This is the Coromandel Peninsula chapter from Lonely Planet's New Zealand guidebook.

The Coromandel Peninsula offers easy access to splendid isolation. Its dramatic, mountainous spine bisects it into two very distinct parts. The east coast has some of the North Island's best white-sand beaches, while the west coast has long been a refuge for alternative lifestylers.

• burn your butt in a freshly dug thermal pool in the sands of Hot Water Beach
• maps
• travel remote gravel roads under a crimson canopy of ancient pohutukawa trees
• transport
• kayak around the hidden islands, caves and bays of Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Miranda, Thames, Coromandel Town, Far North Coromandel, Whitianga, Coroglen & Whenuakite, Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Tairua, Puketui Valley, Opoutere, Whangamata, Waihi & Waihi Beach, Karangahake Gorge and Paeroa.