Nov 18, 2011
With summer and the festive season on our doorsteps, Kiwis are getting ready to go on their long awaited summer holidays. The Coromandel has always been one of their favourite holiday destinations.The Coromandel Peninsula is located on New Zealand’s North Island, a short 2-hour drive from Auckland. It is a region renowned worldwide for its rainforest, tranquil white sandy beaches and endless hidden treasures which the locals like to keep close to their hearts. Thousands of visitors travel to the Coromandel every year to slow down, relax and unwind in a world away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Whether you a have a few days or a few weeks to take in the Coromandel, there are numerous must-dos:
- Spend a morning wandering around Coromandel Town, taking in the character of restored heritage architecture while enjoying the modern shops and friendly locals.
- Take a ride on the Driving Creek Railway, a world-class narrow-gauge mountain railway, which will take you on a remarkable journey passing through a kauri forest and great engineering marvels.
- At low tide on Hot Water Beach, take a spade and dig a hole to unleash an underground reservoir of superheated water. Soak in the natural spa you have created while watching the surf roll in and the sun set for a once in a lifetime experience.
- Hahei, a pristine sandy white beach in it own right, is also the gateway to the famous Cathedral Cove and Marine Reserve accessible only on foot or by boat and it is a must-see while in the Coromandel. Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve is New Zealand’s sixth official marine reserve due to its rich and varied habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Sheltered from the southerly winds, Cathedral Cove gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the unspoilt environment.
- Whitianga offers a bustling wharf where you can spend hours watching the boats come and go while children dangle their sprat lines over the edge. It is a township full of activities and entertainment to suit everyone with its unique cafes, arts and crafts showcasing the region. Whitianga is definitely worth a visit!
If that is not enough to keep you busy while enjoying the best of what summer has to offer at New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, you could always look into extending your stay and study at Quantum Education. For more information on the different courses available, please visit http://www.qegroup.co.nz/group/our-schools/
