Coromandel Peninsula Waikato
The Coromandel Peninsula has got to have one of the most spectacular coastlines in the North Island, the western side of the peninsula faces into the fantastic and beautiful Hauraki Gulf, the Northern end of the peninsula faces Great Barrier Island and the Eastern side faces the open ocean.
Thames is the historical area of the peninsula having a rich history in gold mining from the early days, this section of the peninsula is sheltered from the open ocean and there are beaches here that are safe for swimming, from Thames to Wilson Bay the road follows the coast offering views of the water most of the way, the water here is often cloudy as a large river empties into the gulf.
From Wilson Bay the road heads inland and over the hills and a short drive to Coromandel township the views from the top are fantastic looking down into Coromandel harbour and the various islands that make up this area, here is a great opportunity to hire a kayak and visit the islands that are close to shore there is accommodation available in the town and shopping available as well.
From Coromandel you can head over to the east coast or head north to the end of the peninsula, the next stop is Amodeo Bay here there is accommodation available with a camping ground and cabins the islands out in front of the bay are fantastic for fishing and for sight seeing from a kayak, Colville is a short drive from Amodeo Bay and the last stop for supplies.
From Colville the road heads inland for a distance and then merges with the coast this section of the road to the end of the peninsula is narrow, dusty and remote, Fantail Bay is the first of three camping grounds located at the northern end of the peninsula, up and over the hill from Fantail Bay is Port Jackson also a camping ground, this Northern side of the peninsula looks directly out to the Colville Channel and Great Barrier Island.
The Northern end of the Coromandel Peninsula is both rugard and beautiful the coastline below is batterd with ocean swells as this area is exposed to winds from both the West and the East, a short drive you arrive at Fletchers Bay this is the last camping ground on the Northern end and the end of the road, this area has some fantastic mountain bike trails and a stunning walk along the cliff tops to Stoney Bay.
