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 The Coromandel Peninsula is a much-loved holiday destination which is located to the east of Auckland on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf. Coromandel is close enough to our car hire branch in Auckland to be a practical holiday destination and yet far enough away that it is rustic, relaxed and unspoiled.
The landscape is punctuated with rugged volcanic hills that are blanketed in native rainforest, and with more than 400 km of coastline visitors are sure to find a stretch of beach that suits their tastes. The Coromandel is the perfect marriage of bush and beach, with both easily accessible. In the space of one glorious day visitors can experience both the sparkling blue water of the Pacific Ocean and the soothing green shade of the Kauri forests.
The west coast of the peninsula, being the ocean facing side, is covered with endless stretches of beaches, coves and harbours which are framed by the native pohutukawa trees. The eastern side has a fantastic collection of sandy surf beaches with dense forest mountain ranges which runs the length of peninsula. A well maintained road loops the entire peninsula making car hire driving tours an absolute breeze.
Below are some of the highlights of the region
Seabird Coast & Hauraki Plains
This scenic region is along the way from Auckland to the Coromandel. It features a range of fantastic scenery and some interesting places to stop and take it all in. The hot springs in the small town of Miranda are worth a look. If you don't have much time to spare then simply stop for an ice cream cone, otherwise why not park your car rental vehicle and taste some award winning fish and chips?
Thames
Thames is the main shopping precinct on the peninsula with a historic main street lined with boutiques and a range of shopping venues to please even the most hardened shopaholic. Thames was once among the largest towns in New Zealand, built upon the exploitation of the gold deposits and Kauri forests of the region. These days it retains much of its character and its colourful history is still alive in the many pubs, buildings and museums which are found in the area. If you enjoy the creature comforts of town life then we recommend you get your final dose here before heading off in your car hire vehicle into the relatively undeveloped peninsula.
Coromandel Town
The town of Coromandel is a Mecca for artistic types and craftspeople from all over New Zealand. The town boomed after the discovery of gold, as did the nearby town of Colville during the Kauri milling boom. However both towns are now quiet, sleepy villages which serve the artistic and farming communities.
Whitianga & Mercury Bay
This stretch of coast has been popular with visitors including local Maori since roughly 950 AD. It is now a well established tourist resort offering a range of fun holiday activities. The famed Hot Water Beach is located here. Visitors can dig themselves a hole in the sand in and soak in the warm mineral rich waters which are released from underground fissures, a remnant of volcanic activity in the area many millions of years ago. It is also home to Cathedral Cove one of the "must see" natural wonders of this region. While it is only accessible on foot or by boat it is definitely worth the effort as it is an amazing and complex series of rock formations and caves. It would pay to give your car rental a few day rest and stay in Mercury Bay for a while.
Tairua & Pauanui
These spectacular twin harbor towns make an ideal seaside holiday destination. With stunning natural topography and pristine islands located a little way off shore there are a wealth of holiday activities available to visitors.
Whangamata
With its rainforest lined beaches, great surfing breaks and safe swimming conditions this stretch of coast is yet another great holiday destination. Surrounded by dense native rainforest Whangamata offers holiday makers a wide range of outdoor activities including bush walking, mountain biking, and tours of historic sites. There is also a high quality shopping centre and a unique cafe culture that is an experience in itself.
Waihi & Waihi Beach
This is one of New Zealand's most famous gold mining towns which is still in production to this day. The town itself is full of character with old wooden buildings, white sandy beaches and a rustic laid back lifestyle with no shopping centres in sight. This is truly the best destination for those whose who enjoy the simple life.
There are so many things to do on the Coromandel Peninsula that it is hard to cover them all here. We highly recommend you investigate the Coromandel peninsula further and discover for yourself why car rentals New Zealand are such a popular way of touring this unique and stunning region.
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