Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From Wilsons Bay the road heads away from the coast and climbs over several hills and
valleys before dropping down to Coromandel Town, 55km from Thames. The view look-
ing towards the island-studded Coromandel Harbour is exquisite.
DON'T MISS
COROMANDEL FOREST PARK
More than 30 walks criss-cross the Coromandel Forest Park, spread over several major blocks throughout the
centre of the Coromandel Peninsula. The most popular hike is the challenging six- to eight-hour return journey up
to the Pinnacles (759m) in the Kauaeranga Valley behind Thames. Other outstanding tramps include the Coro-
mandel Coastal Walkway in Far North Coromandel, from Fletcher Bay to Stony Bay, and the Puketui Valley
walk to abandoned gold mines.
The DOC Kauaeranga Visitor Centre (Department of Conservation; 07-867 9080; www.doc.govt.nz ;
Kauaeranga Valley Rd; 8.30am-4pm) has maps, information and interesting displays about the kauri forest
and its history. The centre is 14km off SH25; it's a further 9km along a gravel road to the start of the trails. Ask at
Thames hostels about shuttles.
The DOC Pinnacles Hut (adult/child $15/7) has 80 beds, gas cookers, heating, toilets and cold showers. The
10-bunk Crosbies Hut (adult/child $15/7.50) is a four- to six-hour tramp from Thames or the Kauaeranga Valley,
and booking in advance is required. There are also four basic backcountry campsites (adult/child $6/3) in this
part of the park: one near each hut and others at Moss Creek and Billygoat Basin; expect only a toilet. A further
eight conservation campsites (adult/child $10/5) are accessible from Kauaeranga Valley Rd. Bookings must be
made online for the huts and some of the campsites.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Coromandel Town
POP 1480
Crammed with heritage buildings, Coromandel Town is a thoroughly quaint little place.
Its natty cafes, interesting art stores, excellent sleeping options and delicious smoked mus-
sels could keep you here longer than you expected.
Gold was discovered at Driving Creek in 1852. Initially the local Patukirikiri iwi kept
control of the land and received money from digging licences. After initial financial suc-
cess the same fate befell them as the Ngati Maru in Thames. By 1871, debt had forced
them to sell all but 778 mountainous acres of their land. Today, fewer than 100 people re-
main who identify as part of this iwi .
Note that Coromandel Town is just one part of the entire Coromandel Peninsula, and its
location on the peninsula's west coast means means it is not a good base for visiting
Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach on the peninsula's east coast.
 
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