The Coromandel Peninsula is an enchanting area, located on the east coast of the North Island in New Zealand. Over the years it has for good reason brought millions of tourists, travelers, artists and nature lovers on their feet. This beautiful area is just a 2.5 hour drive from Auckland. Put the activities below on your bucketlist for Coromandel. You can see all of them in about 2 days!
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1. Explore Cathedral Cove by (speed)boat or kayak
Cathedral Cove is really one of the iconic attractions in the north of New Zealand and an absolute must-visit in The Coromandel. The Cathedral Cove is at the time of writing only accessible by boat, kayak or water taxi. Cathedral Cove is a popular tourist destination, with 300,000 visitors annually. Many people stay in Hahei when they visit Cathedral Cove.
Attention: at the time of writing (early 2024) it is not possible to walk to Cathedral Cove.
I wrote a separate blog earlier about Cathedral Cove and why you should visit it too!
2. Dive into the Waiau Falls
The Waiau Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located at the edge of the Waiau Kauri Grove. The waterfall drops a few meters, but is especially very beautiful because of the surroundings. You really have the feeling that you have ended up in a tropical place.
You can read more about it in my blog about Waiau Kauri Grove!
3. Walk the Kauri Grove Lookout Walk
One and a half kilometers past the Waiau waterfall, a walking path takes you to the most accessible and mature kauri trees on the peninsula. The forest contains a ‘siamese’ kauri that branches just above the ground. This is truly a beautiful walk and also very easy to do!
You can read more about it in my blog about Waiau Kauri Grove!
4. Enjoy the hot springs at Hot Water Beach
Another magical place on the Coromandel Peninsula is Hot Water Beach. The beach is known for its unique geothermal activities, causing natural hot springs to bubble under the sand. The best time to visit Hot Water Beach is two hours before or after the tide.
Dig your own hot water pool on the beach, where natural hot springs bubble under the sand. And even if you don’t want to dig, it’s a fun sight to see others doing it! The water is really hot when it comes out of the ground. The coast is to mix this with colder seawater.
Tips for Hot Water Beach
- Pay attention to the tides. The ideal time for Hot Water Beach is two hours before or after the tide. You can find this online, but you can also ask at your hotel or B&B
- Bring a shovel. Otherwise digging will still be difficult. I felt a bit awkward about sitting in someone else’s hot pool.
- Choose the right parking lot. Unfortunately the phenomenon of paid parking has also reached Hot Water Beach. This works on a camera system, so make sure you pay. However you can also park for free at the first parking lot. This one is amusingly called the Middle Car Park (Google Maps). You just have to walk a bit longer.
5. Visit one of the Coromandel villages
Usually I am not a fan of cities or villages. Especially not in New Zealand. Often they are practical: you can do groceries, refuel or grab something to eat. In Coromandel you will probably read in many blogs that the villages are very nice. Personally I found that a bit disappointing.
Do you still want to stop at a place that really feels authentic? Villages like Coromandel Town and Whitianga are charming and authentic. In Coromandel Town you will find historical buildings in Victorian style, nice restaurants and art shops.
Thames town is also an option. Thames is the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula. Once this was one of the largest places in New Zealand, because this was the trading place for kauri wood and gold. You can still see this history in the architecture of the buildings, in the museums but also in the pubs. The Historical Museum gives a picture of what it was like here during the gold rush era.
6. Take a walk to the Pinnacles
For the adventurous walkers, a trek to the Pinnacles is a must. Located in the Coromandel Forest Park, this walk offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the coast. Reach the top and be rewarded with breathtaking vistas that are more than worth the effort.
The Coromandel Forest Park covers a large part of the peninsula and offers more than 30 beautiful walking routes. The Kauaeranga Valley, a forested area in the park, is particularly popular with walkers. Here you will also find the Waiau Kauri Grove and Waiau Falls that I mentioned earlier. For adventurous walkers, a trek to the Pinnacles is a must.
We skipped the Pinnacles because we read mixed reviews anyway. But so the choice is yours whether you go that way. There are easier places to enjoy the beautiful views.
7. Visit one of the historical gold mines of Coromandel
Do you want to take in a piece of history? Discover the rich gold history of Coromandel by visiting the historical gold mines. Take a tour through the abandoned mine shafts and learn about the gold rush that once swept the region. Also a fun activity with children!
8. Stop at one of the many Scenic Lookout points
There are quite a few beautiful spots to stop along the way. From the beautiful coastlines to one of the high points of the island. My favorite you can find in the north of Coromandel. For that you can use this spot on Google Maps.
In addition, especially the west coast is a guarantee for beautiful views. Here you drive right along the sea with your car! If you are looking for a lunch spot on the way… this is where you want to stop.
Optional: New Chums Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches
New Chums Beach is considered one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. You will find – just like at Cathedral Cove – beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. The walk to New Chums Beach is about 30 minutes from the parking lot and takes you over rocks and through a jungle. New Chums Beach is reachable via Whangapoua, on the north side of the beach.
However, you really need to wear good shoes when you come here. Because you literally walk over the rocky shore of the beach to get here. We quickly turned back, because we wanted to keep our ankles intact for the rest of the vacation.
Whether you choose adventurous activities like kayaking and walking, a visit to historical gold mines or relaxing at hot springs, Coromandel offers a wide range of experiences. The combination of natural beauty, rich history and fun activities make this region a destination that exceeds expectations. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful beaches and breathtaking vistas that Coromandel has to offer. Have fun on your trip to this magical peninsula in New Zealand!
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