Plenty of action and culture on Coromandel peninsula

Here are some suggestions for activities while travelling around the Coromandel.

Wonders on the 309

The Waiau Falls are 11km east of Coromandel. A five-minute walk from the 309 Rd ends at the foot of the falls.

The 309 Kauri Grove (1km further east) are the finest easily accessible stand of kauri on the peninsula. A delightful, 10-minute bush walk.

The Castle Rock walk begins on Castle Rock Rd, off the 309 Rd. Allow one to two hours.

Also on the 309 Rd is the Waiau Waterworks, a whimsical garden with playthings all worked by water.

Gone fishing

Anglers Lodge offers fishing charters in the snapper-rich waters around the northern Coromandel islands.

The-three hour trip is $45 a person. Phone skipper Mark Bacchus on (07) 866 8584

Driving Creek Railway

A one-hour train ride on the country's only narrow-gauge mountain railway. Informative talk given at ridge-top terminus. Great engineering features through hilly landscape and kauri-forest replanting. Trains daily 10 am and 2 pm, also 12 noon and 4 pm in summer.

Fares: $15 adult, $7 child, $35 family.

Driving Creek Railway

Papa Aroha fishing and kayaking

Go snapper-fishing among Papa Aroha's many offshore islands and secluded bays. Half- and full-day charters.

Self-drive hire boats, dinghies and kayaks available.

Contact: Ph (07) 866 8818.

Papa Aroha

Waiau Waterworks

Unique, with its whimsical gadgets and playthings all powered by water and made of commonplace bits and pieces.

Also a playground for kids of all ages, it has a swimming hole and picnic spots, all set in a peaceful 0.8ha garden. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm from mid-September to early June. Adults $8, children $4, plus group booking discounts.

Contact: Ph (07) 866 7191

White Star horseback riding

Flat grassland, rolling hills, scenic views and bush treks. Catering for both learners and experienced riders on same trek. One to five hours and overnight treks. Discounts for those staying on the farm and for four or more riders.

Contact: Ph (07) 866 6820

Tourist radio station

Tourist information FM is a visitor-information radio station, operating in key visitor towns 24 hours a day.

There are three languages; English 88.2 FM, German 100.4 FM, Japanese 100.8 FM, in Thames, Whitianga and Whangamata.

Thames market

The Thames market is held on Saturday mornings and has a range of stalls featuring local crafts, produce, plants and collectibles.