Coromandel Peninsula
Jutting into the South Pacific is a narrow finger of the North Island that offers such peace, solitude and surprising diversity that it is easy to forget that the Coromandel Peninsula is only a couple of hours from the nation's largest city, Auckland.
The lifestyle on the Coromandel is relaxed, the climate and beaches here rival those of the Bay of Islands and the range of attractions and activities is as varied as the peninsula's geography.
One day you can be walking through the mighty kauri forests of the rugged Coromandel Range and the next you can be kayaking in the sparkling waters of the stunning Pacific coastline.
You could spend your morning exploring a 19th century goldmine, enjoy a fabulous lunch of fresh local seafood and then in the afternoon enjoy some truly unique self-pampering at Hot Water Beach.
How many places do you know where you can just turn up at the beach, dig a hole in the sand and enjoy a long relaxing soak as your own private spa bath fills up with hot natural spring water?
