Understand
Evidence of some of the earliest Polynesian settlement in New Zealand exists on the Coromandel. Historical interest points exist around every corner, telling the stories of the two great navigators Kupe and Cook and those who followed in their footsteps.
Captain Cook visited the area in 1769 and observed the transit of the planet Mercury across the face of the sun hence the names of some of the region's beaches and bays - Mercury Bay and Cook's Beach.
In the nineteenth century the peninsula teemed with human activity associated with the exploitation of timber, gold and kauri gum. Eventually the kauri and the accessible gold were exhausted and the gum market destroyed. The Coromandel lapsed into an economic and social decline that was eventually halted by the gradual growth of farming, fishing, horticulture and tourism. The land slowly "mended" and a new era of people moved into the area, one that valued the environment. Thirty four percent of the land on the peninsula is now administered by the Department of Conservation.
The Coromandel is a rich and colourful creative hub with many studios and galleries showcasing some of New Zealand's most talented artistsâ work.
The Coromandel Peninsula is noted for its beautiful beaches with backdrops of lush native bush in the hills. The gateway to the Coromandel, the Kopu Bridge, is a rustic one way bridge just 110 km from Auckland. From here head north to Thames to start your trip around the Coromandel Peninsula.
