Auckland

Coromandel Peninsula

Bay of Plenty

Eastland

Hawke's Bay

	Regions of...
New Zealands Premier Tourist Destination.

Pacific Coast Highway Introduction.   A Special Route ... A Special Experience.   Seafood, Wine, History and Walking.

Auckland is the most northern point of our journey on the Pacific Coast Highway. The region occupies a narrow isthmus of land sandwiched between two harbours. The coastline is peppered with sandy beaches and bush-clad islands dot the sparkling waterways which are a haven for thousands of yachties. A cruise is the perfect way to discover the Hauraki Gulf. On land the cones of old volcanoes dominate the landscape and provide lookout points for viewing this expansive city. Mount Victoria offers one of the best vantage points and dwarfs the historic village of Devonport at its base. On the far side of the harbour the business districts are a mix of traditional and modern buildings bustling with shops, galleries and restaurants. The surrounding suburbs are dotted with gracious houses - home to more than 1.3 million kiwis.
Tamaki Drive is the scenic route along Auckland's waterfront. Discover the marine life at Kelly Tarlton's, or enjoy the vibrant cafe life at Mission Bay. Nearby, visit the Parnell Rose Gardens and village, the Domain and Auckland Museum renowned for its Polynesian artifacts. Travelling south on the Pacific Coast Highway towards the Coromandel Peninsula pick up the Seabird Coast route through Kaiaua and Miranda. Boaties love this area with easy access to the sea from the many beaches. The relaxing drive takes in a coastal rural landscape bordered by the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames.

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To the south-east of Auckland is the Coromandel Peninsula, a scenic finger of land reaching into the sea, and one of New Zealand's best kept secrets. Its dramatic coastline, framed with native pohutukawa trees on the western side, and gentle white sandy beaches on the east, provides endless opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. The ranges, cloaked in native rainforest, run through the centre of the peninsula and are a beautiful backdrop to the sea - their towering peaks provide a haven for tramping and mountain bike enthusiasts, or for those who wish to enjoy a guided walk. The Coromandel Peninsula's history is evident in mining relics, logging dams and old Maori pa sites. The past is also reflected in charming colonial architecture and historic buildings, particularly so in Thames, the main service centre of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Drive up the west side of the peninsula to secluded bays and coastal villages offering locally made arts and crafts. Visit watergardens, or take a scenic train trip on the Driving Creek Railway at Coromandel Town. The east coast is lined by beaches, such as Hot Water Beach with its geothermal activity allowing you a hot saltwater spa. Take a cruise to see the coastline
Traditionally the Coromandel Peninsula is among New Zealand's best loved holiday destinations. Thames, Hahei, Tairua, Pauanui, Whitianga and Whangamata are holiday towns with superb lodges and holiday accommodation. Surfing, sunbathing, water-skiing, yachting, fishing and diving are all popular here, along with other adventure activities.

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The bay was named by explorer James Cook for the abundant supplies of food he found here. Today the region produces bountiful citrus and fruit crops.
Tauranga is the Bay of Plenty's main centre, it offers luxurious places to stay and has one of the country's biggest ports. An attractive city enhanced by the lure of sand and surf, its focus is on the waterfront, bustling with cafes and shops. The Tauranga Historic Village, with a 6 hectare slice of pioneer life, offers an insight into the region's past. A tour of Matakana Island provides a good way to relax and you can enjoy some adventures, while an Animal Park offers the chance to view a wonderful range of animal life.
Mount Maunganui is Tauranga's best known stretch of beach. The popular 1.5 hour track to the Mount's summit offers great views over the central region.
Whakatane lies to the south, en route attractions include Kiwifruit Country, Te Puke Vintage Auto Barn and the Red Barn for a bite to eat and a wide selection of crafts.
The Bay of Plenty region and Whakatane are an ideal base for a varied holiday. Jet boating, rafting, 4WD trips, game fishing and scuba diving are all on the agenda. Whakatane is home for dolphin swimming, and trips are offered to volcanic White Island. Opotiki Beach marks the gateway to Eastland.

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The Pacific Coast Highway hugs the coast from Opotiki and around the Cape to Eastland's capital, Gisborne. This is an unforgettable drive which winds past rocky coves and golden beaches fringed by bush-clad ranges. The route also takes in many small, predominantly Maori communities.
Waihau Bay is popular with anglers. Hicks Bay is known for its crayfish, glow-worm grotto and the Tuwhakairiora meeting house - one of the finest on the cape. Other settlements include Te Araroa, home of the largest pohutukawa tree in New Zealand, and Ruatoria, overlooked by sacred Hikurangi mountain. Tokomaru Bay and Tolaga Bay with its old English style pub and longest wharf in New Zealand are popular holiday spots.
Gisborne is a prosperous city situated among well groomed farmland and market gardens. It is the first city in the world to see each new day's sunrise. Visitors can relax in accommodation right on the beach.
View the city from the top of Kaiti Hill. At the foot of Kaiti Hill is Te Poho-o-Rawiri, one of the largest Maori meeting houses in the country.
If you're a gardener don't miss the Eastwoodhill Arboretum. Travelling southward, the Te Urewera National Park is a region of pristine wilderness offering excellent outdoor pursuits. This hauntingly beautiful tract of forest is the largest remaining in the North Island. Recreational opportunities include tramping and casual bush walking, boating, fishing and hunting. The most popular spot is Lake Waikaremoana, a glittering expanse of water fed by waterfalls and surrounded by forest-clad hills.

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Long sunshine hours, beaches, wildlife attractions, a patchwork of vineyards, lush pastureland and orchards welcome the visitor to Hawke's Bay with its twin cities. Hastings is full of beautiful parks and in September each year hosts magnificent entertainment during its Blossom Festival. The famous Fantasyland Leisure Park is in Hastings and brings every family's storybook fantasies to life. There is also a vast range of cultural exhibits and activities.
Napier is famous for its Marine Parade, a seaside promenade which has an interesting array of visitor attractions. These include a marineland with performing dolphins and sea lion show, there is also a kiwi house, skating rink, sound shell, gardens and the statue of Pania of the Reef, the legendary Maori mermaid. Not to be missed is the Hawke's Bay Aquarium and Oceanarium where you can see tuataras, turtles, piranhas and sharks. Napier is the base for the annual Summertime Festival, held in January it includes over 300 events. February sees more entertainment with the wine and food festival, international concert and the art deco weekend. The city of Napier is renowned as having some of the world's finest art deco buildings.
At Cape Kidnappers visitors can discover the world's largest mainland nesting site of gannets - tours to the colony are well worthwhile. For something a little more rural see the sheepskin tanning process at Napier's Classic Sheepskins. Hawke's Bay also offers a number of activities for those with an adventurous spirit. You may enjoy hurling yourself into mid-air 400 metres above sea level, or try jet boating, rafting, or a unimog tour. And for places to stay you'll find everything under the sun.

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