Top 20 Must Dos in The Coromandel
The Coromandel is blessed with a massive range of natural attractions and activities. Here's a sample of the Top 20 Must Do Activities in The Coromandel. Naturally there are many others that have been left off the list (it would be too long), perhaps you'll just have to visit the region where Kiwis holiday to create your own Top 20.
1. Thermal Wonderland
Soak up the underground thermal mineral waters at The Lost Spring or opt for the natural experience at Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own spa on the shore of the mighty Pacific.
2. Cathedral Cove
Famous for the opening scene of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Cathedral Cove is one of New Zealand’s renowned natural icons. Swim the snorkel trail, enjoy a guided tour and marvel at the abundance of aquatic life in the marine reserve.
3. Walk The Pinnacles
A stunning 3-hour walk to the base of the craggy Pinnacles summit traverses groves of nikau palms, huge rata trees, and across streams and swing-bridges.
4. Cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail
Cycle the flat Grade One trail on an old railway line from the Shorebird Coast to the Karangahake Gorge or beyond.
5. Driving Creek Railway
Art, engineering and nature combine in an innovative train journey through kauri plantings and impressive man-made features. Fly above the native forest on 8 ziplines with CoroZip or try your hand a clay throwing.
6. The Waterworks
The Waterworks is a completely unique interactive experience that showcases the best of quirky Kiwi ingenuity. A must for fun-loving folks of all ages.
7. Explore the Paeroa Maritime Museum
The tranquil river park's museum hosts an amazing maritime collection, including treasures from the days when Captain Cook sailed up the river. Paddle boat rides, camping and picnics can also be enjoyed from the park grounds.
8. Take the Homegrown Food Trail
Grown here, harvested and combined into dishes that are distinctly regional. Experience the culinary essence of The Coromandel.
9. Fishing in The Coromandel
With around 400km of coastline and over 100 offshore islands, The Coromandel is one of New Zealand's favourite and most accessible fishing locations.
10. New Chum Beach
Described as a ‘slice of Coromandel heaven’, this tranquil stretch of sand has been rated as one of the top beaches in the world. And it's not so easy to find!
11. Art and Craft
The Coromandel is a rich and colourful creative hub with many studios and galleries throughout the region showcasing some of New Zealand’s best talent.
12. Whiritoa Beach
Grab your camera, lose the shoes and wander Whiritoa Beach south of Whangamata. The coastal landscape and hidden beach surrounded by Pohutukawa trees provide the perfect canvas for film.
13. Shakespeare Cliff and Cooks beach
A short walk to the Shakespeare cliff lookout offers panoramic views of the Mercury Bay and Cooks Beach, an anchorage point for Captain James Cook.
14. Bird Watching on the Shorebird Coast
With numbers of shorebirds often exceeding 10,000, the Miranda coastline is a mandatory stop for any birdwatcher.
15. Climb Mt Paku
A relatively short walk and you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views. Displays are placed at the summit identifying landmarks in the panorama and the history of the area.
16. Goldmining History
Gold fever struck the region in the late 1800s and the remnants are still visible today. From the stamper batteries in Coromandel Town and Karangahake and the school of mines in Thames, to the vast open pit Martha Mine in Waihi.
17. Karangahake Gorge
Play amongst the echoes of the past. Once the site of the biggest goldmining operations in the Southern Hemisphere, today a wonderful playground. Take the amazing Windows Walk, explore the old mine shafts, find the underground power house or just wander the river trails.
18. Thames Coast Road
Begin in Thames and take your time passing through seaside settlements, and baches (Kiwi holiday homes) along the way. With a rocky coastline on one side and Pohutukawa trees on the other the Thames Coast highway gives you a real taste of Kiwi life in The Coromandel.
19. Coastal Walkway
Connecting Fletcher Bay to Stony Bay at the very northern tip of The Coromandel, the walkway affords great views of The Coromandel coastline and offshore islands (Great Barrier, Cuvier and Mercury Islands)
20. Paeroa – World famous in New Zealand
Revisit the days of old, admire antique stores overflowing with collectables, and of course the giant L &P bottle, homage to the classic Kiwi beverage (and now chocolate!). Discover treasure in Paeroa, the antiques capital of New Zealand.
