Hot Water Beach
Cost:
Located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach lets you dig your own hot pool meters from the Pacific Ocean. Bring a spade or shovel if you own one or you can also hire one from the local cafes. Curious how the pool forms? It starts when naturally warm mineral water rises up from deep within the earth and creates a pool on the sand, giving you a perfect opportunity to soak and relax. You can also spot glowworms in the walkway leading up to the beach at night. But be careful, you’ll definitely want to check the tide before going.
Cathedral Cove
Cost: Cathedral Cove Park and Ride only cost $5 return per person for the shuttle, parking all day is at no charge.
Cathedral Cove is one of the top attractions of the peninsula and the cause of excitement for most photographers. With white sand and turquoise water, Cathedral Cove is one of the most picturesque spots in The Coromandel. If you want to click some beautiful shots, then head there in the Winter or Spring! And because of its extraordinary aquatic inhabitants, The Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve is also an ideal place to snorkel.
Coromandel Walkway
Cost:
Coromandel Coastal Walkway Tours: Adult NZD $145
Guided Hike: Additional $450 (per group 1-8)
Group Rates: NZD $115/adult - groups 4-7 adults, NZD $95/adult - groups 8 - 16 adults.
For picturesque views of the upper Coromandel Peninsula, do the 3.5 hours one way Coromandel Walk. The track passes through lush greenery, farmland, and coastline and you can experience beautiful views of the Pinnacles, Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) to the north, and Cuvier Island in the east when you do the coastal walk between Stony and Fletcher Bays.
Whenuakura Island
Cost: Whenuakura Island (Donut Island) Kayak Tour- Adult $40.00 - $80.00
Whenuakura Island, or Donut Island, is located about 600m off the coast of Whangamata in the Coromandel Peninsula. Rich in Maori history, this island is home to a beautiful turquoise lagoon, native fauna, and a volcanic cliff rock, making it one of the must-visit spots in the area.
The Pinnacles
Cost: Tour price for Adults is $189 Return Shuttle
The Pinnacle offers an advanced hiking trail that requires you to climb ladders and stairs that lead to the peak of the steep mountain top. Once you reach the top, you will be awarded a 360-degree view with a beautiful ocean in the distance that’ll make the hike worth the hard work. While it's possible to do the whole hike in a day, remember to keep track of the time so you don’t miss out on the breathtaking sunset.
New Chums Beach/Wainuiototo Beach
Cost: Free
Tour Price: NZD $50 Adult
New Chums Beach is recognized as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches. Golden sand marks the shore of this clearwater beach while the native forest surrounds it, creating a tranquil and serene environment for nature lovers to just relax and forget about their day’s troubles.
Karangahake Gorge
Cost: Free
Karangahake Gorge offers a scenic Hauraki Rail Trail that will take you under old gold mining tunnels and bridges that hold rich history. The historic and archaeological personality of Karangahake makes it a significant place to visit. You will find Swing Bridges, tunnels, waterfalls, railways, and rusty mining equipment here, making the visit totally worth it!
Miranda Shorebird Centre
Cost: Entry is free
The Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre is home to 131 bird species including 43 waders and thousands of wrybill. The best time to view the birds is 2 hours on either side of high tide. The Shorebird Centre has overnight accommodations; self-contained units and bunkrooms for hire. You can also visit the great Miranda hot spring, located in the small town of Miranda nearby.
Ngatea Water Gardens
Cost: Adults $12
Ngatea Water Gardens is spread across a 5-acre property and will lighten your mood the moment you step in. There are funny signs and scenes all over the area and the water fountains here are made out of recycled materials, which makes it pretty fascinating to see. You will find a gift shop, playground, and function center for weddings and other events. The path here winds through beautiful lily ponds, bridges, waterfalls, waterwheels, and fountains. There is wildlife that you can also interact with including friendly hand-fed birds, fish, and some fascinating turtles. Don’t forget to visit the Can Museum, where over 11,000 different beers, soft drinks, and different sorts of cans from around the world are displayed. With the gorgeous ambiance of the garden on full display, Ngatea is the perfect place for you to enjoy a picnic with some friends or loved ones.
The Lost Spring Geothermal Spa
Cost: $45 – $900
Relax in the geothermal pools, as you leave your worries behind and allow yourself to be pampered at The Lost Spring, Whitianga. Whether you want to relax at the tree-top day spa or dine in at a restaurant, The Lost Spring Geothermal Spa caters to your needs. Soak in one of the Geo-Thermal mineral pools in the midst of nature in a serene environment, as delicious cocktails and dining are served by your poolside while you soak or just go for a massage here at the spa.
Driving Creek
Costs:
Driving Creek Railway Tour: Adult $37
Zipline Tours: Adult $127
Driving Creek is an all in one tourist spot that offers railway tours, zipline tours, pottery classes, and conservation tours. During the railway tour, your train driver will give you fun facts about Driving Creek and Barry Brickell (the founder of Diving Creek)
Thames Coastal Walkway
Cost: Free
The Thames Coastal Walkway is a 3-hour return walk between The Wharf to Kuranui Bay. View the Karaka Bird Hide, Victoria Park, 1902 Boer War Memorial, and the Kuranui Bay Reserve when you do this walk. Not only that, but it also has opportunities for activities such as walking, cycling, skateboarding, etc.
Hauraki Rail Trail
Cost: Free
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a 160km track made up of five different sections. On the ride, you get to see the Shorebird Coast, quaint historic towns, lush farmlands, a historic railway corridor through the Karangahake Gorge and Matamata (home of the Hobbiton Movie Set). The Hauraki Rail Trail can be ridden in comfortable day sections or you want to explore the Coromandel further, then you go for a relaxing 4-5 day adventure on this trail.
The Hauraki Rail Trail, New Zealand - Official Website states that the trail is suitable for everything from children’s bikes and uprights, to touring bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. Bike hire, shuttles, luggage transfers, tours, and accommodation are available from operators based on and around the trail, with Thames, Waihi, and Paeroa the major hubs. You can find details for each of the Trail Heads here.
Waihi Beach
Cost: Admission Free
Hire cost:
Private Surfing Lesson Cost: $160.00
Waihi Beach is known to be one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. You can hire or take surf lessons here as well as enjoy other fun beach activities. Go for a stroll and enjoy the nearby village bustling with life and spend time at the various boutique shops and eateries you will find here. The sunrise from here is pretty amazing and you don’t want to miss it!
Wentworth Valley Waterfall
Cost: Free
Wentworth Falls is situated in Wentworth Valley, Coromandel Range. After a breathtaking 1h 15 min walk with fresh mountain air and gold mining history, you will reach this 50m tall waterfall, which comprises two steep and angled leaps. You can learn more about the walk here.
