The
Coromandel Peninsula on the
North Island of
New Zealand extends 85 kilometres north from the western end of the
Bay of Plenty, forming a natural barrier to protect the
Hauraki Gulf and the
Firth of Thames in the west from the
Pacific Ocean to the east. At its broadest point, it is 40 kilometres wide. Almost the entire population lies on the narrow strips along the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty coasts. In fine weather the peninsula is clearly visible from
Auckland, the country's biggest city, which lies on the far shore of the Hauraki Gulf, 55 kilometres to the west. The peninsula is part of the local government areas of
Thames-Coromandel District and the
Waikato Region.