A really pretty drive to this fairly remote part of the North Island. And the drive there is fairly hairy, hairpin bends up the side of steep mountains, encountering logging lorries at inappropriate times, although they do move over when possible to let you pass. Coromandel town is small with only a couple of places to eat – nothing outstanding but reasonable.
One must-see is the Driving Creek Railway, a sweet little railway built by one guy to make clay-collecting for his sculpting easier. Views from the top are excellent although you do have to negotiate steps to get to the viewing platform. The driver gives a very good commentary (another Brit who’s emigrated out here!) and helps anyone with mobility issues. We were there in March and made sure to take an early train – do make sure you book in advance.
We stayed there two nights and that was long enough. With the railway trip and a trip in a glass-bottomed boat – worth doing, even though the weather changed and the water was very choppy – there’s not much else here to do.
