THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO COROMANDEL, NEW ZEALAND
Our last stop on our amazing Wild Kiwi tour through the North Island was the breathtaking Coromandel Peninsula.
The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand extending for 85 kilometres. The area is stunningly beautiful, with a lot of incredible natural beauty to discover. We spent our time here visiting some very unique beaches, going on many walks and enjoying our last moments before heading to the South Island.
Check out our vlog below to see what we got up to during our visit to Coromandel, and keep scrolling if you would like to read more on everything you need to know for a visit here!
Top Things To Do in Coromandel
Hot Water Beach
Something unique to Coromandel is the natural hot springs of Hot Water Beach. Located around a small rock formation on the beach is a pocket of hot water, which is exposed at low tide. When you visit make sure you bring a shovel (if you are staying at a place nearby they usually have shovels available to borrow), you will want to create a hole that will fill up with very hot water and then use the cold sea water to regulate the temperature.
When we visited during the afternoon it was very busy. We suggest heading down just after the sun goes down as the beach will be less busy, and we have heard you can see glow worms in the walkway leading up to the beach!
Cathedral Cove Walk
We highly recommend waking up before the sun and head to the famous scene location in The Chronicles of Narnia film, Cathedral Cove, to watch one of the most incredible sun rises New Zealand has to offer. With white sand and white rock formations contrasting with the turquoise waters, this is by far the most beautiful attraction of the peninsula.
This spot is unique as it is only accessible via foot, boat or kayak. Foot access to Cathedral Cove starts at the top of Grange Road, with the walking track taking 1.5 hours return.
Karangahake Gorge
Situated at the base of the Coromandel Range, the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway follows the old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi, giving access to remains from the mining and railway eras.
The whole Coromandel region is well known for its mining history and Karangahake Gorge is the best spot to experience it. Swing bridges, tunnels, waterfalls, railways and rusty mining equipment can all be explored here.
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacle Walk is one of the most popular walks in Coromandel. It offers stunning views of the Coromandel Peninsula, as well as amazing views of some pinnacles. The Pinnacles Hut is an amazing spot to view the sunrise and is one of the reasons many people opt to do the track in two days rather than one.
New Chums Beach
Coromandel is known for its stunning beaches, and New Chums Beach has been voted as one of New Zealand's 10 most beautiful beaches. With golden sand, unbelievably clear water and sheltered by thick, lush forest - this is a beach worth spending an afternoon at.
The Giant L&P Bottle
If you have been travelling through New Zealand for a while you may have noticed the kiwis love to drink something called L&P. This is the iconic New Zealand lemon-flavoured soft drink, with the L standing for Lemon and the P standing for Paeroa (the town which invented the drink).
If you are nearby Paeroa why not go and snap a selfie with their Giant L&P bottle!
Long Bay Reserve
If you are looking for a beach only a short drive from Coromandel town than Long Bay Reserve is the perfect spot. It is usually a quiet spot as there is only one campground nearby. While there we also suggest you check out the Kauri Grove Track, which is a stunning 30 minute walk through the area.
Wentworth Valley Waterfall Walk
If you are looking for an easy morning walk we recommend the Wentworth Valley Waterfall Walk. This 3km track will take about 2 hours return, leading you to well-hidden waterfalls. The main attraction is the Wentworth Waterfall, dropping 20m! If you have the time there are also two abandoned mine shafts along the track you can check out.
Where To Stay
$$ Hahei Holiday Resort:This is where we stayed during our time in Coromandel. It is in the best spot, located only 100m walk from the beach, 5 minute drive from Cathedral Cove and about a 10 minute drive from Hot Water Beach. Hahei Holiday Resort offers self-contained accommodation with cooking facilities and a patio or balcony.
$$$ Wairua Lodge: Wairua Lodge is nestled in a lush valley just 15 minutes drive from Whitianga. They have a private Treetop Bathhouse and an outdoor Spa Pool. A continental breakfast is included in the price and guests can use the communal kitchen facilities for lunch and dinner. Discovery trails take you through the native rainforest on the 15 acre property. All of the rooms have an outdoor patio with views of the rainforest, ensuite facilities, bath robes & kitchenette.
$-$$$ Book an Airbnb: We have stayed in Airbnbs all around the world and is one of our favourite ways to spend a few nights in a city. Usually they can be a lot cheaper than hotels, but with all the same perks, if not more!
Have you stayed in an Airbnb rental before? If not and you would like to sign up to Airbnb why not use this link here so you can receive a $50 Airbnb travel credit.
Where To Eat
For the best burgers of your life you neeeed to try Serial Griller! Seriously, best burgers in New Zealand!
For seafood head to Coromandel Mussel Kitchen.
For vegetarian and vegan options try Driving Creek Cafe.
For a meal that can not go wrong you must try Pepper Tree Restaurant and Bar.
If you are looking for a great coffee and brunch spot try Umu Restaurant and Cafe.A big thank you to Wild Kiwi for supporting Flying the Nest and making this trip possible.READ NEXT: NEW ZEALAND MUST DO: GLOW WORM CAVES, WAITOMO
