The Coromandel is an area north of the Bay of Plenty on the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its pristine beaches, cloud forests and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy nature here while going on boat or kayak tours, on walking routes, whiling snorkelling or diving, or go out on your own to beautiful beaches or caves. There is also a town called Coromandel in the area.
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Must see & do
Hot Water Beach
What could be more fun than sitting in a natural hot spring? Being in one that you dug out yourself of course! At the Hot Water Beach it is possible, but only 2 hours before and after low tide because during that period the water can float to the surface in your self-dug pool. If you don’t have your own shovel with you, you can rent one from local cafes. Next to the Hot Water beach is an endless stretch of beach with secluded places where you can enjoy the area in peace. Read more about hot springs in New Zealand.
Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove is one of the most photographed spots on New Zealand’s North Island and for good reasons. It is about an hour’s walk from Hahei Beach. Once at Cathedral Cove you will see a gigantic arch-shaped cave in a white rock. Walking through it will take you to two secluded bays, perfect spots for a picnic or a swim. Close to Cathedral Cove is the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, a great spot for surfing and diving.
Coromandel Coastal Walkway
One of the most spectacular coastal walks in New Zealand is The Coromandel Coastal Walkway. This is a relatively easy hike that takes about 3.5 hours one way. You can start and end the walk in Stony Bay or Fletchers Bay. This walk takes you along beautiful beaches, beautiful nature, several bays and you see islands in the distance. This route can also be done by bicycle.
Whenuakura Island – Donut Island
Whenuakura Island has a beautiful turquoise lagoon at its center, which is surrounded by native fauna and flora. This laguna originated on the site of a large collapsed volcanic blowhole. Due to its shape, the island is called Donut Island by the locals. This island can be reached by canoes or sup boards.
The Pinnacles Walk
One of the most popular two-day hikes in New Zealand is in the Coromandel. This is the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, also called the Pinnacles Walk. This hike takes you through lush forests to the top of the Pinnacles. The hike can be done in one day by experienced hikers, but it is recommended to do it in two days so that you can see the sunrise from the top. The view from the top is fantastic in itself, but with a beautiful sunrise it is unbelievably spectacular! You can spend the night in the Pinnacles Hut, but book in time as it books out quickly.
Coromandel Town
The village is known for its charming mix of Victorian architecture, beaches and forests. It is a quiet village and a great place for artists, so there are many galleries and crafty shops. Coromandel Town used to be a mining village and they still have a mining museum where you can learn everything about gold and where you can also wash gold yourself. Another attraction is the Driving Creek Railway, this is a tram that takes you to EyeFull Tower, which is a tower 167 meters above water level and gives you a beautiful view over the Coromandel area in New Zealand. During the tram ride you will learn about life in the village and how the tram was made, you will also see many cool attractions and landscapes along the way.
Excursions
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- Waitomo caves
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- Milford Sound cruises
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- Skydive Queenstown
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- Maori cultural evening
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- Zealandia Wellington
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- Hobbiton
Accommodation
Most accommodation in the Coromandel can be found in the village of Coromandel, but in Whitianga and Tairua you will also find accommodation. Whitianga is close to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Tairua is closer to the Pinnacles. Campsites are scattered in the area.
Anchor lodge – motel/hostel – Coromandel dorp – €
This property is classified as a motel, but its is more of a hostel. They have shared rooms with bunk beds, as well as cheaper private rooms. Everyone shares the kitchen and toilets. Here you can enjoy a heated outdoor pool and hot tub in both summer and winter. This motel is a few minutes ‘walk from the village center and about 5 minutes’ drive from the Driving Creek Railway. Click here for more information.
Tidewater tourist park – motel + hostel – Coromandel dorp – €
This tourist park offers several accommodation options, they have a motel, a hostel, but also camper and tent places. It is located in the heart of the city center and is easily accessible by public transport. The hostel has women’s and men’s dorms. All dorms share a living room and garden, from where you can watch the sunset. If you stay here you can rent a bike for free, which makes it even easier to explore the area. Click here for more information.
Hot water beach top 10 holiday park – camping – hot water beach – €/€€
This campsite is located near the Hot water beach. Just like the other top 10 holiday parks in New Zealand, this campsite offers different types of rooms, but also camping spots. They provide rooms for 2 to 9 people. The more people, the cheaper it is per person. This campsite has play areas for children, a basketball court and a giant chess board. Some rooms have a private bathroom and kitchen, the other guests can use the shared bathrooms and kitchens. Click here for more information.
Waterfront apartments – appartementen – Whitianga – €€
These apartments can be found on the Coromandel coast in Whitianga, a few minutes’ walk from the village center. All apartments overlook the water and most have a balcony or terrace. Next to these apartments are the Lost Spring geothermal pools, where you will get a 10% discount when staying in these apartments. All rooms have a kitchenette and some have a full kitchen. Rooms are available for 2, 3 or 4 people. Click here for more information.
Paku Lodge Resort – Resort – Tairua – €€
This resort is beautifully situated on the Esplanade and overlooks Tairua Harbor. All rooms have their own cooking facilities, a bathroom and a balcony with a view over the harbour. The resort has different rooms for different prices, but they are affordable, especially for what you get. If you stay here you can even make use use of the free BBQ facilities, kayaks and bicycles. Click here for more information.
Holiday homes – €/€€/€€€
The Coromandel is a great place to stay in a holiday home. There are many here in great locations. Take a look at the options here.
Getting there
Coromandel Town is just over 2 hours’ drive from Auckland, 2.5 hours’ drive from Tauranga and almost 3 hours’ drive from Rotorua. There are Intercity buses from the major cities to Coromandel Town, but if you want to travel through The Coromandel without a car, you will mainly have to use shuttle buses to get to the sights. There is one airport at The Coromandel, in Whitianga, but this is a very small airport and is mainly used by private pilots, but in the summer there are flights to Auckland twice a week from here. The nearest major airports are Auckland and Tauranga. Another option is to take the ferry from Auckland, which takes about two hours and is a very scenic route. Many excursions are also offered from Auckland to this area, have a look at that here.
Day trips
Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty is south of The Coromandel about 2 hours’ drive away. Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and is a wonderful coastal town where you can sail, fish, watch dolphins, take boat trips and even dive. A ten minute drive from Tauranga is Mount Maunganui, this is a popular surfing spot with a wonderful atmosphere. Mount Maunganui has been crowned New Zealand’s best beach and is in the top 25 of best beaches in the world. The mountain can also be climbed for beautiful views. Read more about the Bay of Plenty here.