Itinerary
This is one of our
favourite day tours because it shows off rural New Zealand by way of an area that isn't commercialised and it's also a fun day.
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 the rugged Coromandel Ranges as a back drop, to arrive at the carpark for Cathedral Cove. A 30-45 minute walk takes us down
to a remote beach and sea eroded, cathedral like, archway. The walk takes us through native bush and countryside and can be a little steep in places, although the track is well
developed. This excursion would be the highlight of the day and is recommended. The views from the carpark are stunning. The total return walk time is 60-90 minutes. Once we leave Cathedral
Cove carpark we then continue southward to complete the circuit of the Coromandel Peninsula, arriving back at Thames and then onwards to Auckland.
This tour offers stunning
scenery, which ranges from coastal views to low mountains, rolling farmland and forests - we invite you to sit back and enjoy it. |
