Things to Do in the Coromandel for Couples
Whether you’re escaping to the peninsula for a romantic weekend away or adding it to your honeymoon itinerary of New Zealand, the Coromandel provides the ideal setting for romance. It’s got the glistening Pacific Ocean, the bays of golden-sand beaches, and lush hilltops to see it all from. All you need now are some amazing activities to experience the Coromandel together. We go through some of our top recommendations for romantic activities in the Coromandel for couples in the list below!
For more trip-planning tips, see The Honeymoon Guide to the Coromandel.
1. Team Up in a Kayak and Paddle to Cathedral Cove
The Coromandel is all about outdoor adventures together! Combine this with visiting one of the must-dos of the Coromandel in a kayaking tour to Cathedral Cove. Team up in a double kayak on a scenic kayaking experience with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours where their classic Cathedral Cove small-group tour takes you to explore around off-shore islands of Mercury Bay, paddle into caves and enjoy a barista-style coffee on Cathedral Cove beach. Learn more about the tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Tours depart from Hahei Beach.
© Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours2. Take a Romantic Stroll on the Beach
Speaking of beaches, a romantic stroll on a picturesque beach is almost mandatory in the Coromandel, especially at sunrise or sunset. You certainly won’t be stuck for beaches with plenty of options from the off-the-beaten-track New Chums Beach to the sunrise-soaking Waihi Beach. Check out some of our favourites in the 10 Coromandel Beaches You Can’t Miss.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Fly Through the Trees Together on the Coromandel Zipline
See your loved one flying through the forest like majestic tui on a zipline tour with Coromandel Zipline Tours. After a unique railway journey up the Driving Creek Railway, your tour begins with eight exciting ziplines covering 705m (2,300ft)! Your guides will lead the way and share their knowledge on this land’s incredible journey from forestry, farm and gold mining land into lush regenerating forest. What’s more, all profits from the tour go toward restoring and preserving the land. Find out more about Coromandel Zipline Tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: 380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel Town.
© Coromandel Zipline Tours4. Tackle One of the Coromandel’s Scenic Hikes
The perfect way to experience the Coromandel, just the two of you, is via the many scenic hiking trails. From the historic gold mining tunnels of Karangahake Gorge to the mountaintop views from The Pinnacles Trail, the hikes in the Coromandel are vast and varied. Our top recommendation for couples in the blissfully uncrowded Coromandel Coastal Walkway. This 3-4-hour journey takes you along the coast of the northern Coromandel Peninsula featuring dramatic coastal scenery and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. Transport to the track and back can be organised through Coromandel Adventures. Check out Coromandel Adventures and their tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.
For more hikes and locations, check out the 16 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel.
© Coromandel Adventures5. Soak in a Hot Pool
Take some time to unwind and get pampered at The Lost Spring, complete with hot pools, a day spa and restaurant. Relax in mineral hot pools nestled in forest and book yourselves in for a couples massage. Alternatively, a good budget option is digging their own hot pool at Hot Water Beach at low tide. Just look out for the rocky outcrop on the beach that you need to dig in front of.
Location: The Lost Spring – 121A Cook Drive, Whitianga. Hot Water Beach – the main car park is along Pye Place near Hahei.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Make a Unique Gift for Each Other at The Laughing Pottery
The Coromandel is full of interesting boutiques, arts and crafts stores. However, pottery is kind of a big deal in the Coromandel, so check out places such as Driving Creek Railway and Potteries (380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel Town) and Alan Rhodes Pottery (1369 Tairua Whitianga Road, Whitianga) to pick up something unique. Alternatively, make your own ceramic creation at The Laughing Pottery in Waihi. They offer hands-on pottery lessons for two – no experience required!
Location: 18 Rosemont Road, Waihi.
© Pixabay7. Cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail
Discover the true hidden gems of the Coromandel on the multi-day cycling experience, the Hauraki Rail Trail. This easy-grade 1-5-day trail takes your through the small towns of Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Matamata, Waihi, Waikino and through Karangahake Gorge, famous for their gold mining history but today, more known for their artisan cuisine. Stop by the many eateries and artisan shops to sample the local cheeses, ice cream, gourmet pizzas, seafood and more. Learn more about the towns you’ll venture through in the 6 Hauraki Rail Trail Towns You Can’t Miss.
Location: Starts from Kaiaua and ends in either Waihi or Matamata.
© Tourism New Zealand8. Learn About the Stars on a Stargazing Tour
Book yourselves into one of the many luxurious accommodations in the Coromandel and chances are you’ll have your own deck or balcony to enjoy stargazing from. However, it’s possible to take your stargazing to the next level on a stargazing experience with Stargazers in Whitianga. Marvel at the southern night’s sky with a professional geologist and passionate astronomer using a powerful dome telescope.
Location: 9 School of Mines Land, 392 State Highway 25, Kuaotunu, Whitianga.
© Unsplash9. Wander Around the Rapaura Watergardens
Surround yourselves in the beauty of the Rapaura Watergardens, a romantic display of Irises and Bog plants in spring, followed by Azaleas and Rhododendrons then Orchids, Begonias, Hydrangeas and Water Lilies in summer. Wander around picturesque lily ponds and find scatterings of art and sculptures throughout the gardens. Complete your visit with a coffee or lunch at the on-site Koru Cafe.
Location: 586 Tapu-Coroglen Road, RD5, Thames.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Treat Your Loved One to a Romantic Dinner
Complement your adventures with some tasty meals in some of the Coromandel’s most romantic eateries. One that stands out is The Church Bistro (87 Beach Rd, Hahei) offering a casual wine bar and eatery in a romantic historic church setting. The Incognito Licensed Brasserie (701b Port Road, Whangamata) offers a cosy and intimate setting and serves New Zealand-European cuisine. Or how about Go Vino (19 Captain Cook Road, Whitianga), which serves up plates of contemporary season cuisine designed to be shared? For more recommendations, head over to The Foodie Guide to the Coromandel.
© NZPocketGuide.com
