# Coromandel Forest Park

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Protected area of New Zealand

Coromandel Forest Park Coromandel Forest Park, west towards Firth of Thames Coromandel Forest Park Location Waikato Region, New Zealand Nearest city Tauranga Coordinates 37°01′32″S 175°39′51″E / 37.0254308°S 175.6640365°E / -37.0254308; 175.6640365 Area 71,899 hectares (177,670 acres) Established 1971 Governing body Department of Conservation

**Coromandel Forest Park** is a [protected area](/source/Protected_area) and [conservation park](/source/Conservation_parks_of_New_Zealand) administered by the [Department of Conservation](/source/New_Zealand_Department_of_Conservation), covering 71,899 hectares of the [Coromandel Peninsula](/source/Coromandel_Peninsula), in the [Thames Coromandel District](/source/Thames_Coromandel_District) of the [Waikato Region](/source/Waikato_Region).[1]

It consists of hills and valleys covered in dense native bush.[2] One of the valleys, Kauaeranga Valley, also includes several swimming holes.[3]

The park borders the holiday resort town of [Whangamatā](/source/Whangamat%C4%81).[4]

## History

### Early history

The forest park began as the Crosbies Settlement, an isolated group of five lots farmed by European settlers Thomas and Agnes Crosbie. The lots were only accessible by foot, horseback or [horse-drawn vehicle](/source/Horse-drawn_vehicle). The lots were sold to another family in 1917, who had abandoned by the land by 1926. Other attempts to farm the land were unsuccessful, and bush had reclaimed the cleared land by the 1960s.[5]

In 1970 and 1971, the lots were incorporated into the newly established Coromandel Forest Park.[1] A remaining woolshed was used as a trampers' hut until it blew down in the late 1980s.[5]

### Modern history

The Department of Conservation built new huts in the park in 2010.[5]

A canyoner was airlifted out of the park in October 2019 following a fall.[6]

In January 2021, the Department of Conservation expressed concerns about the scale of illegal dumping of rubbish in the Coromandel Forest Park, including in waterways.[7]

Drone photography taken in June 2021 indicated possums were causing "top down" collapse in the Papakai block of the forest, while pest control was protecting native [rātā](/source/Metrosideros) trees in other parts of the park.[8][9]

## Mining

Wharekirauponga Forest, in the southern part of the park, was initially rejected as a gold-mining site in the 1980s, but further exploration drilling from 2005 onwards suggested it could be viable as a gold-mining site.[10]

[OceanaGold](/source/OceanaGold) purchased mining interest in 2016.[10] It found gold and silver in the area in February 2019,[11] and formally applied for a mining permit in May 2019.[12]

An anti-mining group, Coromandel Watchdog, claims the area should be protected from gold mining because the bush has high ecological value, priority ecosystems, threatened species and the headwater of a major catchment.[10] It claims mining would also destroy an important habitat of the endangered [Archey's Frog](/source/Archey's_Frog).[13] Former MP [Catherine Delahunty](/source/Catherine_Delahunty) has been involved in protests against mining Coromandel Forest Park.[14]

## See also

- [Conservation parks of New Zealand](/source/Conservation_parks_of_New_Zealand)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-snathan_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-snathan_1-1) Nathan, Simon. ["Conservation – a history - A background issue, 1908–1965"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/table/13914/national-and-conservation-parks). *[Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand](/source/Te_Ara_-_the_Encyclopedia_of_New_Zealand)*. [Ministry for Culture and Heritage](/source/Ministry_for_Culture_and_Heritage).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ehughes_2-0)** Hughes, Eleanor (19 July 2021). ["Exploring Coromandel Peninsula's remote coastal walkway"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/the-coromandel/300348035/exploring-coromandel-peninsulas-remote-coastal-walkway). [stuff.co.nz](/source/Stuff.co.nz). Stuff Travel.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-swimmingholes_3-0)** Thornber, Lorna (15 December 2020). ["Six of New Zealand's best hidden swimming holes"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/experiences/water-sports/300184154/six-of-new-zealands-best-hidden-swimming-holes). [stuff.co.nz](/source/Stuff.co.nz). Stuff Travel.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bestbeach_4-0)** ["New Zealand's Best Beach: The finalists revealed in our quest for the perfect beach"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/new-zealands-best-beach-the-finalists-revealed-in-our-quest-for-the-perfect-beach/64XEQI4HVYZPU4MDD44NYMGNFU/). [New Zealand Media and Entertainment](/source/New_Zealand_Media_and_Entertainment). [Herald on Sunday](/source/The_New_Zealand_Herald#Herald_on_Sunday). 17 January 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-serenity_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-serenity_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-serenity_5-2) Hughes, Eleanor (3 November 2020). ["Finding serenity in the Coromandel Range"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/go-nz-a-weekend-hiking-trip-in-the-coromandel-ranges/U3CLOB3NPBD6ZKZT7WFNCGVEYI/). [New Zealand Media and Entertainment](/source/New_Zealand_Media_and_Entertainment). [New Zealand Herald](/source/New_Zealand_Herald).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-vmolyneux_6-0)** Molyneux, Vita (27 October 2019). ["Canonyer airlifted out of Coromandel Forest Park after falling 10 metres"](https://web.archive.org/web/20191106023302/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/10/canonyer-airlifted-out-of-coromandel-forest-park-after-falling-10-metres.html). [MediaWorks New Zealand](/source/MediaWorks_New_Zealand). [Newshub](/source/Newshub). Archived from [the original](https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/10/canonyer-airlifted-out-of-coromandel-forest-park-after-falling-10-metres.html) on November 6, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-dumpingin_7-0)** Preston, Nikki (30 January 2021). ["Dumping in paradise: The efforts people go to avoid tip fees"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dumping-in-paradise-the-efforts-people-go-to-avoid-tip-fees/527RXQGJJHQB6SANBZ4F7KE3HQ/). [New Zealand Media and Entertainment](/source/New_Zealand_Media_and_Entertainment). [New Zealand Herald](/source/New_Zealand_Herald).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-spotdifference_8-0)** ["Spot the difference - photos of Coromandel forest reveal impact of possums and pest control"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300328169/spot-the-difference--photos-of-coromandel-forest-reveal-impact-of-possums-and-pest-control). [stuff.co.nz](/source/Stuff.co.nz). [Waikato Times](/source/Waikato_Times). 9 June 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-possums_9-0)** ["Possums in Coromandel Forest destroy native trees and wildlife"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/news/possums-in-coromandel-forest-destroy-native-trees-and-wildlife/L4XZRC7VYUUTB46FWFVNDMPM3M/). [New Zealand Media and Entertainment](/source/New_Zealand_Media_and_Entertainment). Waikato News. 15 June 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-shope_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-shope_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-shope_10-2) Hope, Sharnae (9 December 2020). ["Tunnel plan under conservation land raises ire of anti-mining group"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/300173519/tunnel-plan-under-conservation-land-raises-ire-of-antimining-group). [stuff.co.nz](/source/Stuff.co.nz). [Waikato Times](/source/Waikato_Times).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-gpiddock-feb2019_11-0)** Piddock, Gerald (27 February 2019). ["Gold and silver found on conservation land in Coromandel"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/business/110876397/gold-and-silver-found-on-conservation-land-in-coromandel). [stuff.co.nz](/source/Stuff.co.nz). [Waikato Times](/source/Waikato_Times).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-gpiddock-may2019_12-0)** Piddock, Gerald (13 May 2019). ["OceanaGold applies for mining permit in the Coromandel Forest Park"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/112667479/oceanagold-applies-for-mining-permit-in-the-coromandel-forest-park). [stuff.co.nz](/source/Stuff.co.nz). [Waikato Times](/source/Waikato_Times).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-asmith_13-0)** Smith, Allison (11 May 2019). ["OceanaGold applies to mine under conservation land on Coromandel Peninsula"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/oceanagold-applies-to-mine-under-conservation-land-on-coromandel-peninsula/3Q7W7V4OAHKWIFAWSQQ5B32R2A/). [New Zealand Media and Entertainment](/source/New_Zealand_Media_and_Entertainment). [Bay of Plenty Times](/source/Bay_of_Plenty_Times).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-asmithprotests_14-0)** Smith, Allison (14 September 2018). ["Coromandel group protest against mining on DoC land block road"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/coromandel-group-protest-against-mining-on-doc-land-block-road/Q2J2VFNUY4P4HDCHUPHPDDAANI/). [New Zealand Media and Entertainment](/source/New_Zealand_Media_and_Entertainment). [Bay of Plenty Times](/source/Bay_of_Plenty_Times).

v t e Protected areas of New Zealand Conservation parks Ahuriri Aorangi Aotea Catlins Coromandel Craigieburn Eyre Mountains/Taka Ra Haka Hakatere Hāwea Hanmer Kaimai Mamaku Kaimanawa Kaweka Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia Korowai / Torlesse Tussocklands Lake Sumner Mavora Lakes Mount Richmond Northland North-west Nelson Oteake Pirongia Pureora Remutaka Ruahine Raukumara Ruataniwha Tararua Te Kahui Kaupeka Te Papanui Victoria Whakarewarewa Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Ecological islands Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Bushy Park Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Orokonui Ecosanctuary Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Zealandia Government purpose reserves Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve Pukaha / Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre Historic reserves Hāpūpū / J M Barker Maungauika / North Head Puhi Kai Iti / Cook Landing Site Stony Batter Te Kuri a Paoa/Young Nick's Head Marine reserves Akaroa Auckland Islands Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Hautai Hawea (Clio Rocks) Hikurangi Horoirangi Kahukura (Gold Arm) Kahurangi Kapiti Kermadec Islands Kutu Parera (Gaer Arm) Long Bay-Okura Long Island-Kokomohua Moana Uta (Wet Jacket Arm) Motu Manawa-Pollen Island Moutere Hauriri / Bounty Islands Moutere Ihupuku / Campbell Island Moutere Mahue / Antipodes Island Parininihi Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Pōhatu Poor Knights Islands Punakaiki Taipari Roa (Elizabeth Island) Tapuae Taputeranga Taumoana (Five Finger Peninsula) Tauparikākā Tāwharanui Te Angiangi Te Awaatu Channel (The Gut) Te Hapua (Sutherland Sound) Te Matuku Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) Te Tapuwae o Hua (Long Sound) Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Tonga Island Tuhua (Mayor Island) Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Waiau Glacier Coast Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Whangarei Harbour National parks Current Abel Tasman Aoraki / Mount Cook Arthur's Pass Egmont Fiordland Kahurangi Mount Aspiring Nelson Lakes Paparoa Rakiura Tongariro Westland Tai Poutini Whanganui Former Te Urewera National reserves Hāpūpū / J M Barker Lewis Pass Puhi Kai Iti / Cook Landing Site Subantarctic Islands Te Kuri a Paoa/Young Nick's Head Recreation reserves Bastion Point Otago Central Rail Trail Truby King Recreation Reserve Regional parks Akatarawa Ambury Ashley Rakahuri Ātiu Creek Auckland Botanic Gardens Āwhitu Battle Hill Farm Belmont Duder East Harbour Ferrymead Glenfern Sanctuary Hunua Ranges Kaitoke Lake Tekapo Long Bay Mahurangi Motukorea Browns Island Muriwai Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Ōmana Onekawa Te Mawhai Orere Point Pākiri Pakuratahi Papamoa Hills Queen Elizabeth Scandrett Shakespear Tāpapakanga Tāwharanui Tawhitokino Te Ārai Te Muri Te Rau Pūriri Waharau Waimakariri River Wainuiomata Regional Park Waitākere Ranges Waitawa Wenderholm Whakanewha Whakatīwai Scenic reserves Alice Eaves Reserve Bruce Park Bushy Beach Goldie Bush Peel Forest Park Percy Tokatoka Waro Limestone Wetlands Awarua Wetland Farewell Spit Firth of Thames Kopuatai Peat Dome Manawatū Estuary Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve Wairarapa Moana Whangamarino Other areas Fensham Reserve Hutt Water Collection Area Northern Pegasus Bay Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Whitireia Other Amenity area Ecological area Sanctuary area Stewardship area Wilderness area Wildlife management area

v t e Thames-Coromandel District, New Zealand Seat: Thames Populated places Coromandel-Colville Ward Cape Colville Colville Coromandel Kennedy Bay Manaia Motutakapu Mercury Bay Ward Cooks Beach Coroglen Hahei Hot Water Beach Kūaotunu Matarangi New Chums Beach Otama Beach Rings Beach Te Rerenga Whangapoua Whenuakite Whitianga Thames Ward Hikutaia Kauaeranga Valley Kopu Matatoki Ngarimu Bay Puriri Tapu Te Mata Te Puru Thames Thornton Bay Waiomu South West Ward Whangamatā C.B. Onemana Opoutere Whangamata Tairua-Pauanui C.B. Hikuai Pauanui Tairua Islands Aldermen Islands Castle Island Mahurangi Island / Goat Island Mercury Islands Motueka Island / Pigeon Island Motukawao Islands Poikeke Island Slipper Island Whanganui Island Geographic features Cape Colville Castle Rock Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui-A-Hei Colville Channel Firth of Thames Hauraki Gulf Kauaeranga Valley Mercury Bay Moehau Range Thames Valley Whangapoua Harbour Facilities and attractions Coromandel Forest Park Driving Creek Railway Hauraki Rail Trail Kopu Bridge Pauanui Aerodrome Siamese Kauri Square Kauri Thames Aerodrome Thames railway station Thames School of Mines Whangamata Beach Hop Whitianga Aerodrome Whitianga Festival of Speed Government District Council Mayor Regional Council Organisations The Mercury Bay Informer Ngāti Rongoū Thames High School

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Coromandel Forest Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coromandel_Forest_Park) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coromandel_Forest_Park?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.