The Coromandel Range is a volcanic mountain range in the Coromandel Volcanic Zone that runs along the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 60 kilometers (37 mi) east of the city of Auckland and stretches north-south for approximately 110 kilometers. It is located at right angles to the Tararua Ranges. The highest point of the range is Mount Mohehau (892 meters/2927 feet) at the northern end of the peninsula within the Mohehau Ranges. There are many peaks over 600 meters high. In pre-European times, the southern Coromandel Range was densely covered with trees such as kauri, matai and tawa, and was home to birds such as kereru, tui, kaka and kiwi. The grevakka from the ranges was the source of many of the stone tools used by the Hauraki Māori.
The ridge is one of several that form a bone of volcanic origin that runs through the northern North Island. South of the Coromandel Ridge, separated by the winding Karangahake Gorge, the bone continues with the Kaimai Ridge.
The large island of Great Barrier, at the entrance to Hauraki Bay north of the Coromandel Peninsula, can be considered the northern extension of this bone of the Coromandel volcanic zone.
The first stop on the Coromandel Ridge route is a visit to Thames; it is a historic New Zealand city located between the “Thames Firth” and the Coromandel Ridge. The Maori population settled in this area in the fifteenth century, and it was not until 1867 that the city received its current physiognomy.
Thames is the perfect starting point if you want to discover the magnificent Coromandel Range. The landscape is magnificent, as is its riverside path, which can be discovered on foot or by bike. And the culinary offer, with fresh fish served a little bit everywhere (seafood seems to be the main course), is absolutely top notch.
Just outside the city, in the hills, lies the magnificent Coweranga Valley with its breathtaking trails and some of the most adventurous activities and excursions the peninsula has to offer; there are also ample camping opportunities in the area for those who like.
The Thames Coast Road, coast 25, is a scenic road with great views of Thames Bay. Head up to Tapu before turning onto Tapu Coroglen Road; over 30km of dirt road that climbs into the mountains for great views.
From Coroglen, continue towards Waiau, which can be reached via road 309. This is another incredible and impressive mountain dirt road. The goal is Waiau Falls, a beautiful naturalistic show. Along 309 there is a small parking lot from which you leave the car after a short walk. A few minutes from here, the suggestive Waiau Kauri Grove awaits you; it is a beautiful naturalistic route where you can see some surviving kauri, the truly magical giant trees of the area.