Whangamata

The surf is just about always up in Whangamata, one of the best surfing spots in New Zealand. Thousands flock to the beaches during summer to make the most of the surfing breaks along the 6km coast and the sheltered swimming spots in the estuaries at either end.

The Coromandel Forest Park and Tairua Forest hug the town and visitors delight in the unique combination of rainforest and the ocean. Whangamata is a great base for indulging in the outdoors, especially for escaping from civilisation off many of the forest trails that lead to secluded beaches. Diversty in the landscape is matched by the variety of painting, craftwork, sculpture and pottery produced by local artists. If your idea of a break is wandering through shops, dining out and sipping on a coffee, Whangamata's town centre will satisfy you.

The influence of the timber industry is all around in this country. The nearby Otahu and Wharekawa rivers were used to float kauri logs down to be mills in Tairua or Whitianga. The Wentworth Falls prevented the Wentworth River being used for logs, and they are now the destination of an attractive walk along a beautiful well-graded track.

There are Pa sites on the peninsula and at Pa Hill, which overlooks the Wentworth Bridge (by the 18-hole golf course). Moana Point was used by Maori of the Ngatipu hapu for growing crops. Artefacts found near the whart, including bones of the extinct giant bird the moa indicate this was once a moa hunting factory.

• Catch a wave off the Whangamata Bar or one of the many surfing breaks along the coast
• Flop on a beach and soak up the sun
• Start a walk at the Otahu River Estuary with the wind at your back
• Tramp your way through the beautiful bushland to Wenworth Falls
• Jetski on the harbour
• Play a round of golf at one of 14 premier golf courses close to town
• Head to Tuhua (Mayor) Island - famous waters for big game fishing 30km off the coast
• Birdwatch at Wharekawa Harbour
• Take a scenic walk through the Luck at Last Mine, a one-hour tour through goldmining ruins
• Have a break from saltwater and take a dip in the local swimming pool