Otama Beach near Kuaotunu

Itinerary

• Depart from Whitianga 9.00am travelling past Ke Te Ra Matiti Marae at Wharekaho where Captain Cook and botanist Banks visited in 1769.
• Hear the fascinating gold mining history around Kuaotunu. Great views of the Mercury Islands.
• Drive past the pristine beach at Otama Beach Reserve and on to visit the beautiful sheltered bay at Opito for a walk along the beach. Return along the magnificent coastline through Greys and Rings Beach to the developing holiday resort settlement of Matarangi.
• Continue across the range to Coromandel Town and on to the bush railway at Driving Creek (at own cost) and hear about the reforestation programme in place.
• Return to Whitianga via the 309 Road and visit the 309 Kauri Grove of majestic mature kauri trees. This is a lovely walk among New Zealand native trees.