Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel is a prominent peninsula  on the east side of the North Island of New Zealand.   In addition to some spectacular beaches, part of it is described as the Seabird Coast, attracting birders and capturing a broad cross section of other interests from gold mining relics, marine ecosystems and the hippy lifestyle to the art scene evident in the colorful town markets.  


One day is not enough to even begin to explore the possibilities here.  This entry will focus on  a couple of landmarks  and interesting beaches.  I will include another entry later in the blog to capture the northern part of the peninsula. 

The foreshore along the Firth of Thames is is one the premier seabird watching site in the South Pacific as over 40 migratory wading bird species nest here.  Shell banks offer ideal nesting grounds for migrating birds from as far away as the Arctic circle 10,000 km. to the north. They come at different times of the year from other parts of New Zealand as well. The godwit is particularly noted for its long flights. One specific female of the flock, nicknamed "E7" flew from China to Alaska and stayed there for the breeding season. Then on 29th of August 2007, she departed on a non-stop flight from the Avinof Peninsula in western Alaska to the Piako River near Thames New Zealand, setting a new known flight record of 11,680 km. (7,258 mi).

Twice a day, as the tide rises, the birds move inland to the easily-viewed shell banks. As the tide recedes they move out again to the vast Firth of Thames. Boardwalks are provided and the encrusted shoreline provides  a good vantage point for watching. The Miranda Shorebird Centre offers interpretive information and displays as well as simple accommodation for ardent birdwatchers.  Up to a purported 20,000 seabirds and waders can be observed during peak periods along the beach at spotting posts on the Seabird Coast.

Cathedral Cove is named after the cave located there. (see picture) . The area is very popular with tourists, and receives around 150,000 visitors per year.  We were not able to find a parking spot, so had to rush out of the car while one of us drove the vehicle around to get some pictures.  Come early if you want to take more time.

This is a Marine Reserve so marine life is plentiful.   In Gemstone Bay there is a snorkel trail marked by the Department of Conservation. Both bays are also accessible by paths leading down from the main walking path to Cathedral Cove. This picturesque site is referred to in Maori as Whanganui-A Hei (the Great Bay of Hei) and was chosen by a tribal leader as home for his tribe. 

Hot Water Beach is as its name implies. Hot pools can be dug out of the sand at low tide near the rocks and in places where steam can be seen rising from the open sea at high tide. We did not have the time to test it out, but others were digging away to enjoy a warm or even hot bath, depending on how much energy you are willing to expend. The area is no longer volcanically active —the hot mineral pools are a legacy of New Zealand's geothermal past.

The last picture is a war memorial at a lookout of the town Thames the gateway to Coramandel.

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