Beaches of the Coromandel
Coromandel is one of New Zealand's best loved holiday destinations. Here, around the township of Coromandel, beaches are numerous and baches (holiday homes) are dotted along the pohutukawa lined shores.
New Zealand
Photographer: Bob McCree
(www.bobmccreephotos.co.nz)
Papa Aroha
Travel out of the Coromandel Township, up and over the hill to Papa Aroha. Marvel at the splendid scenery of islands and blue seas.
Papa Aroha is a snapper fishing paradise.
Colville
Follow the road to Colville, formerly known as Cabbage Bay. Colville was originally named Cabbage Bay by Captain James Cook, who insisted that his crew and officers eat the leaves of the native cabbage tree to guard against scurvy.
At the top western tip, Port Jackson (Poihakene) is a long spacious beach - popular for camping and fishing. It was once a bustling timber port.
The Motukawao Islands lie five kilometres off the coast to the southwest of Colville.
Fletcher Bay
Fletcher Bay, situated at the northeastern tip of the Coromandel peninsula is rich with legends of shipwrecks and mariners tales, and gold and gum digging, (here Captain Fletcher built a fine house).
Coromandel, New Zealand
Photographer: Gareth Eyres
(www.exposure.co.nz)
Fletcher Bay is a quiet sheltered bay facing north, northeast towards Square Top Island and Great Barrier Island in the distance.
Fletcher Bay offers fishing, diving, camping, walking tracks, boating, beach walking, mountain biking, sightseeing and more.
The proud Moehau Range (Sleeping Wind) watches over the tip of the Peninsula as the road winds along the shoreline.
Cape Colville and Beyond
Cape Colville looks out on the Watchman as well as Little and Great Barrier Islands.
Cross the range to Waikauwau Bay and Port Charles or Kennedy Bay where great teams of horses hauled their coaches and carts up the steep inclines to the summit. Although the pub is long gone, the spot offers a really great view of the area.
