Coromandel Regional Information

Surrounded by sand, surf and captivating coastlines, the Coromandel Peninsula offers everything you need for a sensational summer holiday. As well as getting a bit of sun and a few fish for the smoker, you'll leave with happy memories that will last a lifetime.

The Coromandel is one of the North Island's most popular holiday destinations, but it's remarkably easy to avoid the crowds here. The crinkled coastline of the peninsula manages to accommodate everyone, whether it's a popular seaside spot you're after or a bush-clad hideaway. Enjoy safe swimming beaches, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and sailing, or just catch up on your summer reading in the accommodating shade of a pohutukawa.

Quiet coastal townships on the Coromandel Peninsula include Matarangi, Hahei, Opito Bay and Kuaotunu (where a Kuaotunu Killer Cone ice cream from the local store is a summer essential). Or if you've packed the flippers and boogie boards, hit the beaches at Tairua, Pauanui and Whangamata for some great surf. The choice of accommodation is far ranging, from coastal camping grounds and secluded B&Bs to beachfront baches and resort-like hotels.

While seaside escapes top the list in this region there's plenty to be found off the beaten track too with fantastic walks, waterfalls, gold-mining relics, art trails and fascinating natural features to captivate all ages. Learn about the discovery of gold in Coromandel Town and if you take the scenic, but partially sealed, 309 Road ensure you allow time for stop-offs to view the many attractions showcased along the way.

Bring your bikes, or hire them locally, so you can explore the area on two wheels - the Hauraki Rail Trail links Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha and Waihi and winds its way through the Karangahake Gorge. The journey includes remnants of our country's pioneering past and the track is wide and flat so it's suitable for the entire family to enjoy.

This rapidly growing holiday spot is another old mining town with an interesting past. Following the discovery of gold at Driving Creek, this town boomed in the mid-1800s. These days, its art, picturesque location and tranquil vibe have created a niche for conservationists, craftspeople and boaties alike, and the town's charms draw visitors from far and wide. You can even take a guided cruise here from Auckland!

Visitors will be well entertained here, not only by the town's close proximity to beautiful white-sand beaches, but also for its history and culture. Check out the mining museum, the immaculately restored buildings from the 1800s, and the art and craft galleries. Also be sure to visit the Gold Stamper Battery - a quartz stamper, more than 100 years old.

Boaties and anglers will also be right at home - the nearby mussel and oyster farms and many small islands are popular for sightseeing and fishing charters.
The Driving Creek Railway & Pottery just outside the town is a popular attraction, with a one-hour narrow-gauge train ride that passes through kauri forests before ending at the Eyefull Tower, which allows amazing views of the region. Pottery is available for purchase from the working on-site pottery.
From here you can hit the "309 Road", a scenic 20km journey across the peninsula featuring many fantastic attractions, including The Waterworks, a fun-filled attraction showcasing the best of Kiwi ingenuity.

The area further north of Coromandel Town is an unspoiled paradise, an "off the beaten track" area with plenty of rewarding sights and activities. Check out the island-studded waters off the coast from Amodeo Bay and Papa Aroha as you head north, and take a bush walk along the cliff tops that line this coastal stretch. At Waitete Bay, slightly further north, two often-deserted beaches are perfect for swimming.

The road then winds further inland, rising over the summit and offering unsurpassed views of the rugged, green valley before reaching the relaxed settlement of Colville. It's a good place to check out local craftwork and have a well-deserved coffee break.
From Colville, it's well worth exploring the top of the peninsula, although this can't be circumnavigated.

Attractions

• Driving Creek Railway & Pottery is one of the most popular Coromandel attractions, with a one-hour narrow-gauge train ride passing through kauri forests and allowing amazing views of the region. Pottery is available for purchase from the working on-site pottery.
• Take a walk through the Papa Aroha Scenic Reserve, then catch a water taxi or hire a kayak and head to one of the pristine islands off the coast from Papa Aroha - don't forget your picnic basket and camera!
• The secluded Waikawau Bay enjoys moderate surf crashing onto golden shores, and is surrounded by rainforest.
• Although small, Oamaru Bay is an ideal destination with golden sand and calm water for swimming.
• The Coromandel Walkway is a seven-hour return track that follows the beautiful coastline between Fletcher Bay and Stony Bay. There are plenty of good fishing spots along this track, and endless impressive scenery.
• The evocatively named Whiskey Bay is a must-see, with crystal-clear water and golden sand.
• Mussels, scallops and oysters are in abundance here; the succulent seafood treats are fat, fresh, juicy and found in the rich waters of Coromandel Harbour.
• The 309 Road is a narrow, winding 22km-long stretch of gravel road that connects Whitianga and the town of Coromandel. The views are spectacular and the roadside attractions are numerous.

A warm welcome awaits you at one of the peninsula's main recreational hubs. The vibrant town of Whitianga is a great holiday destination with plenty to keep you entertained, both indoors and out. The striking Mercury Bay is a haven for water activities, with a gorgeous white-sand beach that's ideal for swimming, diving, banana boat rides in summer, scenic cruises, fishing charters or kayaking.

Fresh seafood is always on the menu here, with fishing and shellfish gathering being popular activities. Activities on dry land, such as horse trekking, bone carving, visiting artists' studios or a museum, taking off on a quad bike adventure and playing golf can also be experienced here. August or September (spring) heralds the Whitianga Scallop Festival, an annual event featuring a local shucking team, scallop cook-offs, celebrity cooking demonstrations, live music and much more.

The Whitianga town centre is a relaxed haven of things to see and do. Aside from the palm-lined white-sand beach down the road, activities here include experiencing the area's artistic streak with bone carving and visits to artists' studios, and children will love interacting with animals at the farm park.

On the harbour side of the town centre, cruises, diving trips and glass-bottom boat adventures depart regularly. For a tropical island-type experience, head to The Lost Spring in Whitianga. Relax in the stunning man-made lagoon, have a massage or body treatment, or dine in luxury. The town centre is also the hub of the area's dining options, with a wide variety available. Here there is everything from laid-back pubs and taverns to friendly cafés and classy restaurants.

Attractions

• One of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula is Cathedral Cove; remarkable rock formations, pure white sand and crystal-clear water.
• The picturesque beach at Whangapoua has an estuary, squeaky white sand and rolling surf.
• New Chums Beach is a hidden gem that requires some local knowledge (there are no signposts) and a good pair of walking shoes to get to, but once there you will see why it was named one of the Top 20 beaches in the world.
• Hahei's picture-perfect sandy beach is flanked by rocky headlands and sheltered by Mahurangi Island, with bright blue water great for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
• The underwater world at Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve is a protected area where fish, coral and other sea life flourish.
• 8km from Hahei, Hot Water Beach is a fascinating and popular natural wonder. For two hours either side of low tide you can dig your own spa pool as water from hot springs seeps up through the sparkling sands.