Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Waikato & Coromandel Peninsula Highlights
Travelling remote gravel roads under a crimson canopy of ancient pohutukawa trees in
Far North Coroman-
del
(
Click here
)
Kayaking around the hidden islands, caves and bays of
Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve
(
Click here
)
Pigging out on smoked mussels in
Coromandel Town
(
Click here
)
Penetrating the mystical depths of the dense bush of
Coromandel Forest Park
(
Click here
) and
Karangahake
Gorge
(
Click here
)
Watching the offshore islands glow in the dying haze of a summer sunset from
Hahei Beach
(
Click here
)
Seeking subterranean stimulation in the
Waitomo Caves
(
Click here
)
- this is your chance to try black-water
rafting
Hitting the surf (and then the pub) in unhurried
Raglan
(
Click here
)
Tramping through an inland island paradise at
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
(
Click here
)
Getting There & Around
Hamilton is the region's transport hub, with its airport servicing extensive domestic routes.
Buses link the city to everywhere in the North Island. Most inland towns are also well con-
nected on bus routes, but the remote coastal communities (apart from Mokau on SH3) are
less well served. See
Click here
for more information on transport options to Hamilton.
Options on the Coromandel Peninsula are more limited, and the beaches and coastline of
the area are most rewarding with independent transport.
AIR
Sunair
( 0800 786 247;
www.sunair.co.nz
)
Regional North Island airline linking Auckland, Whi-
tianga, Hamilton, Gisborne, Napier, Tauranga, Great Barrier Island and New Plymouth.
BOAT
360 Discovery
( 0800 360 3472;
www.360discovery.co.nz
)
Operates ferries to/from Auckland (one-
way/return $57/92, two hours) via Orapiu on Waiheke Island (one-way/return $37/62, 70
minutes), five times per week (daily in summer). The boats dock at Hannafords Wharf, Te
Kouma, where free buses shuttle passengers the 10km into Coromandel Town. It makes a
great day trip from Auckland (same-day return $69), and there's a day-tour option that in-
cludes a hop-on, hop-off bus (adult/child $94).
BUS
