Whitianga
- Coromandel
- Auckland
166 km (104 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway
Formerly a gold-mining and timber town, Coromandel is now a haven for artists, craftspeople and conservationists. It has many well-preserved Victorian buildings.
Your journey to Auckland leads you along the edge of the coast. The views are amazing and there’s a constant procession of beautiful beaches. After the gold rush township of Thames, you’ll encounter the memorable one lane Kopu Bridge, which has a Historic Places Trust listing.
Look for interesting seabirds as you travel along the edge of the Firth of Thames. Miranda’s hot springs and bird sanctuary make an excellent side tour. You’ll enjoy pastoral scenery all the way to the Bombay Hills, where you’ll join the motorway to Auckland.
As you approach Auckland, you can’t miss the extinct volcanic cones that dot the landscape – there are 48 in all. The city also has two huge harbours, so it’s an ideal base for marine adventures. Other attractions include wine trails, forest walks and the culinary temptations of the city’s restaurant zones.
Scenic Highlights
Colville and beyond
Take a scenic drive to the northern end of Coromandel Peninsula and discover beautiful isolated beaches and remote forest trails.
Auckland's volcanic cones
Climb green volcanic cones in the heart of a large city to peer into deep craters and explore ancient Maori earthworks. Look out over the harbours, islands and beyond.
Coromandel Coastal Walkway
Taking in views of Great Barrier Island, Cuvier, the Hauraki Gulf and Pacific Ocean, this must rank as one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the country.
Devonport & North Head
Discover colonial cottages, stately waterfront homes and World War II defences that run deep into a volcanic cone.
Historic Coromandel township
This historic town makes an excellent base for blissful days of forest hiking and beach-hopping.
Hunua Ranges
Enjoy nature walks, mountain biking, fishing and camping in the largest mainland forest within the Auckland region.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Learn about plants from New Zealand and around the world. This beautiful garden offers 64 hectares of cleverly themed displays.
Tamaki Drive and beaches
Enjoy on-street cafes, park-like picnic areas and safe sandy beaches just minutes from Auckland's central business district.
Parnell Historic Walk
Explore the historic houses and buildings of Parnell, New Zealand's first suburb. Be tempted by great cafes and specialty shops along the way.
Coast to Coast Walk
Walk across New Zealand in one day. This 16 kilometre walkway explores parks, volcanic cones and historic suburbs across the Auckland isthmus.
Long Bay Regional Park
Pack a picnic and head for a waterfront park just 20 kilometres from the city centre. Relax on the long sandy beach or hike along the headland.
Auckland Domain
Fly a kite, feed ducks, walk through native forest or follow a trail of outdoor sculptures in this magnificent inner city park.
Auckland's North Shore beaches
Dip your toes into the North Shore's beachy lifestyle. A series of sandy bays stretches from Cheltenham to Torbay.
Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve, Waitemata Harbour
A haven for wading and sea birds, you can see this marine reserve from Auckland's northwestern motorway.
Motuihe Island
Visit a picturesque island that is becoming a new wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy walks, beautiful sandy beaches and glimpses of the island's intriguing history.
Rangitoto Island
Cross the harbour on a ferry to step onto an alien volcanic landscape. Explore native forests and lava caves on the way to panoramic views from the edge of the summit crater.
Waitakere Ranges
In half an hour you can leave the city behind to explore a vast forest park with waterfalls, rivers, giant kauri trees and wild ocean beaches.
Activities
Coromandel
Diving (4),
Fishing – Salt Water (4)
Tour and Sightseeing
Coromandel
Diving (1),
Fishing – Salt Water (1)
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