20 Best Things to Do in the Coromandel with Kids [2025]

1. See the Underwater World of Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is on everyone’s bucket list when road tripping in the Coromandel. However, a unique way to experience with the little ones is through a glass-bottom boat tour. Join Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga for a two-hour cruise past volcanic scenery, rocky pinnacles, caves and the famous Cathedral Cove. You’ll get the unique experience of seeing the abundance of fish through the glass panels and enjoy the option to snorkel if the kids want to get closer to nature. Check out more things to do in the area with our 10 Awesome Things to Do in Whitianga.

Location: Tours depart 13 Esplanade, Whitianga.

© Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga

2. Enjoy a Thrill Ride in Whitianga

Another way to experience Cathedral Cove is on an exhilarating banana boat ride with Banana Boat Whitianga. They offer kiddies’ cruises, ideal for younger ones, while scenic rides, thrill rides, and others are great options for older kids. Located at the Esplanade Beach in Whitianga between December 26 and February 6, the crew set up a volleyball net and put on some music for families to enjoy, too.

Location: Esplanade Beach, Whitianga

© Pixabay

3. Feed the Animals, See the Birds and Explore the Museums at Bullswool Farm Heritage Park

For a real Kiwi experience, don’t miss Bullswool Farm Heritage Park between Karangahake Gorge and Paeroa. Not only does this attraction have a farm park where kids can feed the animals, but there are also farm museums and displays, a kauri museum, a native bird reserve and huge children’s playgrounds. Be prepared for hours of fun! For more experiences nearby, check out the 5 Best Things to Do in Paeroa.

Location: 240 Rahu Road, RD4, Paeroa.

© Bullswool Heritage Farm

4. Ride the Driving Creek Railway

On the bucket list for families should be Driving Creek Railway and Potteries. Their “Railway Tour” is a one-hour journey, taking you through tracts of native forest while your train driver tells the interesting story of how this railway came to be. Travel through tunnels, over viaducts and more surprises along the way up to the “EyeFull Tower” lookout.

Location: 380 Driving Creek Road, Thames.

© Driving Creek Railway

5. Learn About Gold Mining

Yes, there are a lot of ways to learn about gold mining in the Coromandel, so here goes… Thames Goldmining Experience offers guided and self-guided experiences, taking you underground into an old stamper battery. Alternatively, get your mining fix at the Gold Discovery Centre, which offers tours to experience modern-day gold mining up close. Or head to the Thames School of Mines & Mineralogical Museum, where you can join a cheap guided tour to learn more about the school.

Location: Thames Goldmining Experience – Moanataiari Road, Thames. Gold Discovery Centre – 126 Seddon Street, Waihi. Thames School of Mines & Mineralogical Museum – Corner of Brown and Cochrane Streets, Thames.

© NZPocketGuide.com

6. Walk the Old Mining Tunnels at Karangahake Gorge

Keep the holiday budget to a minimum with some of the free activities in the Coromandel. A fantastic option with kids is the walks at Karangahake Gorge. The Karangahake Tunnel Loop Walk (45-minute loop) takes you through a 1,100 m (1,203-yard) railway tunnel. You can also walk along the Historic Walkway from the Eastern Portal Bridge following the old railway track to Owharoa Falls, a stunning cascading waterfall worth checking out and even for swimming (just be careful; the rocks were a bit slippery last time we were there). For more free activities, see the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Coromandel.

Location: Karangahake Domain Car Park is on State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihi.

© NZPocketGuide.com

7. Do Archery Tag, Kids Quad Biking and More

Let the kids loose at the family adventure park, Fun Zone Whitianga. Younger kids love the “Kidz Quadz”, miniature quad bikes that they can ride around a fun track, while “Soccer Golf” is a fun sport for the whole family. There’s beginner’s archery, outdoor laser tag, target paintball shooting, clay bird shooting and a 4WD buggy tour that takes you around the amazing grounds of the park through native bush and across the Kaimarama River.

Location: 108 Kaimarama Road, Whitianga.

© NZPocketGuide.com

8. Play with Unusual Inventions at The Waterworks and Check Out Waiau Falls

If you drive the 309 Road between Coromandel Town and Whitianga, don’t miss The Waterworks. The quirkiest theme park you’ll ever see, The Waterworks is a park of water-powered inventions that offers an interactive experience for the whole family to enjoy. The park is set on the ground of native bush, making for a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours, especially with coffee and the on-site café. While on the 309 road, check out the Waiau Falls, a short walk from the roadside to a stunning waterfall. For more experiences nearby, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Whitianga & Hahei and the 5 Best Things to Do in Coromandel Town.

Location: 471 309 Road, Waiau.

© NZPocketGuide.com

9. Dig Your Own Hot Pool at Hot Water Beach

Digging your hot pool at Hot Water Beach is a fun and free experience that will intrigue the youngsters. The beach is famous for its hot water spring, which runs under the sand in a spot accessible at low tide to dig your own hot pool. If you don’t have your own spades, spades can be hired from the nearby Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.

Location: The main parking area is along Pye Place, Hot Water Beach.

© NZPocketGuide.com

10. Build Sandcastles, Hire a Kayak and Eat Ice Cream at the Coromandel’s Beaches

Speaking of beaches, there’s a lot more of that in the Coromandel. Enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply building sandcastles at places like Whangamata Beach, Hahei Beach and more. Check out the 10 Coromandel Beaches You Can’t Miss for more ideas.

Location: See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

© NZPocketGuide.com

10 More Things to Do in the Coromandel with Kids

Now that we have gone through the top activities in the Coromandel for families, here are a few honourable extras to keep you busy:

11. Coromandel Zipline Tours – Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the native forests of the Coromandel. This canopy ziplining tour is perfect for thrill-seeking families with children aged six and up. Soar through the treetops and experience the beauty of the Coromandel from a unique perspective. Location: Driving Creek, Coromandel Town.
12. Mercury Bay Discoveries – Enjoy a 1.5-hour coastal tour on a comfortable catamaran. This family-friendly experience offers a toilet, warm freshwater shower, and refreshments on board. It’s wheelchair accessible and provides a dry adventure in all weather conditions. Perfect for those wanting to explore the coastline without getting wet. Location: Whitianga.
13. Hahei Explorer – Set off on a one-hour tour exploring the dramatic coastline from Hahei. Kids will love the possibility of spotting marine life, as the tour has a mammal watch permit, allowing potential encounters with dolphins, whales, orcas and seals. It’s an exciting way to discover the Coromandel’s coastal wonders. Location: Hahei.
14. Sea Cave Adventures – Join local guides for an authentic 2-3 hour tour covering over 25 km of continuous volcanic coastline. The unique purpose-built vessel provides the perfect viewing platform for families looking for a more personal experience. Explore sea caves and learn about the area’s geology and history. Location: Whitianga.
15. Whiti Farm Park – Get up close with over 40 species of friendly farmyard and exotic animals, birds, and reptiles. This safe, clean environment offers interactive experiences for all ages. It’s a fantastic spot for animal-loving kids to feed and pet a variety of creatures. Open seven days with a reasonable admission fee. Location: Whitianga.
16. The Ngtea Water Gardens – Wander through five acres of picturesque gardens. Kids will love exploring the path that takes you over bridges, past water lily ponds, waterfalls, waterwheels, and magical fountains. It’s a serene spot for families to enjoy nature and take beautiful photos. Location: Whenuakite.
17. Wentworth Falls Track – Embark on an easy, two-hour return walk alongside the Wentworth River. This family-friendly hike takes you over two bridge crossings before climbing to a lovely view of the falls. It’s a great way to introduce kids to hiking while enjoying stunning natural scenery. Location: Whangamata.
18. Horse Trekking – Wairakau Horse Treks offers lessons and treks suitable for various abilities, as well as a unique way for families to explore the Coromandel Peninsula on horseback. Location: Whitianga.
19. Giant L&P Bottle – Don’t miss this quirky roadside attraction! Kids will love posing for photos with this larger-than-life sculpture of New Zealand’s famous soft drink. It’s a fun, quick stop that adds a touch of Kiwiana to your Coromandel adventure. Location: Paeroa.
20. Whitianga Rock Walk – Start this family-friendly adventure by taking the ferry across the river at Whitianga to Ferry Landing (or drive to Cooks Beach). Enjoy a spectacular bush walk to Back Bay, then continue to Whitianga Rock, a historic Maori pā site. It’s a great way to combine nature, history, and exercise. Location: Ferry Landing, Whitianga.

These additional activities offer a mix of adventure, nature, and cultural experiences, ensuring that families visiting the Coromandel Peninsula have plenty of options to create lasting memories. Should you still be looking for the one, head over to our 20 Best Things to Do in The Coromandel.