Front Beach & Ferry Landing
Kayaking in Cooks Stream
Lonely Bay & Shakespear Cliff
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Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Glass Bottom Boat
Staying in The Coromandel - Indulge yourself!Our Suggested Itinerary A visit to Coromandel Peninsula deserves a stay of at least 3 - 5 days in your NZ itinerary. Paul & I are passionate about the whole of our area and we have put together an itinerary to see some of the best of what Coromandel has to offer: Visitors can easily self-drive the Coromandel by road. Only 1.5 hrs from Auckland, follow the Pacific Coast Highway www.pacificcoast.co.nz around the Firth of Thames to the historical old goldmining town of Thames, the gateway to the Coromandel. The Thames Coast Road hugs the scenic west coast all the way to Coromandel Town. Stop off at Tapu and follow the signs to Rapaura WaterGardens www.rapaura.com in the midst of the Coromandel Forest Park. Rapaura also offers comfortable accommodation and a good base to visit the many artists studios and galleries in nearby Coromandel Town. Don't miss Sally & Sacha's scrumptious food in their "Koru Café"! Children of all ages will enjoy the quirky Waiau Waterworks www.thewaterworks.co.nz on the 309 Road near Coromandel Town and Driving Creek Railway www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz - a unique journey through native kauri forest. Stay an extra day and join Jocelyn's Coromandel Discovery Tours www.coromandeldiscovery.co.nz exploring the town and northern Coromandel. We loved the self-guided Coastal Walkway, a 3-4 hr walk with wonderful coastal views finishing at Stoney Bay, where Jocelyn's tour picks you up with a welcoming hot drink and biscuits. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway over the Whangapoua Hills and take the detour to beautiful Whangapoua Beach. At the northern end of Whangapoua beach, take a drink & a picnic to the untouched white, sandy New Chums Beach - rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The track is a mix of having to pick your way along the rocky edge and a well-formed coastal track and takes you through one of the most beautiful Nikau Palm stands we've seen. Travel on to the equally as beautiful Kuautunu Beach with views to the outlying Mercury Islands. The biggest & best icecreams are at the general store! If you don't have time, a day trip with a picnic & bottle of wine from "Mussel Bed" to Chris's favourite Otama Beach & further on, Opito Beach can be had by taking the no exit Blackjack Road from the Kuautunu shops. |
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Continuing on through Whitianga www.whitianga.co.nz - the largest centre in Mercury Bay, you can purchase any supplies at the local supermarket if you wish. Whitianga is easily accessed also from "Mussel Bed" by catching the local passenger ferry 2 kms down the road from us - only a 5 min. ride to Whitianga's many cafes, restaurants and shops. During your stay with us, don't miss the new "Lost Spring" www.thelostspring.co.nz for a geothermal swim and spa treatment. The turnoff to Hot Water Beach, Hahei & Cooks Beach is approx 30 mins drive from Whitianga along the Pacific Coast Highway (SH25). Follow the signs to Cooks Beach and you can't miss our big blue "Mussel Bed" sign on Purangi Road. Allow time to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy safe swimming at beautiful Cooks Beach. There is so much to do... Wander the Coromandel Ranges, take a bike ride to explore the area, enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery on board a charterboat, take a trip to famous Cathedral Cove, relax in your own spa pool at Hot Water Beach or simply relax at the beach - the only problem you'll have is to choose what to do first... Things to do during your stay with us:
After what we hope was a memorable stay at "Mussel Bed", join the Pacific Highway again through Tairua. Take time to drive up Paku Hill for 360 degree views of Tairua & Pauanui and the outlying islands of Slipper, Shoe & Aldermans. Beaches galore await you on the coast drive through Whangamata and on to Waihi Beach - an area renowned for goldmining. Enjoy Waihi Beach, a historical vintage train trip and walk the stunning Karangahake Gorge. Relax at one of the Southern Coromandel lodges www.southerncoromandellodges.co.nz Other recommended links: Raglan, west coast of NZ - We've stayed with Edi & Therese at "Waters Edge" beachfront B&B www.watersedge.co.nz. We loved the very private, little beachfront cottage! At Miranda on Pacific Highway to Thames. Set atop Mount Rataroa, just one hour's drive south of Auckland towards the Coromandel, is "Umoya Lodge" - somewhere special. www.umoyalodge.co.nz We loved the luxurious "retreat suite", the outside bath & our intimate candlelit dinner was amazing. Visit the Miranda Shorebird Centre. Wanaka, South Island - we can thoroughly recommend "Riversong B&B" near Wanaka, overlooking the Clutha River www.riversongwanaka.co.nz Ann & Ian are wonderful hosts. Before heading on to Rotorua, stay in Matata, Bay of Plenty with Hilton & Bev at Fothergill's on Mimiha B&B www.fothergills.co.nz Kapiti Coast, Waikanae Beach. Stay at "Te Nikau Forest Retreat" www.tenikau.co.nz Idyllic retreat in NZ native bush and mountain streams. We can recommend for your special day - Wedding Photographer www.aaronlang.co.nz Website Links: We are proud members of At Home NZ - for quality assessed bed & breakfast accommodation and friendly hosts. www.athomenz.org.nz Ask us for a brochure.
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