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Pacific Coast Highway - The Coromandel and Bay of Plenty
Arrive Auckland
On arrival, collect your Motorhome from United's depot close to
Auckland Airport. Take the Southern Motorway from Auckland to the junction with State Highway 2 and the turn off to Thames, gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Auckland - Thames (106 kms - 1hr 30 mins)
Turning off towards Thames, follow the Pacific Coast Highway to Coromandel. Enroute, take a little side trip to Miranda Hot Springs and enjoy a soak in the largest thermal pools in the Southern Hemisphere.
Known as the gateway to the Coromandel, Thames during its heydays of the gold rush of the 1880's was one of New Zealand's largest towns with a population greater than that of Auckland. Today, its colourful history lives on in the many pubs, buildings, museums and activities found in the area.
The Coromandel region is a popular holiday location for both New Zealanders and overseas travellers alike, and is renowned for its beautiful beaches and panoramic vistas. This area is at its scenic best from November to January when the brilliant red flowers of the Pohutukawa tree (known as New Zealand's Christmas tree) dominate the coastlien. The average summer termperature is 22 degrees C and winter is 13 degrees. Enjoy surfing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing - in fact just about every water sport you could wish for.
Overnight stop suggestion:
- Dickson Holiday Park, Thames
Thames - Coromandel - Whitianga - Whangamata - Waihi
(Thames - Whitianga 100 kms - 1 hr 45 mins)
(Whitianga - Waihi 112 kms - 2 hrs)
The Coromandel Peninsula has much to offer and to enjoy it to its utmost take time to meander around the coastline, stoipping at the bays and enjoying the views. There are plenty of overnight stopover locations along the way. Follow the coastal route north from Thames via Coromandel Township, then down the eastern coastline to Waihi, situated at the southern end of the Peninsula.
The discovery of gold at Driving Creek in 1852 brought a boom to Coromandel Town, and the area has continued to flourish while retaining much of its history from those times. In the township you'll find many fine examples of Colonial and Victorian buildings.
Whitianga is an excellent area for fishing and local restaurants specialise in fresh seafood cuisine.
From whitianga take a ferry across to the oldest stone wharf in Australisia, Stone Stes Wharf built in 1837, and then on to cooks Beach and Hahei where you can wlak to Cathedral Cove, an imposing formation accessible only by foot or boat.
Take some time to dig yourself a warm little haven in the sand at Hot Water Beach where hot springs seep through the sand. This natural hot water spring was created by volcanic activity and can reach termperatures as hot as 75 degrees Centigrade.
Cooks Beach and Mercury Bay were named by Captain ook in 1769 on his first visit to New Zealand while observing the Transit of Venus.
Unlike other parts of the region, Waihi is still very much a gold mining town, with productin hidden behind the leafy slopts close to the main street. for those who enjy the simple life Waihi isyour kind of town, with aold wooden buildings and nearby, spectacular Waihi Beach, one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand offering 9 kilometres of sweeping white sand where you can enjoy the shellfish collecting and sea fishing.
Overnight stop suggestion:
- Harbourside Holiday Park, Whitianga
Waihi - Tauranga (62 kms - 1 hr)
South-east from the Coromandeal along State Highway 2 in Tauranga, the centre of a large kiwifruit and citrus-growing area, and known as one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Its coastline is favourably dubbed "the coast with the most" and a pleasant climate provides holidaymakers with a myriad of water-based activities, nature walks and scenic cruises or flights.
Tauranga's newly-developed waterfront is a busy haven of cafes and bars. Relax under the shade canopies for brunch or dance the night away at one of the night-clubs.
Overnight stop suggestions:
- Omokoroa Thermal Holiday Park, Omokoroa
- Golden Grove Holiday Park, Mt Maunganui
Tauranga - Whakatane (96 kms - 1 hr 30 mins)
With mild winters and long hot summers the Bay of Plenty is a perfect place to camp out for a day or two. Blessed with a great climate, stunning beaches and the clear blue Pacific Ocean, it is a paradise for water and sporting activities. As the region's name implies there is "plenty" to occupy the fun seeker. Enjoy the song of native birds as you walk through lush green New Zealand bush. Tramping, trout fishing and deer hunting in nearby Urewera National Park will satisfy the keenest of sportsmen. Try your hand at big game fishing or just relax at beautiful Ohoe Beach.
Offshoreis White Island, New Zealand's only live marine volcano. Interestingly, although White Island is totally surounded by salt water it is chemically sealed from it. Temperatures within the crater have been recorded at up to 800 degrees Centigrade, making scenic flights and guided walking tours on the island exciting and memorable adventures (gas masks and hard hats provided).
Overnight stop suggestions:
- Awakeri Hot Springs
- Ohope Beach Holiday Park
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