Coromandel
Set on a natural harbour, the beautiful Coromandel town needs little introduction. Coromandel town is home to a collection of arts and crafts people, cafes lining the main street and a booming seafood industry.
There are plenty of walks to cater to every type of adventurer and sea-life a plenty. Buildings remnant of the kauri milling and gold mining days are preserved as reminders of our rich history.
The early Maori enjoyed the coastline and fertile wetlands as an easy lifestyle and that's how it was when British explorer Captain Cook visited in 1769.
Set on a natural harbour, the town was named after the ship H.M.S Coromandel which anchored in Colville on the 13th June 1820 to collect kauri logs to make spars for the British Royal Navy.
Mining for gold began in the 1860's with the discovery of gold at Driving Creek. In the peak of the gold rush days during 1880 through to the early 1900s the population of Coromandel was well over 12,000 and had 19 hotels. Some of the old buildings are still standing today.
The town is known for its friendly people and as a perfect place to stay and explore the rest of the peninsula. The town and surrounding communities boast unique cafes and delightful breweries most of which work symbiotically with wee arts and craft locations scattered throughout the district.
Coromandel town is also known for its seafood. As one of the largest producers of mussels in the country, this tiny town also produces oysters and scallops. Fishing is a major attraction for visitors and not having a boat is no reason not to partake in the activity. The Driving Creek Railway and The Waterworks are both unique visitor attractions showcasing everything that is different and special about the Coromandel.
For further local Activities see the above Directory Tab.
Thames-Coromandel District Council 515 Mackay Street Thames
Coromandel Information Centre 85 Kapanga Road, Coromandel