My favourite pastime in this region is soaking up the spectacular views from high up on the Coromandel Peninsula along the Pacific Coast towards the East Cape.
Helen Richards, New Zealand Specialist, 01993 838824
Stretching out into the Pacific both to the north and to the east, this sprawling region encompasses unspoiled landscapes flanked by some of New Zealand’s finest coastal scenery. Aucklanders flock to the local beaches to enjoy the sun, surf and sand, and to relax into the region’s laidback lifestyle.
During the spring much of the bush is set ablaze with the vivid red bloom of the native pohutukawa trees, which, set against the rich green of the forest, the deep blue of the ocean and the endless golden sands, provide a spectacle of colour. The communities here are as colourful as their landscapes, and many retain a very strong Maori culture: there are some fantastic examples of Maori carvings, marae and intricately decorated churches dotted along the main roads. This is a richly fertile region, producing vast quantities of New Zealand’s fruit and encompassing its oldest wine-growing industry, which now enjoys international acclaim. Townships vary from lively holiday resorts to the sleepy remnants of gold-mining settlements and impressive Spanish Mission and art deco creations.
There is plenty here to entertain the mind, as well as ample opportunity to relax and soak up some of the many hours of sun this region enjoys.
Browse places of interest and view details of our selected accommodation.
Read more
Our trips are 100% tailor-made but here are some suggestions to provide inspiration.
Read more
Selected Highlights
Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.
Click here for more highlights
Discover Coromandel Town & the Driving Creek Railway
Take a stroll around Coromandel Town and you will discover a relaxed and creative community. Discover a range of boutique shops, art galleries and...
[more]
Go surfing in Gisborne
Drench yourself in some Kiwi sunshine in Gisborne, one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. Captain Cook first set foot here in 1769 and it became...
[more]
Visit Hot Water Beach
Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach. A quirk of geology means that at low tide hot water bubbles up through the sand and if you dig deep enough...
[more]