The Coromandel Peninsula is a stretch of land that seperates the Pacific Ocean and the Hauraki Gulf. Its Eastern Shores have some of the countries most popular golden sand beaches.The drive from Thames to Corromandel along the Firth of Thames is a lovely drive especially when the pohutukawa trees are in bloom around December.Less than two hours from Auckland the Coromandel area is one of the busiest tourist spots in the summer months.