Poets Corner Lodge
Orokawa Bay, Waihi, The Southern Coromandel, New Zealand
National Geographic Magazine just named New Zealand's North Island - especially the Coromandel Peninsula area - one of the 'World's 50 Greatest Destinations' in their "Places of a Lifetime" publication.
*Five Perfect Days in the North Island*
Day One: The eastern shore of the Coromandel Peninsula, including the stunn
ing Cathedral Cove, the Ferry Landing at Flaxmill Bay, and the town of Whitianga. Day Two: Starting with Hobbiton. A visit to “The Shire” of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings stories- a happy, beautiful place that was the original and totally preserved village used as the set of the movies. Day Three: The Waihi Gold Mining Experience, starting with an easy hike into the Karangahake Gorge only 20 minutes from the Lodge, where you’ll explore the mining operations of days gone by, and, if you like, see glowworms in the mines. Then on to the gold mine right in the middle of town…undoubtedly the biggest pit of gold you have ever seen – and it’s still being mined. Day Four: The west shore of the Coromandel and Coromandel Town- a beautiful village with fun shops (and one of the best lunch spots in New Zealand) overlooking a harbor that’s a stunning mix of hues of blue and green dotted with islands. That’s also where you’ll be able to ride the Driving Creek Railroad- maybe the most remarkable personal human achievement in the country. Day Five: The Rotorua Region. Rotorua is home of New Zealand’s Maori Cultural Center and is known as “New Zealand’s Coolest Hot Spot”…the seat of some amazing geo-thermal activity.
