Explore The Coromandel

The Coromandel

In-room compendium PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE FROM ROOM REMOVAL FROM ROOM WILL INCUR A CHARGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Images and Editorial supplied by Destination Coromandel Special thank you to Destination Coromandel www.thecoromandel.com Booklet design by James Print 2

WELCOME TO THE COROMANDEL Renowned for its natural beauty, green pastures, misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches, The Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to escape.

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Events WHAT’S ON IN THE COROMANDEL

The Events listed on this page are on information available at the time of compiling this publication.

Please visit www.thecoromandel.com for up-to date details of these and other events happening within The Coromandel region.

DECEMBER 2019

JANUARY 2020

Sat 07-Sun 08

Vintage Field days - Thames

Wed 01

New Year’s Day Opera - Whangamata

Thu 12-Tue 24

Christmas Lights Extravaganza

Wed 01

Original Gypsy Fair - Whangamata

Thu 02

Keltic Fair

Fri 03

Pauanui Summer Series Market Day

Sat 04

Tairua Wine and Food Festival

Sat 04

Waihi Beach Summer Fair

Sat 04

Cooks Beach Summer Gala

Sat 04

The Extravaganza - Whangamata

Sat 04-Sun 05

Hahei Market Day Monday - Whangamata

Sat 07-Sun 08 Mercury Bay Art Escape Tairua to Kuaotunu

Mon 06

Mercury Bay Seaside Carnival - Whangamata

Sat 14

Cathedral Cove Swim - Hahei

Sat 21

Surf 2 Firth Bush marathon - Thames

Wed 25-Sun 29

Repco Beachhop - Whangamata

Sun 29

Beach Hop Classic Cover Nostalgia Fair - Whangamata

Fri 27-Sat 28 Whangamata Summer Festival Craft Markets Fri 27 Dec/ Sun 02 Feb

Whangamata Summer Festival

Fri 27 Dec /Thu 02 Jan

Whangamata Real Estate Ltd Whanga Week®

Fri 27 Dec /Sun 12 Jan

Kauaeranga Summer Fun - Thames

Fri 27-Sun 29

The Extravaganza - Thames

Sat 28

Fat Freddy’s Drop - Thames

Sat 28

L.A.B + Mako Road + Soaked Oats

Wed 08 Thames Goldrush Market Day- Whangamata

Sat 28 Dec /Sun 05 Jan

Whitianga Wellbeing Market

Thu 09

Coro Summer Fest

Sat 11

Peak to Peak Ultra Race

Sun 29

Onemana Market Day

Sat 11 Market

Whangamata Lions Craft & Farmers

Sat 25

Thames Wings And Wheels - Whangamata

Sun 26

Greenstone Entertainment Summer Concert Tour - Whangamata

Mon 30 Mercury Bay Emergency Services Summer Festival Tue 31

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The Extravaganza - Waihi Beach

FEBRUARY 2020 Sat 08

Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo

Sat 08-Sun 09

Leadfoot Festival - Whitianga

Fri 14

Brits At The Beach - Whangamata

MARCH 2020 Sat 07

ARC Adventure Race

APRIL 2020 Wed 01

A Taste of Matarangi

Fri 03

ECHO Walking Festival

Sat 04

A Taste Of Matarangi

Fri 10-Mon 13

Colville Easter Festival

Sat 11

Whangamata Lions Craft & Farmers Market - Easter

Fri 17-Sun 19

Whitianga Dive Festivall

MAY 2020 Fri 01-Sun 31

Coromandel Seafood Festival

Sat 09

The Nugget MultiSport Festival - Waihi

Fri 15 -Sun 17

Wild Womens Weekend

Sat 23

Whitianga Half Marathon

Fri 29-Sun 31 Illume - Winter Festival of Lights Coromandal Town

SEPTEMBER 2020 Sun 13

Trail Trilogy

OCTOBER 2020

DECEMBER 2020

Fri 02 Coromandel Town Homegrown Community Market

Thu 31 Pauanui Tairua New Years Eve Fireworks Display

NOVEMBER 2020 Sat 02

K2 Cycle Race - Thames

Wed 06

Seasonal Cooking Classes - Waihi

Thu 07-Sun 10

Steampunk The Thames

Sat 16

XTERRA Trail Challenge - Waihi

Sat 23

Omahu Valley Bull Ride Hikutaia 5

Hidden gems HOT WATER BEACH Within two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural springs.

Often rated as one of the world’s most renowned beaches - his is one experience that should be on your bucket list. A truly unique Kiwi experience that every New Zealander should experience at least once in their lifetime!

The beach also boasts some great surf, cruisy cafés and art galleries and is only a 5 minute drive to another Coromandel ‘must do’ – Cathedral Cove.

KARANGAHAKE GORGE Voted as one of the 101 Must Do’s for Kiwis.Many Kiwi’s will have driven through the breathtaking Karangahake Gorge but few will have ventured into the walkways, old tunnels, discovered the rich history hidden in the gorge and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail Not only is this one of the most stunning stretches of river in the country it was home to one of the busiest and most lucrative goldstrikes in the country.

The Windows Walkway would have to rate as one of the most stunning in the area with windows blasted through the gold mining tunnels providing stunning views into the Waitewheta river.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.

CATHEDRAL COVE Accessible only on foot, boat or kayak, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on The Coromandel.

There are several scenic tracks on land adjacent to the reserve, including the 2hr return walk to Cathedral Cove track, which gives access to Gemstone Bay, Mares Leg and Cathedral Cove.

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THE COROMANDEL COASTAL WALKWAY “It’s like walking through a 10km film set!”

The Coromandel Coastal Walkway takes in the remote northern part of the Coromandel Peninsula, the last frontier.

Local guides and drivers provide safe passage along the stunning Port Jackson, Port Charles and Stony Bay roads. This allows travellers to relax and take in the stunning sights past the last outpost of Colville. From here the road becomes a gravel ribbon along the rocky shoreline with dramatic views into the surrounding ocean. Ducking under giant Pohutukawa trees and passing old granite wharfs, Mount Moehau looms above on your journey to the northern bays. Your guide will recount the legends of the sacred mountain, often shrouded in mist and home to the endangered Archey’s frog.

The journey home often coincides with the stunning sunsets across the Hauraki Gulf, allowing enough time to freshen up for a well-earned dinner in Coromandel Town.

Great walks in the Coromandel

SIAMESE KAURI

View The Coromandel’s majestic Siamese Kauri

DANCING CAMP KAURI DRIVING DAM

This dam was built in 1924 and its restoration in the 1990s allows visitor to see a replica feature of the kauri logging industry.

BROKEN HILLS

Once a thriving mining town the regenerating bush is now inhabited only by birds and interesting (and harmless) creatures living in the old mine tunnels, waiting for you to discover them.

MOUNT PAKU

Survey the towns of Tairua and Pauanui, the estuary, coast and offshore islands from the top of this volcanic peak guarding the entrance to Tairua Harbour.

THE PINNACLES

Climbing the ladders and stairs to the steep rock peak in The Coromandel Ranges affords you a spectacular 360 degree view, with the sparkling sea in the distance. The walk to the Pinnacles Hut is less steep, and well worth the effort.

KARANGAHAKE GORGE HISTORIC WALKWAY The Karangahake Gorge historic walkway follows the old Paeroa to Waihi railway line with the remainder of the track following the banks of the Ohinemuri River. The walkway features historic railway remains in a stunning natural gorge setting, including a 1km rail tunnel.

WHITIANGA TOWN WALK

Discover the heritage of Whitianga while visiting scenic highlights around the town.

WENTWORTH VALLEY

Located just south of Whangamata, the Wentworth Valley provides a great Department of Conservation recreational area, with walks, camping, a waterfall, and access deeper into The Coromandel Forest Park.

THE COROMANDEL COASTAL WALKWAY

The remote northern part of The Coromandel is home to the spectacular Coromandel Coastal Walkway, an untouched beautiful part of the country that is truly good for your soul and worth exploring.

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COROMANDEL TOWN Historic Coromandel Town is a haven for talented artists and craftspeople who have moved here from around New Zealand. The town has a unique character, soul and ambience reflecting art and heritage. Arrive by ferry after a journey across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland or by road on the winding Pohutukawa Coast from Thames.

Homegrown cuisine is in abundance from its raw form, to elegantly cooked at the many local restaurants. The discovery of gold in 1852 brought a boom to Coromandel Town, and the area has continued to flourish while retaining a rich stock of surviving heritage buildings.

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WHITIANGA AND MERCURY BAY Located on the East Coast of the Coromandel, Mercury Bay’s main town of Whitianga has attracted visitors for more than a thousand years. Home of the world renowned Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, Mercury Bay is known for its endless marine experiences both on and under the water. From kayaking and fishing in and around the Mercury Islands to scenic boat trips in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Reserve, Whitianga and Mercury Bay have it all. Experience the magic and relax in the un-spoilt playground of Mercury Bay - a recreational haven just waiting for you.

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Hahei and Cathedral Cove

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TAIRUA Tairua is an excellent base to explore the east coast and offshore islands or the craggy mountainous backdrop to the west. The twin peaks of Mt Paku guard the harbour entrace and provide a 360 degree view from the Aldermen Islands round to the Pinnacles in the Coromandel Forest Park. Tairua is only minutes away from bush and kauri grove walks, old mines and caves and Pauanui is only a short ferry ride across the harbour. The offshore islands of Slipper, Shoe and Aldermen Islands can also be explored by booking a trip with local dive and fishing charters.

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Driving distances AUCKLAND TO

TIME

DISTANCE

TAURANGA TO

TIME

DISTANCE

Thames

1 h 27 min

114.5 km

Thames

1 h 42 min

114.0 km

Coromandel Town

2 h 30 min

168.1 km

Coromandel Town

2 h 44 min

167.6 km

Whitianga

2 h 36 min

190.7 km

Whitianga

2 h 37 min

165.9 km

Hot Water Beach / Hahei

2 h 22 min

174.6 km

Hot Water Beach / Hahei

2 h 22 min

149.9 km

Tairua

1 h 57 min

150.5 km

Tairua

1 h 57 min

125.7 km

Pauanui

2h

150.6 km

Pauanui

2h

125.8 km

Whangamata

2 h 7 min

158.5 km

Whangamata

1 h 26 min

89.8 km

Waihi

2 h 1 min

153.6 km

Waihi

50 min

56.8 km

Paeroa

1 h 32 min

122.1 km

Paeroa

1 h 12 min

81.1 km

HAMILTON TO

TIME

DISTANCE

Thames

1 h 21 min

103.4 km

Coromandel Town

2 h 24 min

157.0 km

Whitianga

2 h 30 min

179.6 km

Hot Water Beach / Hahei

2 h 17 min

164.2 km

Tairua

1 h 51 min

139.4 km

Pauanui

1 h 54 min

139.5 km

Whangamata

1 h 50 min

123.8 km

Waihi

1 h 16 min

93.9 km

Paeroa

58 min

73.7 km 13

AL T S A O C L E D N COROMA R U O T Y A W K L WA

www.coromandeldiscovery.co.nz | info@coromandeldiscovery.co.nz

Discover the Complete Northern Coromandel Peninsula with Coromandel Discovery Highlights of this full day tour include: • The spectacular Coromandel Coastal Walkway, a four hour, self-guided hike from Stony Bay to Fletcher Bay. Features ten kilometres of regenerating native forest, coastal farmland and stunning views from Sugarloaf to Great Barrier and Beyond.

• Optional one hour hike over the 3 kilometre Muriwai Walk with windswept, clifftop views across the lively Colville Channel.

• Complimentary refreshments and perhaps a swim at the white spreading, sandy beach of Port Jackson.

• Views, villages and beautiful beaches with photo opportunities, all day long.

• Travel under ancient pohutukawa groves beside the Hauraki Gulf to conclude a perfect day.

Tour Notes: • Departs Coromandel Town 8.30 a.m. (check-in from 8.15 a.m.) and returns approx. 6pm.

• Please bring your lunch, water, sunscreen, hat, warm layer, rain jacket, clean walking shoes, swimsuit, towel, insect repellant and camera.

• Includes a personable commentary from local hosts.

BIKE HIRE & TOURS Electric and Standard Bikes for hire from one hour to multi day.

Plus Electric Tandem perfect for Town Tours!

Looking for a step up from the Rail Trails - Try our Big Day Out over the Tokatea Trail.

Self-guided ride along the Coromandel ridgeline through bush, private forest and farmland.

At 400 metres above sealevel, the scenery is breathtaking.

Explore Colville village with its quaint shops, cafes and iconic general store.

Return in the afternoon via the coast road beside the island studded Hauraki Gulf.

Or For Something a Little Different... Hike or Bike the Northern Coromandel and the Coastal Walkway.

Take One Day or Three as you explore our amazing backyard.

CONTACT DETAILS: Ph 0800 287 432 or +64 7 866 8175 Visit us at 105 Wharf Road, Coromandel Town.

Also Available Bike Parts & Repairs, Bike Transport 14

www.bushebikes.co.nz | info@bushebikes.co.nz

The Northern Coromandel Peninsula

Making a difference The early pioneering days on the Peninsula were often tough times for families as they established themselves on the rugged Northern Coromandel.

Once such family were the Jeffcoat’s who sailed around the world looking for a “better life”, far away from overcrowded, central London.

They moved to the small timber town of Colville and established a mill on Wharf Road with their family of five children.

For a number of years, the huge kauri forests covering the Peninsula were milled and sold off to make way for goldmining and farming. The settlers did what they could to establish themselves, but completely transformed what was once a pristine, natural environment.

The ancient forests inhabited by early Maori for over 650 years, had become severelyimpacted. Hills were now barren and prone to erosion with harbours choked with sediment and runoff. Natural environments had disappeared, bird and fish numbers dwindled as introduced pests increased.

Fast forward six generations and another Jeffcoat family has moved onto the same family land. This time Gavin with his wife Leanne, looking for a “better life” having tired of corporate restructures in the big city. But this time with empathy for the environment and about making a difference. It was time to turn back the clocks. 8,000 square metres of land quickly retired and 4,000 native trees planted, all with the help of a local community group.

Unwanted pests now targetted to help boost bird and fish numbers. Pebbles return to the main central stream, once covered in foot deep mud. Shorebirds wade in the protected saltmarsh area, safe from the outside world.

With such a long term attachment to the Peninsula, Gavin and Leanne felt compelled to purchase Coromandel Discovery from its retiring owners. The business has operated its Northern Coromandel Tour since the mid 1990’s with the highlight being the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. This well trodden bridle path dates back to early Maori days and links east with west around the tip of the Peninsula. Its popularity steadily grew after DOC added it to a national track system for all to enjoy. The Coastal Walkway is truly unique with regenerating bush, open farmland, sheer cliffs and rocky outcrops complete with stunning seaviews. Combine it with a minivan tour that passes through isolated villages and remote beaches and this is a recipe for an unforgettable day in our piece of paradise. Over time, the business has hosted a diverse range of guests safely over difficult gravelly, winding roads to start their self guided hike from Stony Bay. The ten kilometre hike concludes at Fletcher Bay with a refreshing swim and welcoming afternoon tea. The dreamy coastal drive home under the ancient pohutukawa trees is something to behold in the afternoon light.

Share this experience with Coromandel Discovery and engage with nature away from the glitz and glamour of cities and the distant fast paced world.

Tours leave from our base at 105 Wharf Road, Coromandel at 8.30 a.m. and bookings are essential. We also hire quality electric and standard bikes to help you explore our backyard from bush to beach and everything in between.

With hourly to multi day hire and “hike and bike” options, we can certainly tailor something to suit your needs.

Contact us: leanne@coromandeldiscovery.co.nz or +64 7 866 8175 or visit www.coromandeldiscovery.co.nz or www.bushebikes.co.nz 15

Heaven & Earth

227 Main Road • Tairua • 07 864 8875

New Zealand’s Most Amazing Gallery of Crystals, Minerals, Fossils & Jewellery

Thousands of Crystals • Tumbled Gemstones • Decorator Pieces • Necklaces • Earrings • Rings • Pendants • Bracelets • Beads • Meditation Pieces • Fossils • Books • Healing Stones • Gifts • Visionary Art • Rock Tumblers • NZ Wood Bowls • Stone Carvings • Gemstone Spheres • Bookends • Kids’ Hobby Kits & more!

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Open 7 Days from 9:30

HAHEI CATHEDRAL COVE BOAT TOUR

P P

APPROVED

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DEPART WHITIANGA WHARF

SHAKESPEARE CLIFF COOKS BLOW HOLE

CATHEDRAL COVE

MARINE RESERVE

SCE N IC CRU ISE S

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LL of FAME HA •

2

EXCELLENCE

018 • 2

CERTIFICATE of

7 01

2015 • 20 1

CHAMPAGNE BAY

CATHEDRAL COVE

ORUA CAVE

OUR TOURS

Visit Cathedral Cove, the beautiful beaches and marine life from Whitianga to the Orua Seacave.

BOOK A TOUR TODAY

THE TRIPLE C

COVES, CAVES & COASTLINE - 2.5 HRS

Inculding swimming and snorking in the Marine reserve

CUSTOMISED CHARTERS

Tours crafted to suit your travel schedule and family occasion.

Or request the shorter tour of coves and coastlines - 1.5 HRS

0800 88 86 88

www.cathedralcovecruises.co.nz *refer to website for price and booking information

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Mercury bay magic There are many beautiful locations in the world to dive but only a few can be regarded as truly magic. The Mercury Bay and the Mercury Islands, renowned for its stunning coastline, offshore islands, white sandy beaches and crystal waters is really one of those truly magic locations.

With dive sites suitable for divers ranging from those on their first sea dive, to the very experienced the Mercury Bay is the ideal playground for all. The photographers enjoy many sites offering a wide range of photo opportunities from macro to wide angle shooting. If photography is not your thing you can put on a pair of gloves and try your luck at catching a crayfish and collect our renowned delicacy - scallops - during season.

Above the water the islands consist of spectacular cliffs climbing vertically from the sea. These islands are the remnants of an ancient volcano chain which makes for many interesting dive sites that very in depth and bottom topography. In some cases the cliffs continue straight down under the water’s surface. Along some of these walls are brilliant anemones, hydroids, nudibranches, soft colourful sponges and spiny sea urchins.

Most dive sites consist of boulders big and small, cracks and crevasses, small swim throughs and caves. Kelp and seaweeds of many colours cover the sea floor. Below the kelp other interesting animals such as crayfish, packhorse crayfish, Spanish lobsters, scorpion fish, tiny blennies, plus many species of crab, sea shells and still more nudibranchs can be found.

If you look hard enough you may even find a sea horse. Many schools of trevally and blue maomao can be seen on the surface and below the water too. In the summer months large kingfish school on weed edges and pins along with giant boar fish, john dory and tarakihi. A great array of other animals inhabit our waters from moray eels, stingrays, wrasse, demoiselles, porcupine fish, snapper and many other vibrant species. Further down below them pink maomao, golden snapper, porae, blue moki and other fish appear in reasonable numbers. Orca can also be seen swimming in pods of between four and eight chasing the abundant population of stingrays. Their smaller cousins, the dolphins are the most common marine mammals seen and are frequent visitors to divers in this area. And on occasion, especially during the winter months, New Zealand fur seals reside on some of our islands and are keen players in the water.

Located on the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula in the seaside town of Whitianga, Dive Zone Whitianga is a one stop dive shop. Offering a huge range of retail product, dive hire, full service workshop and operating daily trips on their purpose built dive boat Mystery Machine. Instructors are always on board making this an ideal trip experience for all levels of dive competence. Come and join them in a magic Mercury Bay moment.

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Your online Guide to South Island Travel check out www.greystar.co.nz/explore This booklet was designed, printed and created

by James Print - West Coast 22

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www.greystar.co.nz/explore