Coromandel Peninsula. 2-3 days

Tour 005               

COROMANDEL PENINSULA    3 days/2 nights     

A relaxed journey of discovery of the Coromandel Peninsula 

Auckland, Seabird Coast, Miranda Shorebird centre, Thames, Pohutukawa Coast, Coromandel, “Driving Creek Railway", Whitianga, Cooks Cove, Cathedral Cove, Pauanui, Waihi, Karangahake Gorge, Paeroa, Auckland.

Day 1. Tuesday.    AUCKLAND – THAMES – COROMANDEL – MERCURY BAY    
9am. Depart Auckland. Pickup from any inner city or South Auckland accommodation prior.
Drive via Clevedon, Kawakawa Bay and the Seabird Coast to visit the Miranda Shorebird centre then on to the historic gold mining centre of Thames. Visit the historic museum and drive along the Pohutukawa Coast to Coromandel town. Enjoy a ride on the “Driving Creek Railway”, among the regenerating native forest to the “Eyeful Tower”. "Driving Creek Railway" is the fulfillment of the dream and passion of Barry Brickell, environmentalist, rail enthusiast, and potter. Cross the Peninsula to the charming town of Whitianga. Two nights accommodation and breakfast at Whitianga, Tairua, or Pauanui. 

Day 2. Wednesday.   MERCURY BAY AREA.          (B)
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Mercury Bay area. Famous visitors include the great explorer Kupe around 950AD, and Captain Cook observed the transit of Mercury on November 09, 1769 at Cooks Beach which we visit. Enjoy a ninety minute round trip walk to Cathedral Cove (free - reasonable level of fitness required! Closed currently owing to track problems. We are not sure if it will be open next summer)) and we recommend an optional cruise along the beautiful coast with views of Cathedral Cove and spectacular cliffs (extra expense). Visit Hotwater beach at low tide to 'dig your own' hot pool to soak in the thermal water, and swim in the sea in summer. Also visit a boutique winery, herb garden, and craft centre. 

Day 3. Thursday.   MERCURY BAY - WAIHI - PAEROA - AUCKLAND  (B)
Visit the beautiful seaside town of Whangamata on the way to the Gold Discovery centre at Waihi for a guided tour of the modern working Gold Mine. Continue through the Karangahake Gorge with time for a short walk on the rail trail. Continue through Paeroa and see the massive Lemon and Paeroa monument. Also visit the site on the Waihou River which marks the further most inland point that Captain Cook came and return to Auckland late afternoon. Drop off at the airport by 6pm, or inner city.

Tour cost per person 3 days/2 nights 
2 per room $1,990 

Single room $2,150               

Tour cost includes: All travel from Auckland back to Auckland. Two nights accommodation and breakfast, Admissions to: Miranda Shorebird centre, Thames museum. Driving Creek Railway, Waihi Gold Centre.