Coromandel Beaches - North Island New Zealand

The Coromandel Peninsula is a cycling gem lying east of Auckland in one of New Zealand's most diverse and breathtaking locations. Luxuriant forest and mountain backdrops set the scene. See a giant kauri tree and ride a bush railway. A farm stay will give you the opportunity to meet some real "Kiwis". Finish at the geothermal spa town of Rotorua with the opportunity to experience the local Maori culture.

This tour can be combined with the Volcanoes tour.

DAY 1 AUCKLAND.
Lunch and a short bike ride by one of Auckland's volcanic cones, then a little sightseeing in the City of Sails.

DAY 2 THAMES.
Follow the Firth of Thames coast, past the Miranda Shore Bird sanctuary, to Thames and a comfortable lodge on the water's edge.

DAY 3 COROMANDEL.
Great coastal scenery and 2 climbs offering wonderful views. We have lunch at the Rapaura Water Gardens.

DAY 4 WHITIANGA.
Time to visit the craft shops and potteries, and take a ride on the quaint bush railway, then relax on the fabulous beach at Whitianga.

DAY 5 WHANGAMATA.
Walk to Cathedral Cove and visit another magnificent beach at Hahei.

DAY 6 MATAMATA.
Through the Karangahake Gorge to the fertile Waikato Valley and a farmstay with local Kiwi farming hosts.

DAY 7+8 ROTORUA.
We cycle over the Mamaku Plateau, followed by a great descent to the spa city of Rotorua. A rest day offers many options: geysers and bubbling mud pools, rafting, Mt Tarawera, fishing and lots more.