Pauanui & Tairua
Fabulous twin harbour towns on the Peninsula's east coast, Pauanui and Tairua offer a superb setting beside the Pacific Ocean. Close by is Paku, a twin-coned Maori pa sculptured hillside that was once an island while offshore lies the Slipper, Shoe and Alderman Islands. A number of charter and fishing boats operate from both wharves and the beaches are perfect for safe swimming and surfing in most conditions.

Across the water from Pauanui, Tairua is the older of the two towns and originally a milling and farming community. Pauanui, a purposebuilt holiday community that features the country's first canal housing development.

Hahei & Cathedral Cove
This section of the Coast is a popular area, accessible from the Stone Steps Wharf at Ferry Landing and from the highway. The offshore islands provide protection for the beaches around Hahei. The waters offshore and the islands have been incorporated as a marine park and offer some excellent diving.

Hahei's attractive beach is named after the Maori chief Hei. From the lookout there is access to majestic Cathedral Cove and the marine reserve.The Te Pare point historic reserve at the southern end of Hahei Beach is the site of a pa occupied by the Ngati Hei people.

Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the "must visit" sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. The track begins at the northern end of Hahei - walk in the footsteps of Prince Caspian of  Narnia.

Coromandel & Colville
With its relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, Coromandel attracts talented artists and craftspeople from around the country - inspired not only by the tranquil atmosphere, but also by the spectacular natural surrounds.

The discovery of gold at Driving Creek in 1852 brought a boom to Coromandel Town, and the area has continued to flourish while retaining much of its history from those times. Colville Town, once the centre of the Kauri milling industry, is now a quiet country town serving the arts and farming communities.

Thames & Thames Coast
Known as the 'Gateway to the Coromandel', Thames is the main shopping location on the peninsula with many boutiques, a historic main street and the modern Goldfields Shopping Mall.

In the late 19th century Thames was one of New Zealand's largest towns - built on the pioneering industries of gold and Kauri logging. Today, its colourful history is still alive in the many pubs, buildings, museums and activities found in the area.

Whitianga & Mercury Bay
Located on the east coast of the Coromandel, Mercury Bay's main town of Whitianga has attracted visitors for more than a thousand years, since Maori explorer Kupe first settled here around 950A.D. But it was Captain James Cook who gave the area its name, when he anchored in the bay in 1769 to observe the transit of Mercury. Now an established tourist resort, the Bay's spectacular coastline is dotted with islands and its relatively sheltered waters are perfect for all water sports. There are a large range of activities to enjoy and at Hot Water Beach around 2 hours each side of low tide you can dig your own spa.

Whangamata
Famous for its unique combination of beach and rainforest, Whangamata's amazing ocean beach provides some of the best surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in the country. Big game fishing can also be found further off the coast.

The Coromandel Forest Park and Tairua Forest bordering the town provide many outdoor experiences, including short walks, mountain bike trails and old gold mining sites. The town also has one of the best shopping centres in the region, a unique café culture and a range of sporting facilities from golf (9 & 18 hole courses) to a swimming pool that is the envy of many nearby communities.

Waihi, Waihi Beach & Karangahake Gorge
One of the most famous gold mining towns in New Zealand, gold mining history is apparent everywhere in Waihi. And unlike other parts of the region, this is still very much a gold mining town - with production hidden behind the leafy slopes close to the main street.

Waihi Beach offers nine kilometres of sweeping white sand, and one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand.  Relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine or partake in more adventurous activities such as boogie boarding, kayaking or kite boarding. There is also the added attraction of Tauranga Harbour, linked to the ocean at the southern end of the beach by the Bowentown entrance. There's surfing, fishing, mini-golf, walks with amazing views, art and crafts, history, and plenty of summer entertainment. 

To the west of Waihi is Ohinemuri River, which runs through the Karangahake Gorge, where trout fishing, a winery, mining relics and independent arts and crafts people can be found along the way. The vintage train travels from Waihi to Waikino and people of all ages can enjoy the easy walking tracks along the river.