White sand beaches stretch along dramatic cliffs, while ancient kauri trees fill the inland rainforests. Visitors can swim, hike mountain trails, or explore local art galleries and wineries.
The Coromandel Peninsula stretches 85 kilometers north from New Zealand's North Island between the Hauraki Gulf and Pacific Ocean. Walk under the 40-meter limestone arch at Cathedral Cove, soak in 64°C geothermal waters at Hot Water Beach, or climb to the 900-meter peaks of the Coromandel Range for views across both coastlines. In Thames and Whitianga, original 1800s buildings line the streets, while mining equipment and artifacts from the gold rush era fill the local museums.
Getting to the Coromandel
From Auckland, drive 2.5 hours southeast via State Highway 1 and State Highway 25. A passenger ferry ($98 NZD return) connects downtown Auckland to Hannaford's Wharf near Coromandel Town, taking 2 hours through the Hauraki Gulf. State Highway 25 circles the coastline while Highway 25A cuts across the southern section.
Natural Hot Springs at Hot Water Beach
Create your own thermal pool at Hot Water Beach two hours before and after low tide. The underground springs heat the water to 64°C (147°F). Rent a spade for $10 NZD from the nearby cafes or general store. Find the hot spots where steam rises from the sand about 50 meters from the rocks at the beach's southern end. Expect crowds between 10am and 2pm during summer months (December to February).
Walking Trails in the Coromandel Forest Park
The Coromandel Range rises 900 meters above sea level through the peninsula's center. Walk the 8-kilometer Pinnacles Track along former kauri logging paths to reach a summit viewing platform. The track takes 6-8 hours return and includes 632 steps near the top. Stay overnight at the 80-person Pinnacles Hut ($15 NZD per night) by booking through the Department of Conservation website.
Sea Life and Water Activities
Swim alongside schools of snapper, blue maomao, and crayfish at Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, where volcanic rock formations create underwater habitats. See the marine environment on a glass-bottom boat tour ($95 NZD) from Whitianga or paddle into sea caves on a guided kayak trip ($125 NZD). Watch for orca and dolphins in Mercury Bay between September and March, with December bringing the most frequent sightings.
Small Town Culture
Artists work with ceramics, textiles, and greenstone in 15 galleries along Coromandel Town's main street, housed in original 1860s buildings. Eight waterfront restaurants in Whitianga serve Pacific oysters and green-lipped mussels from local Mercury Bay farms. Shop for produce and crafts at the Thames Saturday market (8am-1pm).
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip between October and April when temperatures reach 20-25°C with minimal rain. Accommodation prices rise 30-50% in December and January during New Zealand school holidays. March and April maintain 22°C averages with fewer tourists. Winter (June to August) brings 12-15°C temperatures, and some businesses operate Thursday through Sunday only.
