Coromandel
- Thames
- Auckland
106 km (66 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway
The historic township of Thames was founded during the Coromandel gold rush. It’s a great place for walks – around the town, through the bush and on the mangrove board walk. Visit the museum and discover an interesting range of shops.
Near the beginning of your journey north you’ll drive over the famous Kopu Bridge, which was built in 1928 and has a Historic Places Trust listing.
At Waitakaruru you have a decision to make. Either take the scenic route to Auckland, past Miranda’s hot springs, up the edge of the Firth of Thames and then through the rural village of Clevedon. Or take the quicker route over the Hauraki Plains to join the motorway at the foot of the Bombay Hills.
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
Historic Thames
Explore local history in a colonial mining town on the doorstep of the scenic Coromandel Peninsula. Plan your wilderness adventures over great coffee.
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.
Devonport & North Head
Discover colonial cottages, stately waterfront homes and World War II defences that run deep into a volcanic cone.
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.
Miranda foreshore
Bring your binoculars to Miranda and see how many bird species you can spot. Call into the information centre to confirm your sightings.
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
Auckland
Kayaking – Salt Water (9),
Museums (2),
Volcanic/Geothermal (2)
Coromandel
Diving (4),
Fishing – Salt Water (4)
Tour and Sightseeing
Auckland
Kayaking – Salt Water (4),
Volcanic/Geothermal (6)
Tour and Sightseeing
Coromandel
Diving (1),
Fishing – Salt Water (1)
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