Coromandel

Travel Guide
Driving Creek Railway showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and general coastal views
This peninsular is known for its stunning beaches and coastline hikes, vineyards, gold mining history and New Zealand’s famous fresh green lipped mussels.

The Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand’s North Island features picturesque beaches, coral reefs, rainforest hiking trails, vintage railways and country hideaways just a 1.5-hour drive from Auckland. There are three main areas of the Coromandel, the north west coast including Coromandel town, the Whitianga area on the east coast, and the Thames area to the southwest. 

Coromandel Town encompasses the Coromandel harbour and islands within it, and offers an abundance of outdoor activities from fishing, swimming and sailing on the harbour, to rainforest train trips and treks through ancient Kauri forests. The town itself is full of character, with historic buildings and gold mining relics. Take a narrow gauge railway through rainforest to a pottery.

The Whitianga area has some of the most stunning and geographically interesting beaches. Dig yourself a thermal spa at Hot Water Beach, where hot spring water seeps up through the sand. Hike through coastal pine forest and over scenic headland to Cathedral Cove Beach. Enter through the huge white rock archway that gives the beach its name. Take the ferry from Whitianga to Cooks Beach for a secluded swim and bush trails, a visit to wineries, or a game fishing expedition. 

Whitianga is known for its seafood. Come in September for the annual scallop festival where you can try everything from green lipped mussels and pipis to crayfish.

Gold history comes alive in the Karangahake Gorge in the Thames area. Hike or cycle through 4.5 miles (7 kilometres) of rainforest by a spectacular gorge and river, strewn with interesting historical ruins from one of New Zealand’s most productive mines. Adventurous travellers can canyon down waterfalls in Kaueranga Valley just outside Thames.

Get around the Coromandel Peninsular by rental car. Many tour operators offer all-inclusive adventure packages leaving from Auckland. Ferries run between Auckland and Coromandel year-round. The area has many beaches to explore, water activities to enjoy, and fresh seafood to sample, so it’s best to give yourself at least a couple of days to enjoy the natural beauty and unwind.

Where to stay in Coromandel

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Preece Point

Though Preece Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Coromandel Smoking Co. and Coromandel Historical Museum.

Preece Point
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Te Rerenga

While there might not be top attractions in Te Rerenga, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Driving Creek Railway and Matarangi Beach.

Te Rerenga
Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
2 out of 5
243 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
The price is S$73 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
S$73
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"The stay was enjoyable, i definitely will come stay again, my Cabin was plenty room for myself or even two people."

Reviewed on 18 Oct,2024

Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Harbour View Motel Coromandel
Harbour View Motel Coromandel
4 out of 5
25 Harbour View Road, Coromandel Town
The price is S$108 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
S$108
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this 4-star motel in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (341 reviews)
"Nice view across the bay. Adequate cooking facilities. Host greeted us despite our late arrival. Convenient to town and kauri walk. Parking area is very tight, but there is also parking below. Lots of birds in the gardens."

Reviewed on 22 Oct,2024

Harbour View Motel Coromandel
Tasman Holiday Parks – Coromandel
Tasman Holiday Parks – Coromandel
4 out of 5
636-732 Rings Road, Coromandel
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$99 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
S$99
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified holiday park in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Coromandel Historical Museum and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (211 reviews)
"Simply lovely"

Reviewed on 17 Sep,2024

Tasman Holiday Parks – Coromandel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
2 out of 5
243 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"The stay was enjoyable, i definitely will come stay again, my Cabin was plenty room for myself or even two people."

Reviewed on 18 Oct,2024

Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Oamaru Bay Tourist Park
Oamaru Bay Tourist Park
2.5 out of 5
440 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Coromandel. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek Railway are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Peaceful and getting to watch the waves from our cabin was absolutely wonderful. Nice beach to have a stroll on. Helpful and easy to talk to the managing staff. Hope to go again."

Reviewed on 9 Oct,2024

Oamaru Bay Tourist Park
Oceans Resort Whitianga
Oceans Resort Whitianga
4.5 out of 5
18 Eyre Stree, Whitianga
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Lost Spring Thermal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (240 reviews)
"Great setup close to the centre. Great reception. Thanks for looking after us."

Reviewed on 19 Sep,2024

Oceans Resort Whitianga
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Coromandel

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 61.53846153846154%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 30.76923076923077%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 7.6923076923076925%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Viv

Check out the local bush walks and weep at Kauri die back. Majestic trees still standing. Cute town with great coffee, small shops and friendly locals. Market place local co-operative had some gems.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great piece of the country! Fantastic for walking and bike riding

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A visit to the Driving Creek Railway is a must.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Would only stay a day in Coromandel township as apart from driving creek not much to do