The rugged and exhilarating Coromandel Peninsula lies some two hours southeast of Auckland. A range of sharp peaks stretches its entire spine with much of the winding coastal road at its base edged by pohutukawa trees clinging tenaciously to precarious walls of crumbling rock. Each curve in the road presents a new vista that varies from tiny islands to sweeping valleys, or beaches literally just off the road. You'll also become familiar with "the one-way bridge"—the road is very narrow in places. You can stop at many spots for a picnic, or a snooze under a tree. As you continue your drive you come to the Bay of Plenty, which—if you love seafood—lives up to its name. (Traffic can build up on this road, particularly in the busy summer months or weekends.) More »
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