Coromandel

A picture-perfect patch of sand

From Hahei, it’s a stunning hour-and-a-half return walk along the coastline down to Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-A-Hei. As you emerge on the beach, stunning sea cliffs greet you, as well as the most perfect arch framing the stunning beach and Te Hoho, a dramatic limestone pinnacle. Beautiful pōhutukawa trees linger above on the cliffs, and it’s the perfect spot for a day trip and a swim. From the northern end of Hahei Beach to Cook Bluff Scenic Reserve is a marine reserve. And it’s never been a better time to visit. Read more

Splashing good fun

Scattered around two hectares of native bush along the Waiau River, The Waterworks is a collection of quirky and crazy water-powered contraptions that are heaps of fun for everyone to watch and, even better, to operate. Who wouldn't want to listen to a tune played on old knives by a perforated oil drum spurting water? Or watch a skeletal metal man endlessly ride a bike in a pond? Or have a mini boat-race, or turn handles to operate a squirt gun that, if you're energetic enough, might sprinkle a real live chicken? There's a lot of squirting to be done here, lots of it competitive, all of it thoroughly wetting. Read more

Walk or cycle a historic gorge

The winding Ohinemuri River cuts through between the Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges, forming a narrow, steeply-sided gorge that's followed by SH2 as it links Paeroa with Waihī. The East Coast Main Trunk Railway used to run through this way too, over three bridges and through a kilometre-long tunnel; but now the line has been converted to the Hauraki Rail Trail. You can hike, or cycle, the whole length of the Karangahake Gorge, or just do a taster. As well as bush, river, glowworms and waterfalls, there's a lot of history here. Read more

Holiday like a celebrity in the peninsula

With its world-class beaches and laid-back vibes, it’s no wonder Coromandel is such a popular escape for many of New Zealand’s more famous faces. TV stars, radio hosts, singers – you’ll spot all kinds of Kiwi celebs spending their holidays here. When asked to share what they love about Coromandel, and their favourite spots, we uncovered hidden gem beaches, must-visit pizzerias, and campgrounds to beat all other campgrounds. Read more

Hike to NZ's most popular hut

This popular tramp has it all for a weekend’s achievement: a decent walk through bush, waterfalls, and some moderately challenging climbing, all with the reward of long views plus, if you time it right, some spectacular sunrise/sunset action. The Pinnacles rise out of the surrounding bush to a height of 759 metres, from where you get a glorious 360-degree view from coast to coast and over the sea and Hauraki Plains. The return trip will take about eight hours, but the best option is to stay overnight near the summit in the Department of Conservation hut. Read more

Brilliant ways to get out on the water

With more than 400 kilometres of coastline and over 100 offshore islands, Coromandel is a watery playground overflowing with opportunities. From Cook Bluff to the northern end of Hahei Beach lies the Te Whanganui-A-Hei marine reserve, where snorkelers and swimmers can catch a glimpse of sea life up close. The waters beneath Aldermen and Mercury Islands reveal even more underwater experiences. In between, there are plenty of ways to get out and about on the water, from fishing charters and surfing lessons to glass-bottom boats and a thrilling banana ride to the region’s most popular attraction. Read more

Paeroa's soft drink selfie-magnet

Towering overhead at around seven metres high, Paeroa's iconic brown bottle with its bold yellow label is solidly made from concrete rings and was intended as a feature for promoting the town. It has performed this function splendidly well and must have been photographed millions of times since it was built back in 1969. It now stands, in a curve of lemon trees, in Ohinemuri Reserve. Although there’s a lot more to this town than the famous L&P bottle, it’s an obligatory stop for every visitor. Read more

The hidden lagoon accessible by kayak

Whenuakura is an outwardly ordinary-looking little island, one of a small cluster just off the coast of Whangamatā – but it hides a delightful secret. What appears to be a solid, steep-sided lump of rock less than a kilometre offshore, topped by a velvety blanket of vegetation, is actually a collapsed volcanic blow hole in the form of a ring. Conveniently, there is a dark, echoing, 12-metre-high tunnel on one side, which allows kayakers to slip through into a tiny open-air lagoon. The water is turquoise and clear, you can see right to the bottom, and hear the birdsong as you bob quietly on your kayak. Read more

Coromandel's secret summer roadie

Those of us who have been lucky enough to spend a summer in Coromandel know the winding coastal roads are often jammed with traffic. But there is a mysterious road that crosses the spiny backbone of the Coromandel Peninsula that few people know about. It's simply called 309 Road, and it's 21 kilometres of fascinating scenery that links Coromandel Town to Whitianga crossing the jungle-like hinterland of Coromandel Peninsula. The road is seriously bendy and in places very narrow. Read more

The world-class dive spot you've never heard of

About an hour’s boat ride from Whitianga lies a collection of volcanic islands which are home to a vast collection of marine species. Unless you’re a scuba diver, there’s a good chance you might not know about the Aldermen Islands (Ruamaahu), let alone what lies beneath. The waters surrounding these ocean skyscrapers are protected from run-off from the mainland, resulting in excellent clarity. Dive Zone Whitianga runs trips out on its 12-metre dive vessel. On the journey you'll pass the famous Cathedral Cove and Gemstone Bay before venturing below to see blue maomao, eagle rays and curious damselfish. Read more

More than just a gateway town

An hour-and-a-half south-east of Auckland, Thames for many is a town to go through on the way to somewhere on the Coromandel Peninsula. Formed in 1873 with the amalgamation of the gold mining towns of Shortland and Grahamstown, in the late 1800s, it was New Zealand’s second-largest city. It’s home to a whole lot of gold mining history and architecture from that era. There’s plenty to do to fill in several days. If, you stay for under 24 hours, make sure it’s on a Saturday or Sunday, when most of Thames’ gold mining attractions are open. Read more

Coromandel's beautiful Garden of Eden

Around 20 minutes from Thames, you'll find a 64-acre Garden of Eden that has been decades in the making. The magnificent Rapaura Watergardens has an enchanting walk that passes a vast lake of water lilies, then weaves up through lush native forest to a waterfall known as the ‘The Seven Stairs to Heaven'. Take a picnic lunch and lose track of time in this pristine wilderness. Best of all, there's no cellphone reception – so here, the only thing to connect with is nature. Read more

The North Island's most underrated town

Have you ever driven right through Paeroa? State Highway 2 runs right through the centre of the small town out the outskirts of Coromandel, and thousands of people just keep going. Have a good look around and you'll find spectacular short walks through old gold mining tunnels, inventive food creations with an L&P twist, and cafés that would rival the best in our big cities. Read more

A date with the seabirds

Tucked near the bottom of the Firth of Thames are more than 8000 hectares of inter-tidal flats that are prime real estate for many species of shorebird. While you can see flocks of bar-tailed godwits on inter-tidal flats elsewhere around the country, at Miranda the gatherings are exceptionally big. Here you will see not just many thousands of them, but such a wide variety of other species too that the Shorebird Centre is a magnet for both dedicated twitchers, and anyone open to be awed by bird numbers, diversity and sheer tenacity. Read more

A Kiwi-made mountain railway

Just three kilometres north of Coromandel Town, set into lush regenerating native bush is New Zealand's only mountain railway and its steepest track climbing up to a lookout 173 metres above sea level. Driving Creek was hand-built by famous potter and painter Barry Brickell, and zigzags its way up the hillside on a narrow-gauge track through three tunnels, over five viaducts and bridges, around two spirals, along five switchbacks and past a churning water wheel. Read more

New Zealand's little slice of Bali

The golden shores of Waihī Beach, and its relaxed seaside village, are just a few hours from Auckland. The town’s main nine-kilometre surf beach feels like Mt Maunganui 30 years ago – it’s beautiful, never too busy, and has a relaxed friendly atmosphere. You'll also find a scenic coastal walk at the northern end of the beach; in just 45 minutes you'll reach the splendid isolation of Orokawa Bay. Once you’re done in the water, head to the beachfront Flatwhite Cafe; the food is as good as the atmosphere. Read more

The little museum packed full of exhibits

Whitianga's Mercury Bay Museum is housed in an old dairy factory, but the site was first used as a cemetery by the local Ngāti Hei iwi. It is also linked with the sinking of HMS Buffalo in 1840. In the museum you’ll learn all about this ship’s colourful story and its tragic end, along with more local history. It’s all here: Māori exploration and settlement, Kupe and Captain Cook, the trade in kauri timber and gum, farming and fishing, the role of women in the pioneer days, and why it’s called Mercury Bay. Read more

Getting crafty in Coromandel

Hop to it and head out on a craft beer crawl of the Coromandel Peninsula. In Kūaotunu, nano-brewery Blue Fridge pours hoppy pale ale and refreshing seasonal releases out of Luke's Kitchen. Coromandel Brewing Company's The Pour House in Hahei is the spot to enjoy pizza with house-brewed Czech-style pilsner, spiced apple cider or a tasting flight. Hot Water Brewing's taproom is tucked away near the entrance to the Seabreeze Holiday Park at Whenuakite. Their ‘Kauri Falls’ pale ale is one of their most popular beers, but other approachable drops include the lager and IPA. Read more

A unique take on battered fish

Dining oceanside at Whitianga’s Stoked restaurant you can't miss the seafood meals. The restaurant has a strong focus on local produce and suppliers, while guests can enjoy dining in a relaxed seaside setting. The green-lipped mussels are incredible, served in drinkable Thai coconut sauce, but the fish and chips will really blow you away. The fish of the day comes encased in the lightest, most delightful batter — crispy not crunchy, not in the slightest bit greasy, and light in both colour and in texture. The secret is a simple gluten-free recipe. Read more

The frozen treat to feed a family

What does $9 of ice cream buy you? Well, in Auckland, if you waltz into a glitzy gelateria, you'll probably get a single scoop for $9. Just a few hundred kilometres away, on a remote part of the Coromandel Peninsula, you'll find the tiny town of Kūaotunu. Here, you get ten balls of ice cream on a double cone for $9 – it’s called the Kūaotunu Killer and it's enough to feed a family. You get to pick five different flavours, but the biggest challenge is devouring it all before the Coromandel sun does. Read more

Where to have a sundae session

Ice cream and coastal regions are a natural pairing. It’s only logical in summer when something sweet and cooling is the perfect tonic for ever-rising temperatures — although Kiwis will happily indulge any time of the year. There are some great parlours to get your fix in Coromandel. Little 'Lato's outpost in Hahei scoops creative flavours like peanut butter chocolate and mango lassi, while All Things Organic is your go-to for real fruit ice cream. Read more

Paeroa's perfect pies

Paeroa is, of course, best known for being the birthplace of L&P. However, there's a new kid on the block that is stealing a bit of attention. Providence Pantry has just opened on the town's main street, and it's run by chef Rensha Bouwer who was recently in charge of the kitchen at popular Waiheke vineyard restaurant Casita Miro. The pies here are overflowing with flavour. The mince and cheese is the hot favourite, and the chicken and bacon is also unmissable. Read more

First-class spots for brunch

Kick off your day with a hearty brunch in the Coromandel Peninsula's best cafés. There's definitely a hint of Australia's second-largest city in the cosmopolitan décor of the spacious Cafe Melbourne in Thames' historic Grahamstown district. The cilbir (Turkish eggs) at Wharf Road Cafe in Coromandel Town are a great way to start the day, and a popular brunch favourite at the versatile Port Road Project in Whangamatā is the pytti panna, a Swedish-style breakfast fry-up. Read more

Onion rings made with fizzy drink

Paeroa is best known as the spot where Lemon and Paeroa (today known as L&P) was created in 1907. The small town is having something of an L&P revival, but this time, it's in food. There’s still an L&P Cafe in town where you can try heaps of crazy creations. How about eggs benedict with L&P hollandaise, L&P flavoured pork ribs, or L&P chicken salad? The L&P onion rings are another oddball pairing — they're crunchy, salty and sweet. Read more

Must-try foodie experiences

Homegrown and hand-crafted goods reign supreme in the Coromandel. Cathedral Cove Macadamias is where visitors can take a self-guided orchard tour and stock up on dark chocolate coated macadamias, nut butter and honey; The Cheese Barn is a certified organic and award-winning cheese shop and café in Matatoki; plus Coromandel Distilling Company is an experimental micro-distillery with creations ranging from an electric blue dry gin to an Old Tom-style drop aged in mānuka. Read more

A tiny house bush escape

Serenity Retreat has is everything you need in a tiny house. Set in its own valley, nestled against a hillside of native bush, it's perhaps best described as an off-grid Art Deco Lego house — there's just solar power for lights and to charge your phone. With a boardwalk bridge to the entrance, it almost feels like a tiny tree house. The retreat is set on an 80-acre lifestyle block near Tairua, just two-hours from Auckland. Inside the main hut, owners Andie and Chris Lusby managed to pack three different levels into the small space, including a downstairs lounge and a loft bedroom. Read more

The secret relaxation retreat

Just outside Whitianga, the immaculate Wairua Lodge is a striking contrast to the thick bush surrounding it. There are four main cabins, alongside a two-bedroom apartment. All have a distinctly Swiss-style, with wooden ceilings and walls, plush beds, and a modern bathroom. While the rooms are beautiful, what makes Wairua exceptional is what you’ll find outside your front door. Spend your day exploring walking tracks that meander through the bush. Along the way are clearings with hammocks and chairs to relax in next to the stream or waterholes. You can book an hour slot in a treehouse bath, which will be ready with candles burning and a playlist of love songs. Read more

An affordable centre for inner (and world) peace

You’ll certainly get more than an inkling of what harmonious living is like at the Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity in the tiny town of Colville. Founded by locals Roy Fraser and Sally Barraud with the help of their Tibetan Buddhist teacher, the retreat centre welcomes anyone looking for some time out from their regular routines, irrespective of religion. Join one of the many retreats on offer, stay in the simple but comfy rooms and cabins, take part in guided meditation, or simply stroll around the sprawling gardens with their statues and Tibetan stupa. And rooms start from $60 a night.
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For a slice of luxury

You don't have to look far for a comfortable place to sleep in Coromandel. At Mercury Ridge, a Mediterranean-style villa, the views extend from Cooks Beach to Mercury Bay. There are luxury suites, an orchard, vineyard and nature reserve. The Falls Retreat is a luxury retreat at the base of the Karangahake Gorge where three cute cabins are nestled in native bush. Owner/chef Brad King will whip you up a delicious pizza, roast and grazing plate at the onsite restaurant. Read more

A private off-grid container home

Ahurewa Eco Retreat is nestled in the Mahakirau Forest Estate, which is a gated private eco-sanctuary home to some of the country's rarest creatures. Most of the 600-hectare property is protected land, although there are a few private homes dotted around. The estate is bordered by the Manaia Kauri Sanctuary and the Coromandel State Forest, an enormous 72,000ha reserve encompassing most of the Coromandel's ancient hinterland. Inside, the colourful house has an impressive library and large kitchen – although the bedroom is the highlight, with large windows and views stretching as far as the eye can see. Read more

New Zealand's private island paradise

New Zealand has a private island paradise where the water is so clear it's like a little slice of the Maldives. And if you get 13 friends together — the Slipper Island Resort is yours for just over $120 each, per night. That includes a beachside glamping tent, a safari tent, two chalets, and a pig that really likes cuddles. It's one of the country's few private islands – sitting a 15-minute water taxi ride from Tairua in the Coromandel. Read more

For more information visit thecoromandel.com