Itinerary
This is one of our
favourite tours because it shows off rural New Zealand by way of an area that isn't commercialised and it's also a fun tour.
We depart Auckland, first crossing the Bombay Hills to the
south and enter the Waikato region famed for its dairy farming. Heading east, we traverse the very flat Hauraki Plains (this used to be an extensive swamp area but has now been
drained to provide some of the most valuable farm land in New Zealand) and arrive at Thames. This township was a thriving forestry and mining town during the 1800's and you can still see
many of the old industrial buildings from this period, plus banks, shops, the library and other significant historic buildings that still survive.
After a short break here we continue
north up the coast. There are plenty of opportunities for photos, looking across the bay towards Auckland, the road following the beach along the Pohutukawa [NZ Christmas Tree] lined coast, then
further along, we leave the coast and climb over the hills with spectacular views.
Just over an hour north of Thames lies the sleepy town of Coromandel, a town full of history, especially
from the early logging industry that thrived here during the 1800's. It's here that you enjoy an hour on the Driving Creek railway, a train ride up to the Eyeful tower for breath taking
views across the Firth of Thames, looking back towards Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. This amazing feat of engineering, which took almost 20 years to complete, winds its way through native
New Zealand forest, climbing up the steep hillsides above the town. The view from the top is outstanding - possibly the best of the day. Then browse through the Pottery [the original reason
for the railway] to see some of the unusual items available for sale, you may even meet the potter and constructor of this unique destination.
We then return to Coromandel town for a spot
of lunch in one of our favourite cafes, before heading east to cross the Peninsula. The road here is remote and unsealed [gravel] but perfectly driveable, giving you an idea of how travel
was for the early settlers to this wild and still somewhat alternative region of the country.
Arriving at the main road on the east coast, we then turn south through green landscapes of
rolling hills, forest and tranquil sandy bays, with as a back drop, the rugged Coromandel Ranges, to arrive at the Cathedral Cove carpark. From here it is up to 45 minutes walk down
to the remote beach and cove. We walk through open country and native bush. Some degree of fitness is required due to the steepish gradient, although the path is well developed and
clear. Take a photograph and revel in the beach, water and cave arch that has been created.
We return up the track back to the carpark and head for the settlement of Tairua, or Pauanui,
across the water, depending on where you are staying.
Day two
First of all we head back to Thames, thus completing our circuit of the Coromandel. Then we head back to
Auckland the same way we came, until we turn off for the Hunua Ranges, about 15 minutes before the Auckland freeway. These ranges are volcanic in origin, about 2200 feet at the highest
point and combine native bushland and farming. This area is also a major water storage area for Auckland, with several dams.
We divert to the Hunua Falls which is really a must
see. These are in the Hunua Regional Park. We then head through the Hunua Gorge, a narrow forested valley area, to the South Auckland suburb of Papakura, a lower socio economic
town. Within the Hunua Gorge especially, is the iconic New Zealand treefern. This tree is the origin of the silver fern worn by New Zealand sportsteams. From here it's out to the
Pohutukawa Coast which has commanding views across the water to Waiheke Island and up to Rangitoto Island. The coast is so called because of the Pohutukawa trees (Christmas tree) that line the
road. This route takes us through Maraetai village and then we turn off towards Pine Harbour for lunch. This upscale marina is adjacent to Formosa golf course. It is possible to
commute from here to the city by ferry. So we enjoy lunch here and then continue our journey through green countryside and farmland to Howick and Botany Downs, the affluent side of South
Auckland.
Working our way up from the suburbs through the industrial areas, we end up at St Heliers, east of the city centre. This suburb is business class, for our QC's,
judges and entrepreneurs and is also fronts onto the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland's main harbour. We cruise down the waterfront, via Paritai Drive with it's extensive views and real estate and
take in the vista's. Eventually we are in downtown and either drop you at your hotel or take you to the airport. |
