This is our Club

President: Elizabeth Jones E-mail : amahl@callsouth.net.nz Current membership 50 Able to host : 20 ambassadors Nearest Airport AUCKLAND - NZ & all International flights Best time to visit March-April-May, Sep-Oct-Nov

Something about us

THAMES

Known as the 'Gateway to the Coromandel', Thames is only a ninety minute drive from Auckland. The main shopping location on the peninsula, Thames has a wealth of boutiques, a historic main street and the modern Goldfields Shopping Mall. In the late 19th century, this town was one of New Zealand's largest - built on the pioneering industries of gold and Kauri logging. Today, its colourful history is still alive in the many pubs, buildings, museums and activities found in the area. Thames Market - is held every Saturday morning at the Grahamstown end of Pollen St, with an interesting range of stalls including local crafts, produce, plants and collectibles. A beachfront walkway allows great views across the Hauraki Gulf where you can watch Pied oystercatchers - migratory birds who spend the winter in the Thames Firth. The Kauaeranga Valley close to Thames offers numerous walking/tramping tracks, campgrounds and hut accommodation. The world famous scenic drive along the Pohutukawa Coast is best in November when the Pohutukawa blossom is in bloom. There are beautiful gardens with waterfalls and bush walks en route.

COROMANDEL TOWN and THE PENINSULA

Driving Creek Railway (3kmNorth) Come for remarkable one hour train ride on a world-class narrow gauge mountain railway, passing through kauri forest and great engineering marvels. The railway line built by artist & potter, Barry Brickell climbs to the new terminus, the Eyefull Tower, with its stunning panoramic views.

Arts & Crafts Several of NZ's finest artists live around Coromandel Town district. Visit their studios or the several craft shops and galleries for which the town is becoming recognised.

The Surrounds

THE EAST COAST

Hot Water Beach
Some volcanoes develop huge underground reservoirs of superheated water. Over time, this water will escape to the surface - cooling on the way. There are two fissures at Hot Water Beach issuing water as hot as 64?C (147?F) at a rate as high as 15 litres/minute. This water contains large amounts of salt (NOT salt water), calcium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine, bromine and silica. There are other hot water springs nearby but the location of these two springs on the beach make them unique. The hot springs are only accessible at low tide, however more often than not two hours each side of low tide, will still provide you with an opportunity to dig your own spa. Hahei - from the lookout of this attractive beach (named after the Maori Chief Hei) there is access to Cathedral Cove and the Marine Reserve.

Cathedral Cove

Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the "must visit" sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. The track begins at the northern end of Hahei. Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, Te Whanganui- A-Hei, covers 9 square kilometres and is New Zealand's sixth marine reserve. It is administered by the Department of Conservation. This site was chosen for a marine reserve because of the rich and varied habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Reefs of hard rock, soft sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches provide homes for complex communities of plants, crustaceans, molluscs and fish. Sheltered from the worst of the southerly winds Te Whanganui-A-Hei gives visitors an opportunity to learn from and enjoy an unspoilt marine environment.

Cathedral Cove Walk

There are several scenic tracks on land adjacent to the reserve, including the 2hr return walk to Cathedral Cove track, which gives access to Gemstone Bay, Mares Leg and Cathedral Cove.

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