Coromandel Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Driving Creek Railway showing railway items
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
Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
2 out of 5
243 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
The price is Rp780.883 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
Rp780.883
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this family-friendly campsite in Coromandel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek Railway ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"Beautiful place. New bsthroom was clean and tidy. I wish i could stay longer"

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2024

Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park
Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park
4 out of 5
636-732 Rings Road, Coromandel
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified holiday park in Coromandel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Coromandel Historical Museum and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (209 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024

Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park
Harbour View Motel Coromandel
Harbour View Motel Coromandel
4 out of 5
25 Harbour View Road, Coromandel
The price is Rp981.938 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
Rp981.938
per night
25 Jun - 26 Jun
Stay at this 4-star motel in Coromandel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Long Bay and The Coromandel Smoking Co. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (333 reviews)
"It was amazing"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024

Harbour View Motel 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.
Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
2 out of 5
243 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
Stay at this family-friendly campsite in Coromandel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek Railway ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"Beautiful place. New bsthroom was clean and tidy. I wish i could stay longer"

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2024

Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Oamaru Bay Tourist Park
Oamaru Bay Tourist Park
2.5 out of 5
440 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
Stay at this beach cabin in Coromandel. Enjoy free parking, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek Railway are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
A piece of paradise
"What a stunning location. We had a cabin on the beach and it was perfect. Full kitchen with excellent quality cooking and dinnerware. Lovely living room and verandah to take in the views. Owners are very accommodating and friendly. Wish we could have stayed longer."

Reviewed on 17 May 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Lost Spring Thermal Pools and Mercury ...
9/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
"Arrived late and unit was open ready for us very accommodating"

Reviewed on 4 May 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
26 Feb 2020

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
19 Nov 2019

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Apr 2019

A visit to the Driving Creek Railway is a must.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
17 Mar 2019

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

Cities near Coromandel