Cathedral Cove is The Coromandel's poster boy. Photo / thecoromandel.com
Why you should go:
The Christmas break is nearly here and there's only one thing on everyone's lips: summer road trip. No matter who you have in your passenger seat, there's something to satisfy in The Coromandel. The views are sigh-inducing, the rainforest is etched with nature walks and the oceanside vibes send endorphins into overdrive.
Top spots:
Cathedral Cove is the peninsula's poster boy. Bounce your way there on a banana boat or follow the walkway from Hahei Beach – pack your snorkels and stop en route at family-friendly Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail. Nature enthusiasts won't want to miss migrating birds on the Shorebird Coast and achievement seekers should take on The Pinnacles hike. It's an eight-hour overnighter but worth it for epic sunrise views. For R&R, The Lost Spring is an oasis of geothermal pools, or you can build your own at Hot Water Beach. Insta-famous hotspots include secluded New Chum Beach and Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary (Donut Island), a droplet of Utopia best experienced on a guided two-hour SUP board or kayak tour.
Best eats:
Luke’s Kitchen in Kūaotunu has an almost cult-like following for its woodfired pizza, and you’ll want to save space for a monster 10-scoop ice cream from neighbouring Kūaotunu Store. The latter will cost you less than $10. For local delicacies, pick up Coromandel Pacific Oysters, mussels and fresh fish burgers from Coromandel Oyster Company, just six minutes by car from Coromandel township.
Experiencing phenomena like the Northern Lights makes up for long work hours, Kiwi says.