Rugged and mysterious, yet also a place to flop on a beach and watch the waves roll in. The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf.

An impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula - it’s bordered on each side by kilometres of spectacular coastline. On the west coast, there’s a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and harbours lined with pohutukawa trees (a red flowering native of New Zealand) . The eastern side of the Coromandel is furnished with an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches.

The Coromandel's fascinating history is evident in gold mining relics, logging dams and ancient Maori pa (fortified village) sites. The past can also be found in the charming colonial architecture and historical buildings preserved in several towns around the region.

The coastal nature of the Coromandel makes it a brilliant choice to fish, surf, dive, swim or wander along beaches. For contrast, head for the hills and hike the trails in the forest.

Local cuisine could be as simple as fish and chips or as elegant as Crayfish Mornay. Cafes and restaurants make the most of the seafood that can be easily caught in the surrounding waters.

The inspirational natural beauty of the Coromandel has led to the area becoming a haven for artists and crafts people. Take time to discover the many galleries and studios.