Today we woke up by the sea, at Te Mata Point Reserve, our accommodation in the Thames area, reminiscing in some way about everything we’ve experienced in recent days, from the flight to New Zealand, the day we spent touring the places to see in Auckland, visiting Cape Reinga and then returning to the city, exploring many of the sights in Northland. And honestly, we have to say that even though it’s been a week since we started in New Zealand in a camper van, it feels so intense that it seems like we’ve been here a month enjoying one of the most incredible countries in the world.
Coromandel Peninsula
To understand a bit of the history of this place, we have to go back several years when it was known as Hauraki by the Māori, who, according to various findings, are estimated to have occupied the area for more than 1000 years continuously.
At that time, due to its proximity to Auckland, the different tribes began to do business with European traders, among which the exploitation of kauri forests stood out, which gradually, due to mismanagement and overexploitation, ended up dwindling and ending the business around 1940.
In addition to kauris, the Coromandel Peninsula is also known for being the area where gold was first discovered, especially in the Thames area.
What to see in the Coromandel Peninsula
Although there are many places to see in the Coromandel Peninsula, if you have only one day in this area, we recommend opting to visit the most recommended and touristy ones to get a broad view of this beautiful place, located just a few kilometers from Auckland.
Something to keep in mind when starting to plan your route through the places to visit in the Coromandel Peninsula is the tides since they are essential to fully enjoy the visit in two of the most touristy places, such as Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
You can check the tide status on the Metservice website, which is also perfect for checking the weather in New Zealand.
Although we will later review the route in more detail, here is a summary of the most important places:
Thames: This town is the gateway, where we arrived yesterday after going to the Coromandel Peninsula from Northland. In addition to making a brief stop to visit its main street, with some 19th-century buildings, Thames is the perfect place to stock up on groceries at one of its supermarkets and fill up the gas tank.
Coromandel Peninsula Road: For us, one of the must-see places in the Coromandel Peninsula. The road that connects Thames with Coromandel and runs along the coast is a spectacle for the senses.
Coromandel: A small town where it is highly recommended to make a stop to walk along its main street and have a coffee in one of its cafes.
309 Road: Entering a documentary would be the closest comparison we can give you to this unpaved road that passes through a kauri forest.
Cathedral Cove: Probably the main reason for many travelers to explore the Coromandel Peninsula. Without a doubt, after the experience, it’s no wonder why.
Hot Water Beach: A curious stop, although we don’t believe it’s essential.
As we mentioned yesterday, remember that if you are going to do a route through the things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula and want to stay in the area, a highly recommended option is to do so in the surroundings of Thames, where along about 12-15 kilometers of coastline, there are 5 areas of free parking where you can stay overnight if you have a self-contained vehicle. All of them have spectacular views of the Thames Fjord, especially Te Mata Point Reserve, where we stayed.
Journey through the Must-See Sites of the Coromandel Peninsula
Embarking on the exploration of the essential sights of the Coromandel Peninsula typically commences in Thames. However, we suggest a leisurely start by staying overnight nearby, as we did. If that’s not feasible, an early rise allows for breakfast in Thames while acquainting oneself with its central area.
Coromandel Coast Highway 25
For us, Highway 25 along the Coromandel coast, connecting Thames to Coromandel over approximately 50 kilometers, is an essential highlight. The road offers a sensory feast with its coastal vistas. Although stopping points are scarce and the road is narrow with numerous bends, a leisurely pace is recommended. This allows for indulging in the scenery and making stops at various viewpoints or rest areas along the way.
Coromandel Town
Situated on the western coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, this quaint town invites a pause. Besides immersing oneself in an ambiance that feels transported from centuries past, stretching one’s legs, strolling amidst historic buildings, and savoring a coffee in one of its charming cafes is highly recommended. Arriving in Coromandel around 9 a.m. after an hour’s drive along Highway 25, we took the opportunity to explore its main street and enjoy a coffee in a delightful café before continuing our journey at 10:15 a.m.
Highway 309: Another Gem of the Coromandel Peninsula
Including Highway 309 among the must-see places in the Coromandel Peninsula was initially serendipitous for us. However, the experience left us no choice but to recommend this route wholeheartedly. As mentioned earlier, to visit Cathedral Cove, the famous beach from the Chronicles of Narnia movie, one must wait for low tide or visit two hours before or after. Today, low tide is around 1 p.m., so we decided to pass the time exploring Highway 309.
It’s worth noting that while some sources may dissuade camper vans from navigating this unpaved road, our experience suggests otherwise. Though lacking asphalt, it’s entirely feasible to traverse it in a camper van, with the road being in optimal condition. Admittedly, the speed limit is reduced to about 40 kilometers per hour over the 20-kilometer stretch, but the journey offers a cinematic experience akin to Jurassic Park, showcasing some of the most incredible landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island.
The road begins roughly 3 kilometers from Coromandel, clearly marked and reconnects with SH25 about 5 kilometers south of Whitianga. Along the way, we recommend two stops: Waiau Falls and Waiau Kauri Forest.
Waiau Falls
Following a trail of just 100 meters, you’ll reach Waiau Falls, 10-meter-high waterfalls that, while not truly spectacular, are set in an immensely attractive environment, making them one of the recommended stops along the Highway 309 route of the Coromandel Peninsula. The visit won’t take more than 15-30 minutes and is next to the kauri forest.
Waiau Kauri Forest
Less than 1 kilometer from Waiau Falls is Waiau Kauri Forest, a small kauri forest, which is another stop you can make on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Although there are several trails within this forest, the most recommended one is the 500-meter path that winds through a grove of 600-year-old kauris that miraculously escaped indiscriminate logging.
It’s important to note that these kauris do not have the protection that those we saw on the famous Kauri Coast have, so it’s crucial to be very respectful and always keep a distance while also not leaving any kind of waste that could disturb them.
Another trail we recommend is the one that leads to the two-trunked kauri, similar to the Four Sisters we also saw the other day, which is reached after a short walk of several minutes.
You can park your caravan or car at a small parking lot directly opposite both the waterfall and the kauri forest.
Visiting both places won’t take more than 1 hour, and as we mentioned, it’s highly recommended if the low tide timing doesn’t align with your planned route through the sights of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Another option to consider is taking this excursion to Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve from Coromandel or this day trip to the Coromandel Peninsula from Auckland.
After these visits and traveling along Highway 309, we have 40 kilometers to reach Cathedral Cove, one of the must-see attractions in the Coromandel Peninsula, where we arrive around noon.
After some deliberation, considering the time and the tidal schedules, we decide to leave the camper van in the designated free parking area, taking the opportunity to set up a picnic table on the grass and have an impromptu lunch in the sun, which, we won’t deny, feels wonderful.
Cathedral Cove
Known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand and also being one of the settings for the movie “The Chronicles of Narnia,” visiting Cathedral Cove is undoubtedly one of the things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula.
In addition to the stunning surrounding landscapes, its natural stone arch and a waterfall that flows after rain make it a highly recommended stop in this area of New Zealand’s North Island.
After a day filled with natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes, our journey through the Coromandel Peninsula comes to a close. From the tranquil Waiau Falls to the enchanting Cathedral Cove, each stop has left us in awe of the beauty that New Zealand holds. As the sun sets on our adventures, we carry with us memories of this remarkable place, eager to explore more of what this incredible country has to offer. Until next time, Coromandel, thank you for the unforgettable experiences.
After a day filled with natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes, our journey through the Coromandel Peninsula comes to a close. From the tranquil Waiau Falls to the enchanting Cathedral Cove, each stop has left us in awe of the beauty that New Zealand holds. As the sun sets on our adventures, we carry with us memories of this remarkable place, eager to explore more of what this incredible country has to offer. Until next time, Coromandel, thank you for the unforgettable experiences.
