Towns, Cities

Restaurants in Whangamata: The Best Places to Eat on the Coromandel

Whangamata is one of those New Zealand beach towns that quietly punches above its weight. It sits on the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, and while most visitors come for the surf and the white sand, the town has built a dining scene that stands on its own. There are refined dining rooms, relaxed gastropubs,…

Things to Do in Whitianga, New Zealand: Beaches, Boat Tours and More

Things to do in Whitianga, New Zealand. Whitianga sits on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, facing out across Mercury Bay. It has grown into an established tourist resort over the years, but the feel of the town is still relaxed and coastal. The bay offers beaches, water sports and boat excursions, while the…

Whangamata New Zealand: Surf, Sand and Summer Holidays on the Coromandel

Whangamata New Zealand. Whangamatā has a way of staying in your memory. Perched on the southeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand, this welcoming surf town is set against a backdrop of native forest park and fronted by one of the best beaches in the country. Each summer, tens…

Fishing Charters Whitianga New Zealand: Book the Best Coromandel Trips

Fishing charters Whitianga New Zealand. Whitianga is one of those towns that feels built around the harbour. It sits on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, with a working wharf, sheltered water, and easy access to offshore fishing grounds that keep local skippers busy for most of the year. For visitors, a fishing charter…

Whangamata New Zealand Surfing: Beaches, Breaks and Surf Schools

Whangamata New Zealand Surfing. Whangamata sits on the eastern edge of the Coromandel Peninsula, and for a small town it has a big surfing reputation. Surfers come here for two very different experiences. Whangamata Beach is a dependable, highly regarded beach break with multiple peaks, while the Whangamata Bar has earned international fame as a…

Accommodation in Whitianga New Zealand: Planning Your Stay

Accommodation in Whitianga New Zealand. Whitianga draws visitors for its coastal setting, warm summers and relaxed pace of life. Once the practical side of your trip is sorted, the rest of the holiday falls into place, and choosing where to stay is the biggest decision you will make. New Zealand’s accommodation scene is broad enough…

Best Restaurants in the Bay of Islands for a Foodie Road Trip

Best restaurants in the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands is one of the most scenic parts of Northland, with sheltered waters, sandy beaches and small towns that see a steady flow of holidaymakers throughout the year. It is also a spot where the local food culture shines. Restaurants here range from relaxed cafes…

Fishing Bay of Islands New Zealand: Top Spots, Species and Charters

Fishing Bay of Islands New Zealand. The Bay of Islands earned its English name in 1769, when Captain Cook sailed into Northland and noted the great number of islands lining its shores, helping to form several safe anchorages. More than two centuries later, those protected waters make the region one of New Zealand’s most rewarding…

Surfing in Raglan, New Zealand: Spots, Surf Schools and Tips

Surfing in Raglan New Zealand. Raglan is a small coastal Waikato town that has built its identity around surf culture and a relaxed, bohemian vibe. It has become a famous stop on the worldwide surfing circuit and is regularly featured on lists of the world’s best surf destinations. Surfers come from all over the globe…

Things to Do in Thames, New Zealand: Gold Rush Heritage and Coromandel Adventures

Things to do in Thames, New Zealand. Thames sits on the edge of the Coromandel Peninsula, about a 90-minute drive from Auckland. Known as Te Kauaeranga Thames, this compact town has an outsized history. It was once a booming gold rush settlement, and the industries of the late 1800s, gold mining and kauri logging, left…