NZ’s Coromandel region is the real capital of bohemia

If you’re hankering for the good old Byron Bay, this is the perfect escape for Australians looking for a slice of the town’s old-school magic.

With New Zealand open once again to Aussie travellers, The Coromandel is a perfect escape for Australians keen for a slice of old-school, beatnik Byron bohemia, all within a stone’s throw of Auckland.

Like Byron Bay (long before it Byron Bay’d itself), The Coromandel was hippy central for New Zealand. And while most of the residents of the communes of the 1960s and 1970s have moved on, their spirit still runs deep – stimulated in recent years by Aucklanders making the sea change to this charming region that’s just an hour-and-a-half from the city.

It’s not surprising the stillness of the rainforest and the vistas of mountains and sea first called out to the souls of the hippy generation, but The Coromandel with all its natural surrounds and eclectic vibe still draws people in. With a fascinating history as an early Māori settlement and a legendary gold mining heritage, you’ve got fertile ground for a buzzing creative scene.

If you are after a cheap and cheerful holiday, there are plenty of top camping spots. Picture: The Coromandel

The region comprises distinctive townships, from the boutique and bohemian Coromandel Town and Thames to quirky and creative laid-back coastal towns like Hahei, Whitianga, Whangamata, and Waihi, all ripe for creative exploration.

Paddling around the Whangamata Islands. Picture: The Coromandel

Where art abounds

Arohart was set up as a marketplace for local Māori artists by Auckland broadcast journalist Aroha Hathaway. Prior to Arohart’s arrival, little genuine Māori art was being offered in the community.

The Thames gallery has now become a Māori hub of sorts, offering wānanga, classes, workshops and opportunities for the community to learn and grow.

The Lawnmower’s Son is a multi-generational family art space nestled in the beach community of Hahei – a space for locals, artists, and an ever-evolving hub to exhibit and sell stunning New Zealand artworks across a variety of mediums.

The Pinnacles Sunset. Picture: The Coromandel

That boho spirit

For spirits fans (who isn’t) Coromandel Distilling Co is a micro-distillery carefully crafting Coromandel dry gin and other limited release spirits.

Owners Paul and Daniela moved to The Coromandel after careers in conservation, neither of them knowing they would eventually find themselves as gin distillers.

The company even won an award for its flagship Awildian gin, named Best Gin in New Zealand at the 2022 World Gin Awards.

Beauty of the outdoors

Between rugged mountains and some of New Zealand’s most exquisite beaches, like Byron, The Coromandel offers access to all the spoils of the outdoors – but with the bonus of delivering them mostly in splendid isolation.

There’s a chance you’ll have the beach all to yourself. Picture: The Coromandel

The region’s most popular icons are found on the eastern Coromandel Coast.

The jewel of a seaside town on the leeward shore of Mercury Bay, Hahei is a favourite with holiday-makers, with a long, stunning, white sand beach and calm waters.

Hahei is also the kick-off point for walks and tours to the world-renowned Cathedral Cove. This iconic archway and pristine golden beach have been immortalised in films including The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Within two hours either side of low tide, nearby Hot Water Beach reveals its naturally heated mineral water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the beach and relaxing in the natural springs.

Dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach. Picture: The Coromandel

Cool coastal town Whangamata is home to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful attractions. Kayak out to the amazing Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary, 1km off the coast, which is often referred to as Donut Island due to the large volcanic blow hole that has created a turquoise lagoon in the centre of the island.

The island is home to an abundance of native flora and fauna as well as volcanic cliff rock.

Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary. Picture: The Coromandel

A foodie paradise

In addition to good food, fresh air, tracks, trails and beaches, The Coromandel is a food-lover’s paradise.

Falls Retreat is a charming combination of warm accommodation, great hospitality and rustic, delicious food. Founders Emma and Brad created Falls Retreat with a ‘paddock to plate’ ethos, and a focus on unique dining with award-winning food sourced from local suppliers and its own on-site organic veggie gardens.

For a true beachside food experience, Luke’s Kitchen is a local favourite destination where you can tuck into wood-fired pizza that uses local produce – all while enjoying the relaxed seaside vibes of coastal village Kuaotunu.

And even craft beer lovers are spoiled for choice in The Coromandel. The Pour House is a top pick, the fun family-owned craft brewery, bar, and restaurant is in the gorgeous seaside village of Hahei.

This story originally appeared on Escape and has been reproduced with permission