Don't let a little rain ruin your time in The Coromandel. We love all the outdoor activities, but the sun doesn't always have to be out to have fun. And sometimes you need a change of pace out of the sun, anyway.
For days with a few showers or drizzle
- Some of our walks are still great when its a little drizzly, as you will be nice and cool. (However we don't recommend you hitting the tracks when the weather is bad).
- Grab a rod and try fishing off the local wharf.
- Fun Zone, Bullswool Farm, Whiti Farm Park, Wild Wood Mini Golf, Coromandel Zipline, The Waterworks and the Hauraki Rail Trail are also good options when the weather is not so fine.
If it's an indoor kind of day, how about:
WAIHI
- Gold Discovery Centre - Explore this golden treasure in Waihi. Pull the levers, crank the handles, push the plunger, and discover Waihi's fascinating story of gold.
- Waihi Arts Centre and Museum - The Waihi Museum operates as a place for the collection, display and preservation of items of historical interest to the Waihi District, particularly items relating to the underground mining history of the area.
- Spikes Bricks and Models - A wonderful collection of Lego and interactive displays that capture imaginations across the generations.
- Goldfields Railway - travel in style in the restored carriage from Waihi to Waikino Stations and back, and maybe stay for lunch at the Waikino Cafe (legendary baking).
THAMES
- Thames Museum te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga - From early settlement by Māori through to James Cook's visit in 1769 and the opening of the goldfield in 1867, you will see how people have lived and worked here over the years.
- Thames Goldmine Experience - Explore an operational 19th century Stamper Battery and venture into one of the richest goldmines of the time. Maybe you'll strike it rich!
- Thames School of Mines & Mineralogical Museum - Fascinating Māori, industrial, education and geological history converge at one of New Zealand's largest and best-preserved mining schools in what was the heart of the Hauraki gold fields. This is where the miners came to learn how to mine, (yes, there's more to it than digging) in the hope of making their fortunes. Gold discoveries on 'The Thames' created the town of Thames.
- The Aviator Experience, a must for all keen fighter pilots.
WHITIANGA
- Mercury Twin Cinemas
- Mercury Bay Museum - The Coromandel's most visited museum, with interactive exhibits including Our Backyard, a tour through our nature highlighting the animals and creatures that you will find here. There is also a mea mīharo – "wondrous things" cabinet – with skeletons and other taonga for you to identify. Plus many other exhibits that bring you face to face with our fascinating past.
COROMANDEL TOWN
- Coromandel School of Mines and Historical Museum - The life of mining and its impact on a small town are at the heart of this comprehensive village museum housed in the historic building (1897).
- Driving Creek Railway - A narrow-gauge mountain railway journey climbing the hill behind the town through regenerating kauri forest. Unique pottery sculptures and tile murals line the track as you navigate switchbacks, turntables and viaducts, with spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf from the 'Eyefull Tower' at the summit.
- Driving Creek Pottery - Hop on the wheel for a creative pottery throwing class and learn from a professional potter in a place thriving with inspiration, innovation and old world values.
PAEROA
- Paeroa Historical Society Museum - With an extensive photographic display and complete issues of the Paeroa Gazette from 1896 to 1996, you will get a good idea of what Paeroa was like back in the day. They also have old shops set up and artefacts from the pioneering days.
- Paeroa Historical Maritime Museum - Housed in this historic building is one of the best displays of local maritime history including items from the times of Captain Cook, The Northern Steamship Company, Naval displays and many scale replicas of vessels. The tranquil river park is worth a visit for its interesting collection of maritime objects, so come back for a picnic when the weather is fine. A beautiful restored kauri paddleboat cruises the smooth waters of the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers.
TAIRUA
- Heaven and Earth Crystals - Located in the heart of Tairua village, this a glittering and magical Aladdins's cave filled with a fantastic array of Crystals and Minerals from New Zealand and around the world. Great inexpensive gifts, beautiful objects of art, jewellery and spectacular giant rocks, intriguing fossils and petrified wood.
