situated at the start of the world famous Cathedral A 761a Purangi Rd, Cooks Beach A 471, The 309 Road, Coromandel Town Cove. Sit inside or outside in the beautiful beer P 07 866 4066 P 07 866 7191 garden and sample our great food and quality E [email protected] E [email protected] beers. Home of The Coromandel Brewing W www.mercurybayestate.co.nz W www.thewaterworks.co.nz Company. All beers brewed on site and all food Winery, Restaurant & Bar. Gourmet food platters & Set in 5 acres of native bush The Waterworks is cooked especially for you! wood fired Pizza. Wine Tasting & sales. Spectacular home to an array of water powered inventions, location, amazing views. Opening hours on website. quirky contraptions and fun to discover at every turn.
3/ CATHEDRAL COVE MACADAMIAS Hahei 9/ THE CHEESE BARN AT MATATOKI Thames 15/ TOPADAHIL ART STUDIOS Opoutere Beach SUMMER MARKETS A 335 Lees Rd, Hahei A 4 Wainui Road, Matatoki, Thames A 289 Opoutere Road, Opoutere Beach P 07 867 1221 M 021 054 1765 P 07 868 1284 P 07 865 7266 M 027 342 1480 Whangamata Summer Hahei Market Day E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] Festival Craft Market 5 January 2018 W www.cathedralcovemacadamias.co.nz W www.thecheesebarn.co.nz W www.thecoromandel.com 27 & 28 December 2018 Pa Road, Hahei Visit our organic macadamia orchard and enjoy Cheese Factory, Licensed Cafe, Gifts, Animals. Art is food for the soul. Feast on renowned Williamson Park, Whangamata Waihi Beach Summer Fair Enjoy wine and award winning cheese in country free product tastings at the shop. Check website French/NZ painter Guity Evelyn’s work at her 5 January 2018 surroundings on the Hauraki Rail Trail. Onemana Market Day for opening hours. studio overlooking unspoilt Opoutere Beach. 29th December 2018 Citrus Ave, Waihi Beach Keltic Fair Tairua Wine & Food Festival 4/ COROMANDEL MUSSEL KITCHEN Coromandel Town 10/ WAIOMU BEACH CAFÉ Waiomu 16/ THE LITTLE GALLERY Whangamata & Tairua 2 January 2018 6 January 2018 Tairua Area School A 20, 309 Road (Corner State Highway 25 A 622 Thames Coast Road, Waiomu A Shop 3, 427 Port Road, Whangamata Coromandel Area School and 309 Road) P 07 868 2554 P 07 865 6922 Pauanui Market Day Mercury Bay Seaside Carnival P 07 866 7245 E [email protected] A 228 Main Road, Tairua P 07 864 7204 3 January 2018 8 January 2018 W www.musselkitchen.co.nz W facebook/waiomubeachcafe E [email protected] Kennedy Park, Pauanui Buffalo Beach, Whitianga Fresh, local Coromandel Greenshell Mussels. MK Stunning view • Supreme coffee • Crafted beverages www.thelittlegallery.co.nz W Cooks Beach Summer Gala Thames Goldrush Market Day beer brewed on-site. Relaxed, garden atmosphere. Exquisite homemade food • Electric Vehicle charging Where discerning art enthusiasts can enjoy and 4 January 2018 9 January 2018 Opening hours on website. Find us on Facebook. Art gallery • Sustainability values • Open 7 days purchase quality, contemporary local artwork. Banks Street, Cooks Beach Pollen Street, Thames ART EVENTS 5/ COROMANDEL OYSTER COMPANY Coromandel Town 11/ KORU AT RAPAURA Thames 17/ THE LAUGHING POTTERY Waihi A 1611 SH25, Manaia Road, Coromandel A 586 Tapu-Coroglen Road, RD5, Thames A 18 Rosemont Rd, Waihi Coromandel Arts Tour Steampunk The Thames P 07 866 8028 P 07 868 4821 P 0277 344 548 October November E [email protected] E [email protected] E Email: [email protected] Mercury Bay Art Escape Illume Festival W www.freshoysters.co.nz W www.rapaura.com W Website: www.laughingpottery.com March July Fresh Coromandel Pacific Oysters handgathered Looking for a new dining experience? Koru at Handmade pottery. For me it is the expression of Art Waikino Colville Easter Festival & sold at the farmgate, local seafood, takeaways, Rapaura will ‘tease your taste buds’ with award the pure and simple perfection of imperfection. October April world famous Mussel Chowder. Dog friendly. winning dishes in the garden setting of ‘Rapaura’. For all things art visit www.creativecoromandel.co.nz www.thecoromandel.com www.thecoromandel.com OTHER ACTIVITES throughout The Coromandel Region Generations of New Zealanders have made The Coromandel their favourite holiday destination. Through care of the natural environment it remains a special place where rugged terrain meets idyllic coastline and visitors are We try to look after our natural environment the encouraged to take care of the environment and enjoy all that it has to offer. best we can, and we need you to help us while you’re Enjoy time to explore our beautiful coastline, ride the surf, dive or snorkel visiting our special place. What you can do: in and around the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine reserve or try your hand RUBBISH/ RECYCLING at deep sea fishing or surfcasting from the coast. In the evening relax, do ~ Rubbish and recycling collection dates some stargazing under our stunning dark skies, listen for Moreporks and www.tcdc.govt.nz/rubbish Kiwis calling and let The Coromandel work its rejuvenating magic. ~ Sites to drop off unwanted waste www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts or Our people are hard-working and passionate about the coastal lifestyle www.tcdc.govt.nz/compactors but live here to maintain a work-life balance to a slower pace. They will FREEDOM CAMPING? welcome you and help you experience the real Coro. ~ For camping and dump station sites www.tcdc.govt.nz/freedomcamping and www.tcdc.govt.nz/camping VISITING CATHEDRAL COVE OR HOT WATER BEACH? ~ For best places to park and parking costs www.tcdc.govt.nz/parkingchanges
The Coromandel OTHER WALKS TO TRY ~ Check out www.tcdc.govt.nz/localwalks 36 ~ Sadly we have kauri dieback in the Coromandel. You can help stop the spread www.tcdc.govt.nz/kauri ~ And if eating and drinking is more your thing: food trail guide www.tcdc.govt.nz/foodtrail BRINGING YOUR DOG? ~ Your dog needs to be registered to a Council. ~ For places to walk, summer and public holidays restrictions www.tcdc.govt.nz/dogs Regional Council
www.facebook.com/Thames CoromandelDistrictCouncil Phone: 07 868 0200 www.tcdc.govt.nz
Blow Hole, Big Bay, Hahei OTHER ACTIVITIES throughout The Coromandel Region
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www.thecoromandel.com www.thecoromandel.com Other Activities 47 The Coromandel www.thecoromandel.com The Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the easiest trails in is one of Rail Trail The Hauraki the country to cycle, made with the 160km track a range of scenic This allows for up of 5 sections. 3 to 4 day tour rides. day rides to comfortable is As a Grade One cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail trail, levels and cyclingsuitable for all fitness skills. www.haurakirailtrail.co.nz “14 wonders of New Zealand”, The Hauraki Rail Trail boasts some of the best The Hauraki Rail Trail scenery New Zealand has to offer. Highlights include • Gorge, one of the Karangahake the stunning • mining town, a historic gold • shorebirds, the intriguing • RAMSAR of international significance, Wetlands • mineral spas. luxurious the Shorebird Coast, through lush green From farm lands, to areas rich in pioneering Waikato has a ride for you! history, the Hauraki Rail Trail For more information including the status for more information including For visit the Official website: each section of Rail Trail throughout The Coromandel The Coromandel Regionthroughout OTHER ACTIVITIES OTHER
www.thecoromandel.com
The Coromandel The Other Activities Other 46 OTHER ACTIVITIES throughout The Coromandel Region
RAPAURA Watergardens
2018 o
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Award winning Cathedral Cove tours Other Activities Giant sea caves & towering pinnacles 360° viewing & easy boarding Sun roof & seats with back rests
Departs Whitianga Wharf & Ferry Landing Wharf (by request)
BOOK ONLINE www.oceanleopardtours.co.nz
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