Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel is a popular visitor destination and is a worthwhile detour off the Pacific Coast Highway. Away from the cities and boasting magnificent scenery, the region is popular for the rich flora and fauna, a intriguing gold rush heritage and purely as a place for solace and relaxation. Quiet villages, numerous scenic walking trails and glorious white sand beaches all contribute to its popularity.
Bay of Plenty
Extending over 200km in a great arc from the Coromandel Peninsula to the East Cape, this is an historic and scenic bay, backed by forested mountain ranges and kiwi and citrus orchards. Tectonic forces have left their mark on this region, thrusting up volcanic cones, which dot the landscape. To the west lies the bustling port of Tauranga, a delightful city of parks, beaches, lively bars and restaurants, whose visitor attractions include a splendid war canoe and Historic Village. Visitors to the neighbouring surfing holiday town of Mt Maunganui can climb the 232m summit at the end of its superb beach, or for the less energetic, bathe in its hot saltwater pools.
Island Trips
Whakatane, at the eastern end of the Bay of Plenty, is the jumping off point for trips to offshore Whale Island, a nature reserve with petrels, little blue penguins and sooty shearwaters, as well as some unusual reptiles and fur seals. Further out to sea is White Island, a volcanic island where hissing steam and sulphurous gas clouds escape from its desolate crater floor. Swimming with dolphins, mountain biking, kayaking and rock climbing are other activities on offer in the region.
Eastland
This remote and sparsely inhabited peninsula is a forgotten corner of New Zealand’s North Island. An endlessly twisting road winds around the coast, linking its tiny communities, that seem locked in a time warp. The East Cape lighthouse is a little off the beaten track but there are plenty of more accessible spots to watch sunrise and be the first to greet the new day at New Zealand’s closest point to the International Date Line.
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Northland