Coromandel Peninsula: anutka

anutka_milashka

Coromandel Peninsula

Jan 07, 2009 13:46

Coromandel Peninsula - еще одно замечательное место на Северном острове в районе Waikato. Рядом Auckland, Bay of Plenty и Mount Maunganui. В декабре там цветут знаменитые pohutukawa trees.

Инфа взята с Википедии:

The peninsula is steep and hilly, and is largely covered in subtropical rain forest.

The Coromandel Range forms a spine for the peninsula rising to nearly 900 metres, and the large island of Great Barrier, which lies beyond the northern tip, can be thought of as an extension of the range.

Although the peninsula is close to large centres of population such as Auckland to the west and Tauranga to the southeast, its rugged nature means that much of it is relatively isolated, and the interior and northern tip are both largely undeveloped and sparsely inhabited. A forest park covers much of the peninsula's interior.

Numerous small islands and island groups lie offshore, such as the Motukawao Islands to the northwest, the Alderman Islands and Slipper Island to the southeast, and the Mercury Islands to the northeast.

The peninsula shows considerable signs of previous vulcanism. It comprises the eroded remnants of the Coromandel Volcanic Zone, which was active during the Miocene and Pliocene. Volcanic activity has since shifted southeast to the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The peninsula is also close to the Auckland Volcanic Field, which exhibits a very different style of vulcanism. Geothermal activity is still present on the Peninsula, with hot springs in several places, notably at Hot Water Beach, in the central east coast between Whitianga and Tairua.

The area was formerly known largely for its hardrock gold mining and kauri industries, but is now a mecca for tourism, especially ecotourism. A forest park occupies much of the centre of the peninsula, and the coasts are dotted with fine beaches and stunning views. The Moehau Ranges even have an elusive monster, The Hairy Moehau, which is quite a popular attraction with tourists.

Evidence of the regions geothermal origins can be found in hot springs, notably at Hot Water Beach on the peninsula's east coast. The town of Whangamata is a popular holiday retreat, and Whitianga on Mercury Bay is renowned for its yachting. The peninsula's waters are also a popular destination for scuba divers.