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 on 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 Chums 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 icecream 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.
For more, see thecoromandel.com
Princess Diana stayed there, and now so have I.