Coromandel Peninsula

Discover Coromandel

Cooks Beach

The Coromandel is rugged and mysterious, yet also a place to flop on a beach and watch the waves roll in. Uncover the history of the remarkable Coromandel peninsula.

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf, and has an estimated population of just under 27,000 people in the combined Thames and Coromandel Districts.

In the west coast, there’s a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and harbours lined with pohutukawa trees (a red flowering native of New Zealand).

The eastern side of the Coromandel is furnished with an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches, and an impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of the peninsula.

The Coromandel includes main centres Thames, Whitianga, Whangamata, Paeroa, Waihi, Pauauni and Tairua.

The snorkelling opportunities in Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve are outstanding, especially at Gemstone Bay and the western side of Mahurangi Island. In early 2004 a snorkel trail was installed at Gemstone Bay. Four marker buoys with information panels depicting which species inhabit each area are anchored from 50 to 165 m offshore. For example at buoy three, snorkellers can expect to see marblefish, butterfish and red moki hiding in a seaweed city. The position of each buoy coincides with different habitats within the bay.

Sea kayaking allows you to explore the area in more depth. Bring your own kayak or rent one from a local commercial operator.

Coromandel – Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve

Much of the reserve is suitable for diving; the sponge gardens and reef systems are of particular interest. Crayfish and black angel fish hide in the cracks and crevices of reefs such as those around Mahurangi Island. In the large boulder fields near Motueka Island curious schools of sweep may follow divers.

Delicate corals, usually found at depth, are close to the surface in Poikeke Island cave. Closer to shore, brittle starfish might be found on rocky platforms and red moki graze amid forests of seaweed. Predators, like the leather-jacket at the top of the food chain pick their food from a range of smaller animals.

Remember, taking fish or other marine life from a marine reserve is prohibited. Take care to avoid damaging underwater features and no souvenir hunting!

Boating is permitted in the reserve but you must take care if anchoring. Waste, ballast and sewerage must not be discharge within the reserve. Observe the speed limit of five knots within 30 metres of other vessels or people in the water and within 200 metres of the shore or any vessel flying a diver flag.