Coromandel
Thames
Thames was settled by the Europeans, led by missionary Samuel Marsden, in 1820, although evidence shows there had been Maori dwellings to the area prior to this. In the late 19th century, Thames was one of the largest towns in New Zealand, with a population of 18,00 people, and over 100 drinking establishments. It was even considered a possible site for the nation’s capital due to the rich gold mining deposits and plentiful logging supplies nearby.
Today Thames is the gateway to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, and the base for the nearby Kaueranga Valley, whose volcanic hills combine with fascinating geology and lush Kauri forest to offer some of the best walking tracks in the area, such as the one day Pinnacles track, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding region.
Hahei
Hahei is the best place in the Coromandel to access Cathedral Cove. Nature has created a magic place at Cathedral Cove. The beach of sparkling white sand is surrounded by sea or white cliffs covered in bush. At one end of the beach a large cavern passes through a headland and the whole atmosphere is reminiscent of a church. Many of the rocks and cliffs have been eroded into strange shapes which stregthens the ambience of this place. The Cove is located inside the Marine Reserve. Sea kayaking in the marine reserve is available, many of the trips travel into Cathedral Cove, one of the many scenic highlights in the region.
Another way to get out onto the water in Hahei is to take a trip on Hahei Explorer. The adventure boat trip takes you out into Mercury Bay and the Remote Coast, travelling past many islands and rock formations.
Whitianga
Mercury Bay, on the East Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, offers a spectacular coast flanked by islands. The main town, Whitianga, has been continuosly occupied for more than a thousand years since Maori explorer Kupe's tribe settled here after his visit in about 950 A.D. The next famous visitor was the British explorer, Captain James Cook, who gave the area its name when he anchored in the Bay in 1769 to observe the transit of Mercury. Now a thriving town with 4,000 permanent residents, Whitianga offers a full range of visitor's services and attractions. While in Whitianga you can carve your own bonecarving from over 100 designs with Bay Carving or get out on the sea with one of the many operators in the region.
Hot Water Beach is one of the region's most fascinating places. For two hours either side of low tide, you can dig in the sand for hot spring water and make your own spa pool. The Magic coach will call into Hot Water Beach in the afternoon on the way from Thames.
