2 Best Sights in Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Colville's classic counterculture General Store is run by a local co-operative. It sells foodstuffs (there's a well-stocked organic section), wine, beer, and gasoline. It's kind of like the general store that used to be in all country areas. It's also the northernmost supplier on the peninsula, so don't forget to fill your tank.

Beyond Colville, a twisty, gravel road will take you to Fletcher Bay, the northernmost end of the peninsula. (It's impossible to fully circumnavigate the peninsula by road). To reach Fletcher Bay, turn left at a T-junction about 5 km (3 miles) north of Colville. This road follows the west coast to a stunning sandy beach at Port Jackson, then continues along the cliff-top and down to Fletcher Bay, a smaller, sandy cove banked by green pasture rolling down to the beach. It's 60 km (38 miles) from Coromandel—a 1¼-hour drive. There's a small camping ground here, tracks and beaches to explore, and a great kayaking spot. From Fletcher Bay, hikers can follow the signposted Coromandel Coastal Walkway, an old bridle trail along the very northeastern tip of Coromandel Peninsula, down to Stony Bay. It's a charming three- to four-hour walk, partly along clifftops with grand views across to the Mercury Islands, and at times dipping down to secluded, forest-fringed beaches.