The Location
Vacation in Paradise
Where is paradise ?
Spectacular Opito Bay is located on the Coromandel Peninsula, about three hours drive from Auckland - New Zealand's largest city (population almost 1 million.) Go to Cormandel Map
The drive takes you through valleys, farmland, an ancient river bed, little towns, forests, scenic ranges and spectacular stretches of coast.
This is an historic, heritage area of the country. In the late 19th century, Coromandel buzzed with gold mining activity. Some of the richest mines were very near Opito Bay (at Kuaotunu) and some shafts are still to be seen in the sides of hills.
Also visible in the area are numerous pre-European Pa (fortified village) sites, built by the indigenous Maori. Usually, all that remains are the outlines of the earthworks and the sweet potato (kumara) storage pits which were dug in the ground. One such Pa lies plainly in view as a flat-topped headland, at the southern end of Opito Bay.
With its many golden beaches, cool forested valleys and imperious bush clad mountain ranges, Coromandel is a popular holiday area, but has comparatively few permanent residents.
See Useful Links for more information on Coromandel Peninsula.
