Don’t Miss

Explore the Seabird Coast

More than a 100 migratory bird species live around the edge of the Firth of Thames. Drive past them on your way to Thames.

• Visit Miranda Hot Springs for a therapeutic dip in the hot mineral water
• Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Miranda Shorebird Centre

Thames and the town of Coromandel

The historic towns of Thames and Coromandel were once the scene of a gold rush - New Zealand's first, in the early 1850s.

• Check out the Goldmine Experience in Thames - underground tours and gold panning
• At the Karaka Bird Hide you can sit and watch seabirds in the Thames Firth
• Rapaura Water Gardens is an extensive water garden of native and exotic plants surrounded by forest
• The Thames market is held every Saturday morning - shop for interesting souvenirs
• Take a ride on New Zealand's only narrow gauge mountain railway at Driving Creek Railway, Coromandel town
• The '309 Kauris' is the finest, easily accessible stand of kauri in the region
• The Coromandel School of Mines Museum explains the gold mining history of the area
• Pick up a craft trail guide and visit artisans working in their own studios
• The Coromandel Coastal Walkway is a must for all walking enthusiasts and mountain bikers

Whitianga and Mercury Bay

The beach town of Whitianga makes an excellent base for explorations of Mercury Bay and the adjacent coast.

• At Hot Water Beach you can dig in the sand for hot spring water and make your own spa pool
• Cathedral Cove is a magical beach framed by a massive natural rock arch
• Go big game fishing, snorkelling or scuba diving
• Indulge in a seafood feast at one of Whitianga's restaurants
• Visit the numerous galleries and artists' studios along the east coast

Tairua and Pauanui

• Offshore Slipper Island has historical sites, scenic walks, safe snorkelling, diving and fishing
• Walk to the summit of Paku, the volcanic peak that dominates the Tairua Harbour
• Hike up the Pauanui Mountain track for panoramic views over the Bay of Plenty

Surf's up at Whangamata

The surf town of Whangamata is lively in summer and lovely the rest of the year. Aim for autumn or spring if you want to avoid the crowds.

• Visit the gifted local artisans on the Whangamata Craft Trail
• Coromandel Forest Park and Tairua Forest are close by - there are walking tracks galore
• Opoutere, Onemana and Whiritoa are picturesque holiday beaches

The gold mines and golden beaches of Waihi

Waihi town and Waihi Beach are separate destinations, but they're only a short drive apart.

• Watch the miners digging for gold in Waihi. The town of Waihi is home to the Martha Mine, a fully operational gold and silver mine. View the mine from the viewing platform
• Guided tours of Martha Mine explain the past, present and future of gold mining
• At Waihi Beach you'll find 9 kilometres of safe surf beach. Stunning coastal walkways invite you to explore further
• Visit the Waihi Art Market for contemporary and traditional art works

Deep in the heart of Karangahake Gorge

The beautiful Ohinimuri River runs through Karangahake Gorge on State Highway 2.

• The gorge is the site of Waihi's 1875 gold rush. Numerous walkways reveal the gold-mining history of the region. Old mine tunnels, stamper battery sites and other mining relics adorn the tracks
• Take a step back in time and climb on board the Goldfields Vintage Railway, which travels between Waikino and Waihi

Flat out on the Hauraki Plains

Life on the Hauraki Plains is all about farming. The flat, green rural landscape is extremely scenic in its own way.

• Sample Lemon and Paeroa, New Zealand's most popular soft drink, in the historic town of Paeroa. As they say, it's 'world famous in New Zealand'
• Paeroa is also a good place to shop for antiques. Take home a quaint souvenir
• Break the journey back to Auckland with a refreshment stop in Ngatea - check out the rock shop and the water gardens