That’s the tag line that the Coromandel Peninsula uses for promotional material and after spending a few days there last month AUIP’s Sheena can see why.

The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect destination for students spending a few days in Auckland in-between or after programs. It is within an hour and a half drive from Auckland city centre and even less time from the International Airport but the region feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.

The east coast is on the Pacific and has beautiful golden sandy beaches, pictured right, with some fantastic waves for surfing, whereas the west coast borders the Huraki Gulf with rocky coastal scenery and much calmer ocean for water sports. A thick forest cloaks the interior providing an excellent spot for half day, day and multiple day hikes.

A Coromandel must do is digging your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach. An underground river of hot water flows from the interior of the earth to the surface in the Pacific Ocean at Hot Water Beach. Two hours either side of low tide, visitors gather on the beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. You can then dig your own spa pool in the sand to lie back in and unwind while the steam from the hot pool surrounds you. The tide will then come and wash away your individually created hot pool for the next person to come and enjoy. The heat of the pools means it’s even an activity you can do in the winter sunshine (although you may want a big jumper to put on afterwards!)

The Pacific Coast Highway circles the peninsula with towns dotted along the way providing accommodation, some fantastic dining and nightlife as well as an array of art and craft shops, galleries and music festivals.

There are various options to get to and around the Coromandel with the major coach companies running regular services and many tour companies offering trips and guided tours.