You may love to come to The Coromandel for the great outdoors, but we won't let any rain ruin your time here. The region provides an array of nature activities, but you don't need to be rained off by a few showers.
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).
- Take a self drive tour of our local arts trail, our boutique winery and craft breweries, check out our local produce or go antique hunting in Paeroa
- Fun Zone, Wild Wood Mini Golf, Coromandel Zipline, and the Hauraki Rail Trail are also good options when the weather is not so fine.
For an indoor kind of day, how about these options:
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. Goldmine tours are also a great option and can be booked at the Gold Discovery Centre.
- 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.
- 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).
- The Aviator Experience, a must for all keen fighter pilots. (currently hibernating)
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, Thames Museum depicts 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 youll 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.
WHITIANGA
- The Lost Spring - Leave the everyday behind as you relax and rejuvenate, immersing yourself in the peaceful restorative waters of Geo-Thermal Pools. Book a treatment at the Day Spa and enjoy poolside cocktails a platters, or dine in (and remember that you do need to book the swim time too).
- Mercury Twin Cinemas
- Mercury Bay Museum - The Coromandel's most visited museum, with interactive exhibits for adults and children. Explore the story of one of the oldest settlements in New Zealand, with many 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 - This museum carries an extensive photographic display and complete issues of the Paeroa Gazette from 1896 to 1996, as well as supporting books and magazines, and its own annual publication The Ohinemuri Regional Historical Journal.
- Paeroa Historical Maritime Museum - Housed in an historic building is one of the best displays of NZ and local maritime history including Captain Cook, The Northern Steamship Co, Naval displays and many scale replicas of vessels. The tranquil river park is worth a visit for its interesting collection of maritime objects, and a gr4eat place to return for a picnic when the weather is fine. A beautiful restored kauri paddleboat cruises the smooth waters of the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers, but do check the sailing times.
TAIRUA
- Heaven and Earth Crystals - Located in the heart of Tairua village, this a glittering 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.
