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coromandel
Coromandel Peninsula is a narrow
finger of land thrusting out into the Pacific Ocean south east of
Auckland.
This sea-bound spine of ancient eroded volcanoes protects the
placid waters of the ‘City of Sails’. It also serves as
a favourite holiday hideaway for busy Aucklanders and a mecca for
visitors seeking peace and solitude.
The dramatic unspoilt coastline is the main drawcard, being
perfectly suited to soft adventure activities like swimming,
surfing, boating, diving and sea kayaking. Scenic bays and hidden
coves have fascinating rock gardens and golden sand beaches
tucked away behind glorious limestone sculptured headlands.
Cathedral Cove at Hahei is a ‘Blue Lagoon’ fantasy
scene and further south magical thermal springs bubble up through
the sand at Hot Water Beach.
There is ‘water, water everywhere’ from mirror smooth
inlets to spray-flecked surf. However, inland kayaking rivers
need a period of sustained rainfall to bring their wild rapids to
life. The Ohinemuri River is the most prominent waterway, sharply
defining the southern boundary of the Coromandel Range between
Waihi and Paeroa. This river can be run from any point along the
Karangahake Gorge road. The scattered rock clusters and boulder
drops generate much nervous excitement as kayakers run a roller
coaster ride that can reach Grade 3. Rafting is not popular here,
as water volumes are not sufficient until the river reaches
dangerous full flood conditions.
The Waitawheta Stream flows into the Ohinemuri just below the
Karangahake Gorge. It is not runable in normal flows. When it
rises, it can be paddled from a put in across a farm track at the
end of Dickies Flat Road. There are alternatively quiet pools and
rock-strewn rapids over the first stretch culminating in a 3
metre waterfall about 1 km downstream. The steep section below
the water supply intake can be unsafe in high flows.
The Kauaeranga River is inland from Thames and has numerous put
in points along the 20 km access road. The wide shingle bed can
produce Grade 3 conditions with above average flows.
Don’t bypass Coromandel Peninsula, it is a wild place of
rare beauty and variety.
All those Aucklanders can’t be wrong - it’s a very
special holiday haven.
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