The Coromandel, renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back vibe, is one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations.
Across the gulf from Auckland, The Coromandel is everything that a big city isn’t. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed.
Activities and attractions are plentiful, from fishing and diving to hiking and cycling. You might choose skydiving in Whitianga or a guided sea kayak tour around the coast.
The Coromandel is a walker’s paradise. Explore the relics from the area's gold mining heritage, follow the Karangahake Gorge and Coromandel Coastal Walkway, hike the Pinnacles, or hop on your bike and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Or simply sit and relax in a warm bubbling pool at Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa two hours either side of low tide. Don't miss the spectacular Cathedral Cove, the jewel of a protected marine reserve.
Some of The Many Attractions
Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach
Cathedral Cove is arguably one of the most picturesque spots (and there are many) in The Coromandel.
From beautiful Hahei Beach on The Coromandel you can walk to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention.
From the north end of the beach, a one hour walking track leads along the cliff top and then descends to the Cove. Here a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore - a perfect place for a picnic and a swim.
While you are at Cathedral Cove, visit the unique thermal mineral pools of Hot Water Beach (low tide is best)
Diving in the Coromandel
The Coromandel is home to spectacular underwater seascapes, popular for snorkelling and diving.
Just off the fine golden sands of the famous Cathedral Cove lies the Te-Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, where the calm waters of the Mercury Bay harbour teeming wildlife, sponge gardens and reefs. Gemstone Bay has a snorkel trail, where even a novice can experience the marine magic using the buoys with information panels and images for fish identification.
Situated off the coast of the Mercury Bay, the 7 Mercury Islands offer some of the most varied underwater terrain in New Zealand. With submerged caves, pinnacles and drop-offs, the islands shelter a diverse range of species including crayfish, kingfish and moray eels. Popular with hunters and photographers as well as divers. Warm currents provide an ever-changing parade of whales, stingray and marlin and sub-tropical fish and turtles.
Driving Creek Railway
Nestled amongst regenerating native forest near Coromandel Town is Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gorge mountain trail lined with unique and colourful pottery. It’s all aboard as you enjoy a scenic one hour train ride up to the ‘Eyeful Tower’, where colossal views stretch out over the Hauraki Gulf and Islands.
Prizes generously donated by tourism operators from this area that you could win!
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Check out the Tourism New Zealand website for more information about the amazing things to see and do in New Zealand