judilie

We are arriving in Auckland (from Sydney) at 4:30 pm on Sun., Nov. 11; renting a car; and driving to Thames. We will spend that night at the Brookby Motel. I'd like some help with our plans for the next day (Mon., Nov. 12).

In the morning, I think we’ll look at the birds along the creek, including at the bird hide.

Kauaeranga Valley Forest Park part sounds nice. Is there a particular short walk that you would recommend for scenery and seeing birds? Unfortunately we won't have enough time to do a long walk, such as the Pinnacles Trail.

We would like to be at Hot Water Beach by about 4 pm, so that we can get there near the time of low tide (which is at 3:20 pm that day; perhaps we could get there a bit later than 4?). I am trying to decide which route to see to get there and what to try to see along the way.

Driving up the coast from Thames to the top of the Peninsula, to Coromandel Town, sounds very nice, but I don’t know if we’ll have time to do it.

I am debating whether to take the 309 Road or SH25 to cut across the peninsula. Which do you recommend, and which stops along the way would you suggest?

Thank you very much for your advice about this!

johhj_au

The valley forest park is a nice drive in and has a short walk near the visitors centre.quite good.

IMHO the hot water beach is a tourist trap.Far better is the cathedral cove kayak trip from hahei.

judilie

We're already signed up to do the Cathedral Bay kayak the next day. If Hot Water Beach isn't a "must see," that would give us more time to get to that side of the peninsula. We're going to be staying at the Purangi Gardens Accommodation, situated at the Purangi River mouth, opposite Cooks Beach.

I hear that the Pinnacles Trail in Kauaeranga Valley Forest Park is very good. Might we be better off doing that, or some short walks in the park and going to Coromandel town or seeing some of the things on the way across the peninsula, and skipping Hot Water Beach?

johhj_au

Look Jud....we are aussies who have been to new zealand half a dozen times.
The kiwi experts here know better than I but...

I just wished we had time to do the pinnacles walk and stay overnight at the hostel..

I would skip the hot water beach and do Coromandel town and check out the kauri grove on the way across the peninsula...

if you are going to the bay of plenty area go to White island.MUST SEE

mlgb

I totally agree that I would rather see most other parts of the Coromandel peninsula than Hot Water Beach, and Cathedral Cove was a highlight.

The area around Kuaotunu and adjacent beaches was another favorite. I think there is a kiwi reserve on the nearby peninsula but don't know if there is public access. I stayed at Drift Inn (listed at bnb.co.nz) and loved it, Yvonne is a fantastic cook (one of the best meals I've had in NZ).

travelerpeg

don't have my maps handy... but I think SH25 was a road prohibted by our car rental co. Whan taking short cuts check you car rental paperwork.
You will have a wonderful trip and take zillions of pictures.

heathy

Hi again. Well Ive always had a soft spot for Hot Water Beach. My mum used to boil eggs in the hot water for our afternoon tea when I was a little un. It probably does get very busy in the summer months - I have never seen many people there myself. Personally I think its rather unique.

I was in Coromandel town a few months ago - and well -it really didnt do much for me. I would miss out Coromandel and head over to the other side of the Peninsula to Coroglen via the Tapu Road. Stop to view the Square Kauri.

Really you are going to have to trust me when I say - there are MANY walks in the Kauaeranga Forest. - why not assess it at the time ? - the Dept of Conservation have a large "office " there .They will fall over themselves to provide you with good advice.

pykiwi

I have just returned to Auckland from a two day trip to the Coromandel. It was the first time in probably 15 years since I'd been there so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I wasn't disappointed. Hot Water Beach isn't too exciting to be honest, unless you do want to sit back and relax in a warm pool when the tide is out - preferably in the evening and not in the hot, hot sun. Cathedral Cover was stunning and I will definitely be returning to do some exploring. We drove through Pauanui and found it very dull. Ended up staying at a lovely motel (the Coastal Motor Lodge, which had fabulous sea views) in Thames, which meant only a one hour drive back to Auckland. Coromandel is a lovely place with so much to do.

heathy

15 years Pykiwi ? I am genuinely gobsmacked !

kaimaiview

Fodors has published a review about Kaimai view motel in Katikati, Bay of Plenty. This review contains many errors and describes the motel OPPOSITE Kaimai View. Kaimai View is a very high quality superior motel that only offers the very best service and amenities. It is a modern motel and a look at www.kaimaiview.co.nz will clearly show this. Kaimai view does not have white washed rooms and low green and white buildings