The Pacific Coast Highway travels along the spectacular east coast of the Central North Island and is known for its quality and attractive vineyards.
The Coromandel offers visitors unique and dramatic scenery, with unspoiled coastlines, native pohutukawa trees, coves and harbours on the western side and beautiful white sand surf beaches on the east.
Moving down the east coast you'll find Gisborne with its beautiful beaches, and the Bay of Plenty which also offers hundreds of kilometres of beaches, harbours and islands. This is where you will find New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, White Island.
Also located within the Bay of Plenty you'll find the resort city of Tauranga. This is an easy going and upbeat part of the country where the beautiful natural harbours provide a playground for water activities, swimming with dolphins and some of the best sea fishing anywhere.
Continuing on south, the next stop is the Hawkes Bay where you'll find Napier. A city well worth visiting, Napier, is full of remarkable Art Deco architecture that attracts attention from Art Deco enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Located just one and a half hours from Auckland International Airport the Coromandel is a world away from the urban sprawl. Its unique landscape and relaxed lifestyle make it an ideal destination for both New Zealanders and international visitors. There is plenty to do in the Coromandel and plenty to learn about.
Along with its natural beauty - misty rainforests and pristine beaches - its historical past is rich and colourful. Captain Cook visited the area in 1769 and observed the transit of the planet Mercury across the face of the sun hence the names of some of the region's beaches and bays - Mercury Bay and Cook's Beach.
The Coromandel is a walker's paradise with many coastal walkways and inland bush walks ranging from several hours to several days. Huge kauris that were saved from the loggers' saws still remain and can easily be viewed.
Many artists and craftspeople have made the Coromandel their home, inspired by the region's idyllic setting. Visitors can follow an arts and crafts trail from one side of the peninsula to the other following the popular Pacific Coast Highway.
Other tourism operators have established themselves to take advantage of the clear waters and many kilometres of coastline and islands surrounding the Coromandel. Choose from the numerous water activities available - fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling or swimming.
Quick Facts
| Category |
Details |
| Population: |
25,176 (as at 2001 census) |
| Climate: |
The Coromandel is blessed with some of New Zealand's best weather, making it a year round destination".
Temperatures reach between 24 - 31C in the summer months and average around 12 - 14C in the middle of winter. |
| Cultural Mix: |
The Coromandel Peninsula has a prominent European Ethnic population with a small percent (15%) say they belong to the Mäori ethnic group, and a even smaller proportion of Pacific peoples (1.5%) and Asian people (1.2%). |
| Famous For: |
- For Coastlines lined with native Pohutukawa trees
- Beautiful white sandy beaches, with crystal clear waters
- Cathedral Cove
- Hot Water beach
- Big Game fishing
- Goldmining History
- The Home of L&P soft drink
|
| The people: |
Artists
- Barry Brickell – Pottery and Rail Journey
- Alan Rhodes – Pottery
- Roland - Arts and Craft @ Bay Carving
- Toney Howse – Wood Sculpture
Guity Evelyn – Contemporary Artist |
BAY OF PLENTY
During the past few years the population and number of visitors to the coastal Bay of Plenty have soared. The region has long been one of the country’s top holiday destinations due to the long stretches of beach and laid-back lifestyle. With that growth, the area is now pulsating with a great mix of culture, activities, scenic attractions and top dining experiences.
With a close proximity to Auckland and other large cities in the Central North Island, the Bay of Plenty region stretches from beautiful Waihi Beach through to historic Maketu. Tauranga is the region’s main centre, and the seaside towns of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa are top destinations thanks to their safe, beautiful beaches.
From the beaches and harbour to thriving kiwifruit industry and Maori culture, the coastal Bay of Plenty is a great combination of lifestyle and leisure.
Quick Facts
| Category |
Details |
| Population: |
150,000 for the western Bay of Plenty |
| Climate: |
One of the sunniest places in New Zealand with between 2200 and 2400 hours of sunshine each year. |
| Cultural Mix: |
The Coromandel Peninsula has a prominent European Ethnic population with a small percent (15%) say they belong to the Mäori ethnic group, and a even smaller proportion of Pacific peoples (1.5%) and Asian people (1.2%). |
| Famous For: |
Mount Maunganui beaches, blokarting, kiwifruit |
| Transport: |
Public buses shuttle passengers within and into the region from most main centres. The airport is serviced by Air New Zealand with direct flights to main cities. A summer ferry runs between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. |
| The people: |
Artists
Kate Jones Madill, Timo Rannali, Bev Griffiths, Richard Smith, Sharen Watson, Elizabeth Berrigan, Brendon Catley, Jenny Coker
Writers
Tommy “Kapai” Wilson, Lynley Dodd
Chefs
Carl Sutton (previous Australasian chef of the year) at Morton Estate Restaurant and Stephen Barry (2006 Beef and Lamb Ambassador) at the Lobster Club |
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country is New Zealand’s leading food and wine region. With over 2200 hours of sunshine, Hawke’s Bay is a year-round holiday destination with an eclectic mix of visual and sensory experiences. Located on the east coast of the North Island, the landscapes of Hawke’s Bay begin with the high, forested Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges. From the mountains the land sweeps down towards the coast, flattening out to become the Heretaunga Plains. A number of wide rivers, excellent for fishing, run swiftly to meet the blue Pacific Ocean and glorious beaches which stretch from Mahia in the north to Porangahau in the south. Wairoa is the main town of Northern Hawke’s Bay and is the gateway to Lake Waikaremoana, Mahia Peninsula and the wilderness of Te Urewera National Park. Wairoa in Maori means “Long Water” and is located on the banks of the expansive Wairoa River.
Napier, the city by the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, stately Norfolk pines, surrounding wineries, local fresh produce and national tourist attractions. A landmark of Napier is Bluff Hill, which is home for many Napier residents and provides views of the town beaches of Perfume Point and Westshore, past the newly upgraded airport and out towards Whirinaki. Bluff Hill also overlooks the Port of Napier, one of New Zealand’s busiest ports, transporting timber, local fruit and meat products to worldwide destinations. Over summer luxury cruise liners berth.
The long hot summers and mild winters of the Hastings district, provide the perfect stimulant for a wide variety of delicious fresh produce. Orchards are abundant and the climate is also perfect for grape growing. Hastings is a showcase of Spanish Mission-style architecture and enjoys a diverse range of cultural attractions including the Hawke’s Bay Exhibition Centre.
Havelock North is dubbed the heart of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country and is surrounded by many of New Zealand’s top wineries including Te Mata Estate and new comer Craggy Range. Havelock North (five minutes east of Hastings) has grown rapidly over recent years but has retained its ‘village’ feel.
The towns and villages of Central Hawke’s Bay provide enchanting traces of early settlement to the region. The area has plenty of historic homesteads and stately gardens to wander through.
Quick Facts
| Category |
Details |
| Population: |
- Napier District – 53,600
- Hastings District - 67,50
- Central Hawke’s Bay – 12,800
|
| Climate: |
- Hawke’s Bay has over 2200 hours of sunshine
- Summer temps range from 20 – 30 degrees Celsius
- Winter temps average – 15 degree Celsius
|
| Famous For: |
Hawke’s Bay is the country’s oldest winemaking region and is New Zealand’s leading producer of award winning red wines. Hawke’s Bay is also home to a world-class concentration of Art Deco architecture, fresh local produce and artisan food producers complemented by a vibrant arts scene and a rich Maori culture. |
| Travel Tips: |
Ensure you pick up the trail guides from an i-site Visitor Centre, to point you in the right direction. Food, Winery, Art and Heritage Trail Maps are produced annually. |
| The people: |
Artists
Ema Scott, Jacob Scott, Gary Waldrom, Dick Frizzell, Martin Popperwell
Musicians
Kim Willoughby, Tropical Downbeat –Will Sargisson
Actors
Willy De Witt
Writers Alan Duff, Rick Gekoski
Chefs
Raymond Van Riik, Brent Cameron, Kent Badley |
Related Information
Itinerary Ideas - Pacific Coast Highway
7 Day Itinerary:
Auckland to Auckland
From Auckland, take a 7 day journey through the best of the central North Island including the pristine beaches of Coromandel, Rotorua and the Hawkes Bay’s celebrated wine country.
Regional Highlights - Pacific Coast Highway Stretching from the magnificent beaches of the Coromandel to the seemingly endless sunshine of Gisborne, the Pacific Coast is a magnet for overseas visitors and locals alike. Don’t miss the celebrated art deco centre of Napier and the world famous vineyards of the surrounding Hawkes Bay.
The Great New Zealand Touring Route The Great New Zealand Touring Route offers the unique opportunity to experience the very best of the North Island while following two well-established touring routes, Pacific Coast Highway and Thermal Explorer Highway.