PRINT MODULESection One Coromandel & Bay of Plenty
SECTION ONE: PAGE ONE
Coromandel
Key Selling Points
- Proximity to Auckland.
- Remote coves, offshore islands, beaches and bays including Cathedral Cove and Hot water beach.
- Walking tracks through inland rainforests and alongside the coast.
- Gold rush and pioneering history.
Key Centres
- Thames, gateway to the Coromandel
- Whitianga, a holiday resort on the eastern side of the peninsula
- Coromandel Town, known for its relaxed lifestyle and arts community
Climate
Mean Daily Temperatures - Centigrade/Fahrenheit
| HIGH | LOW |
|
HIGH | LOW |
|
HIGH | LOW |
|
HIGH | LOW |
| Summer
(Dec-Feb) |
|
Autumn
(Mar-May) |
|
Winter
(Jun-Aug) |
|
Spring
(Sep-Nov) | ||||
| 23/73 | 14/57 |
|
20/68 | 11/52 |
|
15/59 | 7/45 |
|
18/64 | 10/50 |
Getting To/From the Coromandel
Road - self drive
Driving distances and times to and from and around The Coromandel
|
|
Km | Miles | Approx Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland - Thames | 115 | 71 | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Thames - Hamilton | 108 | 68 | 1 hour 35 minutes |
| Thames - Rotorua | 164 | 102 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Thames - Coromandel Town | 54 | 34 | 1 hour |
| Thames - Whitianga (via SH25a) | 85 | 53 | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Coramandel - Whitianga (via SH25) | 46 | 29 | 1 hour |
These times are for driving at 80 to 100 km (50 to 60 miles) per hour on open stretches, with a small allowance for traffic delays, petrol stops and refreshments. Roads are scenic, winding and narrow on the Coromandel Peninsula. Visitors should allow generous time for both a relaxed drive and stops en route.
Driving Routes
From Auckland
Following are driving instructions that you could give to your clients:
- Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
Drive south through Clevedon to meet the Firth of Thames. Continue along the Seabird Coast to Miranda, then onward to Thames. The Pacific Coast Highway follows the coast road around the region, offering wonderful sights and views.
Driving time: Auckland to Thames - 2 hours 20 minutes - OR Follow SH2
Drive via the southern motorway (SH1) for approx 30-40 minutes. Turn left at the major off-ramp that directs traffic to the Coromandel and Tauranga. Follow SH2 and then take a left turn onto SH25 to Thames or continue along SH2 to Waihi.
Driving time: Auckland to Thames - 1 hour 40 minutes
From the Bay of Plenty
Follow the Pacific Coast Highway from Tauranga through Katikati to arrive in Waihi on the eastern-side of the Coromandel.
Driving times:
Tauranga to Thames - 1 hour 45 minutes
Tauranga to Waihi - 45 minutes
From Rotorua
Follow SH5 from Rotorua to connect with SH27 and SH26 to Paeroa, then drive on to Thames or Waihi.
Driving time: Rotorua to Thames - 2 hours 20 minutes
From Waikato
Follow SH26 east from Hamilton to Paeroa, then on to Thames or Waihi.
Driving time: Hamilton to Thames - 1 hours 30 minutes
Air Services
Air Coromandel / Great Barrier Airlines operate services to and from Auckland and service the towns of Whitianga, Matarangi and Pauanui.
Air Coromandel / Great Barrier Airlines www.greatbarrierairlines.co.nz
Scheduled Coach Services
Intercity Coachline Services offers a service to Thames and around the Coromandel. www.intercitycoach.co.nz
Other local companies operate services to and from this region. Visit www.newzealand.com and click on Transport or see this region’s website www.thecoromandel.com.
