The Coromandel Peninsula is on the north-eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Fabulous golden and white sand beaches with magnificent coastal scenery, a rugged forest cloaked interior waiting to be explored, are just some of the natural attractions that have people returning to The Coromandel time after time.

The Peninsula separates the Hauraki Gulf and coasts around Auckland from the Bay of Plenty. The Peninsula is a popular holiday destination and can get very busy during the summer months.

Local towns include Thames, Coromandel and Whitianga and Whangamata. Smaller settlements include Te Puru, Waiomu, Tapu, Colville, Whangapoua, Matarangi, Kuaotunu, Coroglen, Cooks Beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Tairua and Pauanui.

Evidence of some of the earliest Polynesian settlement in New Zealand exists on the Coromandel. Historical interest points exist around every corner, telling the stories of the two great navigators Kupe and Cook and those who followed in their footsteps.

Captain Cook visited the area in 1769 and observed the transit of the planet Mercury across the face of the sun hence the names of some of the region's beaches and bays - Mercury Bay and Cook's Beach.

In the nineteenth century the peninsula teemed with human activity associated with the exploitation of timber, gold and kauri gum. Eventually the kauri and the accessible gold were exhausted and the gum market destroyed. The Coromandel lapsed into an economic and social decline that was eventually halted by the gradual growth of farming, fishing, horticulture and tourism. The land slowly "mended" and a new era of people moved into the area, one that valued the environment. Thirty four percent of the land on the peninsula is now administered by the Department of Conservation.

The Coromandel is a rich and colourful creative hub with many studios and galleries showcasing some of New Zealand's most talented artists’ work.

The Coromandel Peninsula is noted for its beautiful beaches with backdrops of lush native bush in the hills. The gateway to the Coromandel, the Kopu Bridge, is a rustic one way bridge just 110 km from Auckland. From here head north to Thames to start your trip around the Coromandel Peninsula.

There are a variety of ways to get around including bus, taxi and hiring your own car or bike.

Hire a yacht and sail around the Coromandel Peninsula!

Check out these Coromandel Peninsula road trip ideas from the Automobile Association: www.aa.co.nz/.../the-coromandel-peninsula-road-trip

Coromandel and Northland, New Zealand video in DivX Quality:

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Based on a work at Wikitravel.org & Traveldudes.org.