The historic township of Thames is the entry to The Coromandel, just a 1.5-hour drive from Auckland. This former gold mining boom town is an interesting place to stop for coffee and browse through the local museum.

Join the 82km Hauraki Rail Trail or take a short cycle ride to and from Thames. Beautiful scenery and abandoned gold mines and rail tracks provide an insight into the lives of the original gold miners.

Located on the East Coast of The Coromandel, the seaside township of Whitianga is home to world renowned Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. The Cathedral Cover Marine Reserve (Te Whanganui-A-Hei) gives visitors an opportunity to view snapper large rays and oversized crayfish in pristine clear waters. Spot dolphins and whales on a scenic cruise or take a kayak out and visit simply paddle into Cathedral Cove. Majestic limestone cliffs, sea caves and even a coffee on the beach!

Get in the water and dive or snorkel over this marine reserve.

Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach – spades can be hired at the local shop.

Walk through Shakespeare Cliff Reserve is the site of Cooks Monument. In 1769 Captain Cook made landfall in Mercury Bay and then anchored at Cooks Beach where he spent a few days and observed the transit of Mercury across the sun. The views to Mercury Bay are stunning and walkways take you down to Lonely Bay.

New Chums Beach has been voted as one of the world’s top 10 beaches. This beach is protected and has no buildings, roads, infrastructure or camping.

Stay at 970 Lonely Bay – this luxurious lodge is surrounded by beautiful gardens and just a few minutes walk to Cooks Beach and Lonely Bay.