Auckland – Whitianga

We briefly head south, turning off the beaten track at one of the suburbs and east, through rural country side to the village of Clevedon, beside the Wairoa River, which flows into the Tamaki Strait, an arm of the Hauraki Gulf. We trace the river to Kawakawa Bay, stopping to take in the natural peaceful  beauty of sea and island views. Heading inland it’s not long before we’re beside the coast again, dropping into Tapapakanga Regional Park at the top of the Firth of Thames, a large bay of some 89 sq kms a wetland of international significance and world heritage site.

The drive down the western side of the bay is magic, with quaint baches, historical places and café’s, at which one we’ll take a morning tea/coffee break. The Firth Of Thames is one of New Zealand’s three most important coastal stretches for shorebirds, most of them migratory. Continuing down and around the Bay, across the northern end of the Hauraki Plains and over the Waihou River (formerly the Thames) we arrive at the historic township of Thames, which was once second only to Auckland during the gold rush period. Thames sights includes historic buildings, expansive views from the War Memorial Monument lookout and a board walk out over the mangroves to a bird hide. Before leaving Thames we visit a working gold stamper battery, which a local guide will demonstrate and explain the workings and history of, before a short walk through part of a disused mine shaft.

Leaving Thames, we follow the Eastern coastline of the Firth of Thames and the scenery just continues to impress. We take a short side excursion and bush walk to a “square Kauri” tree, before arriving in the township of Coromandel. Lunch is here. Next stop is truly a unique attraction. New Zealand’s only narrow gauge mountain railway, Driving Creek. Enjoy an hour’s ride through regenerating native forest, a double deck bridge, viaducts, tunnels, spirals and a switch back to the “Eyeful Tower” and back on New Zealand’s steepest railway. Then onto Whitianga, facing the Pacific Coast, where we stay for two nights.

Take a two hour boat ride to Cathedral Cove, experiencing stunning caves and coastal scenery and marine life. The snorkeling is sensational (equipment supplied). After which some free time is available to explore the shops or other options available.

We depart for Hot Water Beach. A natural phenomenon where only two hours either side of the low tide, you can dig a hole in the sand and experience your own sauna in the sea! After which we head back to Auckland. Please note the tide time will determine today’s schedule.