twoaussies

My husband and I have eight days to explore that area. We would appreciate any suggestions as to b&bs, self catering, and places to visit. We have had the pleasure of visiting both the North and south Islands on other occasions, but missed that area.
Thanks

ishki

We stayed at Marina Park Apartments in Whitianga last year and highly recommend them. The views across the marina were lovely and it's a short walk to the town centre, cafes, etc. Whitianga is a good place to base yourself to explore the area, which is really beautiful. Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove and Coromandel Town are all great places to see.

wannabakiwi

Twoassies~ We have stayed a few times at the Admirality Lodge, which is right on the main street. It was built in 2000. The owner is very nice and the property is very clean. We love the Coromandel area. It is a great place to completely down shift.

tropo

Twoaussies - my wife & I had a north island NZ holiday a few months ago, and we spent a few days in both Bay of Plenty & Coramandel. The Coramandel Peninsula was our favourite. It was late summer, and we swam each day. We also stayed at Whitianga. Recommend the upmarket restaurant called Salt, connected to the Hotel which overlooks the marina. Great fish meal & Sauvignon Blancs, not cheap, but good food. Also had a nice dinner at the Captain Cook Restaurant, which is situated in one of the licensed clubs in Whitianga. Hot Water Beach doesn't always work, you have to be there at the right time, and right tide. The whole Peninsula is worth a few days stay. We particularly liked Hahei Beach (pronounced harhay?) Cormandal Town is a nice town, with quaint shops, and some darn good restaurant/cafes/coffee shops.
Didn't think much of Thames (on our way back to Auckland), but the coastal drive on the western side of the peninsula is very scenic. We were fortunate to meet & talk with a local picking up huge green lip mussels off one of the beaches (western side again)which had apparently broken off from beds, from a recent strong storm.

mlgb

In the Coromandel I spent a few nights at the Drift In B&B/Homestay (it's really more of a homestay). Yvonne is a great cook (fresh bread in the morning), better than anything you will find in Whitianga. The beaches near Kuaotunu are great and it's centrally located to the east coast (Cathedral Cove is worth a visit).

http://www.bnb.co.nz/coromandel/resu....html?lid=1324