Drive from Auckland to Whale Island

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[{"address":"Auckland, New Zealand","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-36.85088270000001,"longitude":174.7644881},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. Spend your time here enjoying the city's harbour, museums, galleries, and adventure activities.\n\nYour first stop on the journey south is the historic township of Thames. Founded during the Coromandel gold rush, this is a great place to learn the region's history. Further on, Coromandel Town is a haven for artists, craftspeople and conservationists. Explore the galleries and craft shops that showcase the local talent. \n\nWhitianga is home to a fishing fleet - expect to eat some excellent seafood. Best things to do include surfing, surf casting and beach walks."}]},{"address":"Vimutti Buddhist Monastery Paparata Road, Mangatāwhiri, New Zealand","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.16582739999999,"longitude":175.0646116},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":746,"height":458},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FGX21KwuuKNHloZVJNIl5%2Fstop_1_0.png?alt=media&token=0dbe26d5-37fc-4ef3-bafa-d8ff4f8459e6"},{"type":"text","content":"You pass by a Buddhist Temple that is the best place to relax your mind. It is about half way between your two destinations and allows you to take a food break."}]},{"address":"Thames, New Zealand","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-37.1383356,"longitude":175.5405213},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":748,"height":488},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FGX21KwuuKNHloZVJNIl5%2Fstop_2_1.png?alt=media&token=c2afd6c0-44f1-4925-8c54-a93f4cfda6a6"},{"type":"text","content":"A 1.5 hour drive from Auckland, Thames is the rural centre of The Coromandel. The town was formed in 1870 from two smaller settlements - Shortland and Grahamstown - founded to support gold mining in the early 1860s.\n\nThe northern end of Thames, known still as Grahamstown, offers cafés and boutique shops in a charming colonial setting. Be sure to visit the museum, which covers early Maori times, the arrival of the first pioneers and the development of mining, logging, railways and shipping. You can also visit the historic School of Mines, which is open from Wednesday to Sunday year-round.\n\nBehind the town, the ancient volcanic Coromandel Ranges rise steeply. The magnificent Kauaeranga Valley hiking and camping area is just to the south, and the road to the north follows the coast past scores of sandy beaches and fishing hot spots. If you're planning to head into the wilderness, Thames is the perfect place to stock up on supplies.\n\nIf you're not into walking, why not take a scenic fligh"}]},{"address":"Whitianga, New Zealand","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.0421,"latitudeDelta":0.0922,"latitude":-36.8350132,"longitude":175.7007296},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":750,"height":564},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FGX21KwuuKNHloZVJNIl5%2Fstop_2_0.png?alt=media&token=134dcf25-6a81-4b99-9b58-e6fed5b54fcd"},{"type":"text","content":"Whitianga is a town on the Coromandel Peninsula, in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. The town is located on Mercury Bay, on the northeastern coast of the peninsula. The town has a permanent population of 6,160 as of June 2020, making it the second-largest town on the Coromandel Peninsula behind Thames.\n\nThis drive will eventually lead you to Whale Island, where you will conclude this journey. Drive safe!!"}]}]