The Chair’s Where? Coramandal Peninsula, New Zealand

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Even the trees are friendly in Coramandal Peninsula, New Zealand.

TIME TO DISCOVER CORAMANDAL PENINSULA

So you have flown into Auckland in New Zealand and picked up your motorhome rental or car. You've done the local sights. Been over the bridge, checked out the harbour, had several doses of traditional indigenous experience and eaten at some great local cafes.

But New Zealand is so much more than Auckland and its immediate locales. Indeed, a steady two hour drive can take you to the Coramandal Peninsula. Now this truly is a region suited to a few nights stay as you move from Wahai beach to Whitianga. Why?

LOCATION

You don’t have to go far in New Zealand to find some great views. The mountain climbs as you head to and through the Coramandel, so allow for a photographic delight. The walking tracks, the waterfalls, the intricately balanced ecology make for a learning curve at every step. But for me, it was about the east coast of the Coramandal.

HIGHLIGHTS

Waihibeach. Whether you like surfing, fishing, sea kayaking, swimming or just being lazy on a beautiful strip of sand, then this is the beach for you.

Hauraki Rail Trail. For the cycle bandits, bring the push bike and do the trail. Five sections make up 17km of trail and as a Grade One - it is suitable to all levels of cycling ability and fitness.

Hot water beach. Yep - just as the sign says! Take a spade at low tide, dig a bath-size hole and be amazed as hot water comes up around you from the thermals below. A truly unique experience.

For the foodies. A must-do would be the Coramandal Mussel Kitchen and the Coromandal Oyster Company.

WHITIANGA

Where did I stay? Whitianga Harbourside Holiday Park ( the newest addition to the Family Parks network of holiday parks). The venue has terrific onsite hosts who bend over backwards to give every guest a memorable experience.

A great mix of camping, large powered sites, assorted cabin styles, super clean amenities and other great facilities leave nothing to be desired. The park is pet friendly so bring the furry relatives as well. Walk straight across the road and start fishing in a picturesque spot that offsets boats, Harbour, water sports and the like.

The Coramandal and Whitianga - a must see, must do road trip out of Auckland.

The Chair looks forward to seeing you there.

THE CHAIR

(DriveNow has teamed up with "The Chair", none other than Dennis Werthenbach, the enigmatic and super popular chairman of the board for Family Parks Holiday Parks & Campgrounds - for more than 26 years, Family Parks has represented independent caravan parks and camping grounds, promoting fantastic holiday destinations for travellers young and old. With so many great caravan and camping parks throughout Australia and New Zealand, Family Parks is more than just a holiday, it’s a unique holiday experience.)