The smell of the sea fills your nostrils and transports you to a volcanic coast. You have arrived at Coromandel. This is just a taste of what awaits you on this amazing peninsula: water activities mixed with beaches never seen before, like Hot Water Beach, or sceneries worthy of your computer screensaver like Cathedral Cove.
But Coromandel is not just about the sea. There are also numerous hiking trails along the mountain slopes that will take you to scenic spots with views across the peninsula. And for those with a taste for history, the numerous gold mines will reveal a different perspective on New Zealand.
Temperatures on the Coromandel Peninsula are not usually very low, but not very high either. However, rain is usually a constant throughout the year, with rain falling half of the days per month. That said, let’s look at the best time to visit this region.
From December to April. This is where we find the end of spring, the whole of summer and the end of autumn. Temperatures range from a maximum of 22ºC a minimum of 17ºC. Although they are not very high, the sun is quite warm, so you can swim at the beach.
May to November. We are in the low season, temperatures will be lower but not less than 10ºC. Swimming is out of the question, although if you have a wetsuit you can go surfing or kayaking. Perhaps the best thing about this time is that the peninsula is less visited and some places will not require a reservation.
It’s essential to travel to New Zealand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
Thames is the destination city to reach if you plan to visit the Coromandel Peninsula. So, let’s look at the best ways to get to Thames and visit Coromandel.
This peninsula is one of the most visited in New Zealand due to its proximity to Auckland and its natural charm. In fact, some say that Coromandel is Auckland’s garden. Whatever the case, getting to the Coromandel Peninsula from Auckland is more than easy.
The only way to get from Tauranga to Thames is by road. That said, if you don’t have a car, you can take one of the two daily buses that run from Auckland to Tauranga and get off at the Thames stop. The journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. Make sure you book online as the bus is often in high demand.
Getting to the Coromandel Peninsula can be complicated if you are planning to travel from somewhere other than Tauranga or Auckland. Of course, you can always drive there no matter where you are coming from. However, if you don’t have a car, to get to Thames you will have to go first through Tauranga or Auckland and from there use one of the means described to get to Thames.
Cathedral Cove is, without a doubt, the masterpiece of Coromandel, the most famous place and the one that everyone should visit. And not for nothing, this cove has a unique attraction. An impressive natural arch! I leave here a photo, because a picture is worth a thousand words.
This arch formed by sea currents and water erosion hides a secret that few know… If you go an hour before low tide, you can even walk underneath it! Don’t forget to take some good photos, the sunrise will give you the most breathtaking views but the sunset will give you a lot of play with the orange light…
There are two main ways to get to Cathedral Cove: by land, or by sea. If you choose to go on foot, be prepared for a mind-blowing hike, with scenic sea views and a few detours to take. Stop by Gemstone Beach or Stingray Bay, trust me, it will be worth it. The walk only takes about 45 minutes from Hahei Beach.
And if you choose to go by sea, make sure the weather is good first, so you don’t have any problems. You can get there by XX kayak or boat, whichever option you prefer. If you choose the first, a local guide will take you directly to this famous corner of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Let me say, this place will make you fall in love from the start. Have you ever heard of a thermal beach? Well, this is one of them. Simply grab a spade, dig a hole in the sand and… enjoy your own thermal pool! A truly amazing place, where you can relax in front of the sea, have a beer and enjoy the present.
Anyone can do it, and when you’re hot, throw yourself into the waves. Yes, this beach is a unique experience.
Some tips before you go. You can rent paddles (rental paddles, I think this is the first time I heard of that, lol) at any local shop near the beach. Make sure you go two hours before or after low tide if you don’t want the sea to stop you from enjoying the hot springs.
Finally, if you are going to see the sunrise, keep in mind that getting there from the town of Thames will take you at least 1 hour. Get up early!
This hiking route is a must if you are travelling through Coromandel. A long route, along muddy paths between trees and crossing hanging bridges. Uphill, sweating will be the order of the day and your feet will hurt from the start. But believe me, it will be worth it.
The Pinnacles Walk offers you the chance to experience Coromandel in all its glory: views from the summit of the entire Kauaeranga Valley, the lush Coromandel Forest Park and the vastness of the distant ocean.
The best part? You can even spend the night at the top. There’s a small hut where you can light the fireplace, prepare something hot and take shelter from the cold night. All while recharging your batteries for the return trip, since you’ve only made it halfway. You’ll have to check availability before you go, though.
You can reach the start of the route from the city of Thames, it is just 30 minutes by car, about 21 kilometers. The complete route is a 14 km round trip, around 8 hours, although it can be longer.
The level of difficulty is high, you have to climb 800 meters to reach the top. Bring water and food for two days if you decide to camp in the hut. Finally, check that the weather conditions are favorable before climbing.
The ferry from Auckland will take you to the quiet town of Coromandel. This small coastal town has the typical charm of rural villages with the added bonus of being right on the seafront, a mix that will invite you to stroll through its streets and enjoy its tasty cafes. This town is full of culture, stop by one of its art galleries and discover the local art of Coromandel.
If you fancy a refreshing dip, you can’t miss Waiau Fall. A small waterfall that reveals a perfect place to take a dip and relax. While you’re in the area, take a walk through Waiau Kauri Stephen Grove, where you can find some magnificent specimens of the giant Kauri tree.
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway runs from Stony Bay to Fletcher Bay, but the order of the factors does not alter the product, and the product, in this case, is an incredible adventure along the Coromandel Coast.
During the hike you will walk through green meadows, cross crystal clear streams, climb steep cliffs and most importantly, see the breathtaking coastline. This area is remote so you won’t meet many people. Perhaps the ducks in the picnic areas will be your best company…
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway is a trail that you can do either by bike or on foot. It is 10 kilometres one way, about 4 hours walking.
If you are travelling with more people and have more than one car, one group can park at Stony Bay and the other at Hatcher Bay. It’s as easy as exchanging car keys. This way, when you reach the end of the circuit, you’ll have a car waiting for you, and you’ll save yourself a 4-hour return trip. Finally, it is not advisable to swim in the bays in the area due to the rocky seabed. Pay attention to the signs.
Located on the north-east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Chums Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the world. It has white sand, with the lush jungle behind and the blue sea in front. Bordered by two high and steep slopes that create the perfect bay for this moving beach. Believe me, once you visit it you won’t want to leave.
This unspoiled beach is protected from man. In fact, getting to it will be a bit of a challenge. You will have to park at Whangapoua Beach and from the northern end, walk for 30 minutes. All to preserve its charm intact.
But the trail itself has its own appeal, it allows you to climb up to a viewing point where you can enjoy the full view of New Chums Beach. Before you get into the thick of it, check the tides, as this beach can only be visited at low tide.
Waihi is a small town located in the south of the Coromandel Peninsula. This town has a long history behind it, as it was the site of the gold rush. A vestige of this are the numerous abandoned mines that can be found around it. The largest and most famous of these is the awe-inspiring Martha Mine.
You can also visit the interactive Waihi Discovery Centre and feel like a real miner. In some areas you can even pan for your own gold!
The Karangahake Gorge region perfectly combines mining history with numerous hiking trails through nature.
The most recommended of these is the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway. It follows the old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi through the valley gorge, and explores the mining tunnels between the mountains.
Just 15 minutes by car from Waihi you will find this beautiful beach, ten kilometres of white sand at your disposal. It is perhaps one of the safest beaches for surfing thanks to its predictable waves and sandy bottom. But this beach is not just for surfers, you can also swim, fish, lie on the sand… A place for the whole family.
In the centre of Paeroa Town there is the largest bottle of L&P in the world, a monument of more than 6 metres in height and 1.5 metres in diameter. To put it in context, L&P is the most consumed soft drink in all of New Zealand. Its origin dates back to the beginning of the 20th century in the small town of Paeroa.
In fact, the initials L&P come from Lemon and Paeroa (the aforementioned town). It was here that the spring of fresh water with a high bicarbonate content was discovered. The rest is history.
With all this, the giant bottle attracts thousands of tourists every year, just to take a photo under it. Maybe it’s because of the joke or because of its enormous height, but the truth is that this guide with the best places in Coromandel could not finish without including the famous L&P bottle.
Let’s take a look at a collection of activities in Coromandel. Some of them are unique to the area, so you can’t miss them for anything in the world.
A great and cost-effective way to explore the essentials of Coromandel without having to take the car. This bus tour starts and ends in Auckland, so you need to get up early. It will take you to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each spot. You’ll also enjoy the spectacular views of the coast from the comfort of the bus.
Exploring Coromandel has never been easier. Hop on a speedboat from Whitianga and set off on an adventure. This cruise allows you to see the volcanic Coromandel coastline, visit beautiful beaches such as Hahei or Lonely Beach, and, as always, pass by the famous Cathedral Cove. With luck, you might even spot dolphins or whales in their natural habitat.
Back to Whitianga, but this time to enjoy a relaxing day at a spa. This paradise is fed by an ancient spring. The water rises pure and hot from a depth of 667 metres. Allow yourself to relax in the hot springs and leave any worries behind you. The Lost Spring will immerse you in your holiday.
Perhaps the most fun way to discover Coromandel. Take one of the many tours that leave from the village and immerse yourself in the adventure. You can zipline from tree to tree and so on, all the while exploring the forests of Coromandel. Or you can hop on the train and travel through the native forest of Coromandel. Which option will you choose?
Departing again from Waithianga, this time we will go by light aircraft. It will not take us more than 30 minutes but the views will be breathtaking. You will be able to see all the emblematic places of the peninsula from the air. Places such as Opito Bay, Great Mercury Islands, passing through Hahei and Hot Water Beach until reaching the acclaimed Cathedral Cove.
I’ll leave you several hotels divided by price range, so you can choose the one that best fits your budget.
Located in Thames, Waiotahi Valley Lodge is the best price-quality ratio hostel. I especially recommend it for its facilities: It has a shared kitchen, garden, a common area and, best of all, a spa and massages. It’s ideal for relaxing after long hiking routes. Did I mention that breakfast is included?
Other budget accommodations that you shouldn’t miss if you’re on a tour of the Coromandel Peninsula are:
Athenree Hot Spreing & Holiday Park 10 km from Waihi Beach
Tui Lodge in Coromandel Town
Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge is perhaps the best hotel as it is close to everything. It is next to Pauanui Beach, 1 hour from Whiatanga and Cathedral Cove. It offers double rooms or private cabin-style apartments. You can also swim in the pool, soak in the hot tub, play tennis or even use one of the guest bicycles.
Another hotel that cannot be missed is the Blue Malin Apartment in Whitianga. It is worth staying at this hotel to prepare for your trip to the Coromandel Peninsula.
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Esplanada Apartments is your choice if you prefer to stay in a luxurious and comfortable apartment. Located just two minutes from Whitianga Beach, this hotel offers private apartments with balconies and sea views. In summer, you can also cool off in the outdoor pool.
The best way to get around New Zealand and, by extension, around this place is by car or campervan. In fact, I highly recommend renting a campervan and travelling anywhere with it.
New Zealand is a completely caravan-friendly country, with plenty of campsites, public toilets, showers and everything you could possibly need. Travelling by caravan will therefore be very easy and comfortable. Lastly, this is also the cheapest way to travel, as, despite the initial expense, you will save a lot on accommodation and restaurant meals.
What better way to finish any guide than with a round of tips? All of them are based on personal experiences! Let’s get to it, backpackers.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Coromandel.
