| When it comes to New Zealand tours, there are many | | | | and dome like spreading forms. November thorough |
| options available for the intrepid travel, but few are | | | | January is the peak time to see these unique blooms, |
| more stunning than Coromandel. The rustic, unspoiled | | | | which are responsible for the trees nickname, the New |
| volcanic hills, native rainforests, and beautiful beaches | | | | Zealand Christmas tree. |
| have been inspiring and delighting for centuries. | | | | While we are on the subject of unique beaches, the |
| The history of the Coromandel can be traced to its | | | | famous Hot Water beach is another site that is not to |
| ancient gold mining relics, logging dams, and ancient | | | | be missed. Located on the east coast of the |
| Maori pa sites, as well as in the many historic buildings | | | | Coromandel Peninsula, this beach is so named for the |
| that have been preserved throughout the areas. | | | | underground hot springs that filter through the sand |
| Coromandel was first visited by the legendary Captain | | | | between the high and low tides. |
| James Cook in 1769, and settled by Bill Webster in the | | | | Once you have finished relaxing and taking in the sites |
| 1830s, where it served as an important trading area | | | | by the waters edge, head over to the 309 road, the |
| and ship building site. Webster employed the Maori | | | | main thoroughfare between Whitianga and |
| natives to build small schooners and ready timber | | | | Coromandel Town. Scenic and surrounded by |
| cargoes for shipment in the Australian market. | | | | farmland and native plants, and bordered by the |
| It was the Kauri forests, however, that truly put | | | | Mahakirau stream, this meandering, tranquil gravel path |
| Coromandel on the map, so to speak. These giant | | | | will lead you to Egan Park, Kauri Grove, the stunning |
| trees were mined extensively from 1795 on, until it | | | | Waiau Falls, and the historic Chiltern Reserve. |
| became apparent that the industry was forcing these | | | | At the nearby Waiau Waterworks, adults and children |
| beautiful trees to extinction. Kauri trees are now | | | | alike can enjoy the hydraulic ramp pumps, |
| considered national treasures and protected from | | | | waterwheels, kinetic art, and other interesting |
| further deforestation. | | | | attractions, including restaurants and unique shops. |
| One of the most popular Coromandel sites to see on | | | | The best thing about a New Zealand tour is that each |
| your New Zealand tour is Cathedral Cove, a beach | | | | and every trip reveals unique experiences, sights, and |
| known for its pure white sands and beautiful native | | | | sounds. Coromandel is just one of the many |
| foliage, including the unique Pohutukawa trees. These | | | | fascinating locales that await you on your New |
| large coastal evergreens are endemic to New | | | | Zealand vacation. |
| Zealand, and are known for their brilliant red flowers | | | | |