The breathtaking Coromandel region

The Coromandel region.

Alison Zavos

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THE scenic splendour of the country remains unchallenged.

I speak from experience, not just as an ex-pat Kiwi now living in Austin, but as someone who recently tramped across a particularly beautiful stretch of land in the North Island's Coromandel region.

I emerged out of it all a little fitter, a little less harried, and with one word reverberating around my mind: breathtaking. Actually, make that two words: inspiring.

Yes, this is a part of the world that is truly inspiring.

Thank you to our hosts at Coromandel Coastal Walkway, who were the perfect companion to a memorable experience where we took in lush green hills framed by crystal clear water and more than a scattering of inquisitive, albeit skittish, sheep.

Now, if only every place could be so, well, picturesque.

>> Read more cool travel stories at Lost at E Minor.