Coromandel Forest Park

Coromandel Forest Park is a large forest reserve on the Coromandel Peninsula featuring native trees, natural swimming holes, and several valleys across the terrain. The area offers a network of walking trails that pass through different forest and valley landscapes.

The park originated from an early settlement where European farmers Thomas and Agnes Crosbie managed several land plots on the peninsula. The settlement was abandoned in the early 20th century and the land gradually returned to forest.

This forest reserve serves as a place where visitors connect with native New Zealand wilderness and experience the rhythm of the natural landscape. People use the trails and swimming spots to spend time outdoors and observe the local plant and animal life.

The park has several entry points reachable from different locations on the peninsula, including access near Thames and Whangamata. Visitors should be prepared for varied trail conditions and bring sturdy footwear and water for their time outdoors.

Some forest sections contain gold deposits, which has sparked ongoing debates between mining companies and conservation efforts. These tensions continue to influence how the park is managed and protected today.