The Coromandel is one of New Zealanders’ favourite destinations. It is within an hour and a half drive of the major centres of Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton, and yet the region is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Its coastal scenery, rugged forest and bush interior, white sandy beaches fringed with Pohutukawa trees, clear rocky streams, water falls, gardens, artist colonies and beach towns all provide endless opportunities to explore, experience and enjoy.
The area has a rich cultural heritage. Evidence of some of the earliest Polynesian settlements in New Zealand exists on the Coromandel. Historical interest points exist around every corner, telling the stories of the two great navigators Kupe and Cook, and those who followed in their footsteps. In the nineteenth century, the peninsula teemed with human activity associated with the exploitation of timber, gold, and kauri gum. The first gold in New Zealand was discovered in Coromandel Town in 1852. The Coromandel is a rich and colorful creative hub with many studios and galleries showcasing some of New Zealand’s most talented artists’ work.