Is it Worth Visiting the Coromandel Peninsula?
Written by Real Travellers, Not Algorithms
There is no better word to describe the Coromandel region than unique. Aside from the obvious attractions the tourists flock to, the area hides heaps of tiny beaches and rainforest walks worth discovering.
Just by looking at pictures of Coromandel, who wouldn’t want to visit a paradise like this?
But is it worth the extra detour, usually a whole day, from your travel itinerary around New Zealand?
For an in-depth guide to the peninsula, read The Complete Guide to the Coromandel, or for places to stay, see our 15 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel and 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel.
Side note: Our insights are from travel writers who have visited the Coromandel and travelled around New Zealand multiple times. In other words, we are not copied or generated by AI. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us!
Table of Contents
1. The Stunning Beaches
Remote beaches scatter the region, many of which can only be found by following a long walk through the bush.
It’s well worth the exercise to emerge onto an often isolated beach.
Sunbathe on the golden sand or delve into the turquoise waters: this time is yours, so treat yourself!
Our personal favourite, New Chums Beach, is pictured below.
© Unsplash2. Have You Heard of Cathedral Cove?
Amongst all the isolated beaches, one stands out: Cathedral Cove. The beach is home to impressive rock formations featured in the blockbuster series The Chronicles of Narnia.
Although you will never be alone on the beach, as this is a tourist hotspot, the gigantic arch cavern is a must-see in New Zealand!
© NZPocketGuide.com3. There’s Great Surf
Less popular than the famous Raglan, Piha and Kaikoura, The Coromandel has a few hidden gems. And with over 400 km (249 mi) of coastline on the peninsula, why wouldn’t it?!
The beaches around Whangamata and Pauanui are your best bet for good surf, but you can also take your board and hunt for a great Pacific swell at any beach you like.
We have more tips for you in The Best Surf Regions in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. The Pinnacles
It is hard to retreat from the shores of the Coromandel, but the Pinnacles, located in the imposing Kauaeranga Valley, is a great way to do so.
The walk to the Pinnacles is one of the most popular in the area. If you plan on staying overnight in the DOC hut along the path, book it well in advance to secure a spot.
Check out 15 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel for more information.
© PocketGuide.com5. Hot Water Beach
“Unique” does not even begin to state how rare Hot Water Beach is.
Within two hours on either side of the tide, you can dig yourself into a pool where extremely hot water will sprout from the ground.
When the cold seawater washes into your pool, the temperature adjusts. Then you can relax in your homemade hot pool.
Check out 15 Coromandel Must-Dos for more attractions like this.
6. A Giant Soda Bottle
New Zealand likes BIG things and the L&P bottle in Paeroa, on the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula, is one of the most famous.
No doubt you will pass the town where the New Zealand soft drink originated, so take a quick pit stop to get a touristy photo with the bottle.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Big Bay’s Blow Hole
Big Bay’s Blow Hole has the “WOW” effect on anyone who sees it.
The underground cavern plunges 25 m (82 ft) under the forest.
Big Bay’s Blow Hole is only accessible by boat, such as with Cave Cruzer, from Hahei and when the tide is high.
© Cave Cruzer8. The Migrating Birds
Every summer, Arctic birds come to New Zealand to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s cold winter.
Most of these birds choose to settle near the rich ocean waters of the Coromandel, which offers a truly spectacular sight to any wildlife lover.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Karangahake Gorge
The area has a rich mining history, and the best testament of that is the Karangahake Gorge.
Old goldmines, tunnels and caves are linked in every way by a system of suspension bridges and walking tracks.
© Tourism NZ10. The Incredible Sunrise and Sunset
Being on the country’s east coast, the Coromandel is blessed with daily spectacles.
It’s definitely worth getting up early, tying up your hiking boots, and walking to one of the east coast beaches to watch the day begin (or west to watch it end).
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Why to Visit the Coromandel
That’s it for our guide to why to visit the Coromandel; for more information about this stunning region, check out the following articles:
- 10 Things to Do in the Coromandel with Kids
- 15 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel
- 15 Coromandel Must-Dos
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to The Coromandel.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- The Coromandel (Regional tourism website)
- Thames-Coromandel District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
