Our Picks for the 25 Best Things to Do in the Coromandel

Last Updated: 27 January, 2025

The Must-Dos in The Coromandel

No Bots, Just Boots on the Ground

If the Coromandel has any reputation, it has to be that it is the beach paradise of New Zealand. Although the Coromandel does, indeed, feature some of the most stunning beaches in New Zealand, there’s a lot more to the huge peninsula, giving us an exciting list of things to do in the Coromandel.

The heart of the Coromandel is thick rainforest-covered mountains, providing plenty of opportunities to lace up your hiking boots. The Pinnacles is the most popular hike, whereas the Wentworth Valley leads to a picture-perfect waterfall.

Discover the remnants of a gold-mining age long forgotten in the Karangahake Gorge or in the charming town of Thames.

Of course, you’ll always find yourself on the beach at some point, whether it’s to marvel at the white cliffs of Cathedral Cove or unwind in a hot pool you’ve dug yourself at Hot Water Beach.

Scroll down for the Coromandel must-dos! Otherwise, more tips can be found in The Complete Guide to the Coromandel.

Side note: Our insights come from experienced travel writers who have tried these experiences, as well as a few reputable recommendations. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.

1. Hike to the Top of the Pinnacles

The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, also known as the Pinnacles Walk, is the most popular day/overnight walk in the area. It offers stunning views of the whole Coromandel Peninsula, as well as some dramatic views of – you guessed it – some pinnacles.

Note that the track can be done in one day but is best enjoyed in two.

The Pinnacles Hut is very well maintained by the Department of Conservation and offers a stunning sunrise view.

For more walks, see 15 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel.

Location: Kauaeranga Valley Road, approximately 21.5km (13 miles) from Thames.

2. Witness the Iconic Cathedral Cove

Known for being the background of a very famous scene in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia, Cathedral Cove is one of the Coromandel’s most precious jewels – at least, that was our take when seeing the glisteningly clear waters in the bays on the Cathedral Cove Walkway, and that was before even getting to the main event!

With white sand, white cliff formations and turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why Cathedral Cove Beach is the biggest attraction of the peninsula.

Don’t miss a chance to see for yourself what paradise actually looks like, whether it’s doing the walkway or one of the guided options (more on that below).

Location: Grange Road, Hahei, approximately 35 km (22 mi) from Whitianga. Note that parking is not permitted at Grange Road.

Paid car parking is available at Cathedral Cove Adventures, 150 Lees Road, Hahei.

3. Dig Yourself a Hot Pool at Hot Water Beach…

The natural hot spring of Hot Water Beach is yet another example in New Zealand of the power of the earth beneath our feet.

A pocket of hot water is located around a small rock formation on the beach, which is exposed at low tide. Dig a trench to sit in the sand and regulate the temperature with the cold seawater.

Spades can be hired from the nearby holiday park and general store.

We recommend going at the low tide after dark, where you can see glowworms in the walkway leading up to the beach. Plus, the beach will be less busy than during the daytime.

Find more of the 10 Free Natural Hot Springs in New Zealand.

Location: There are two car parks; the main car park is along Pye Place, just south of Hahei.

Our favourite, however, is the car park on Hot Water Beach Road (opposite Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park), which gives you access to the Pa Walkway, a pleasant little bushwalk and glowworm territory. It takes you almost directly to the hot pool digging site.

4. … Or Relax in a Luxurious Hot Pool

Unwind in the natural geothermal mineral waters at The Lost Spring. This geothermal hot pool complex has a range of pools in nature-inspired settings.

Bathe in waters of 30-40°C (86-104°F) with a tropical cocktail from the springs’ bar or indulge in a spa treatment. (You’ll feel like you’re in paradise!)

The Lost Spring is typically open Friday to Sunday most of the year and seven days a week between mid-December and mid-January.

See how these hot pools compare with others in the 10 Damn Relaxing Hot Pools in New Zealand. Plus, discover more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in the Coromandel.

Location: 121A Cook Drive, Whitianga.

5. Discover the Old Gold Mining Tunnels of Karangahake Gorge

Keep the holiday budget to a minimum with some of the free activities in the Coromandel, such as the walks at Karangahake Gorge.

Not only is this one of the most scenic stretches of river on North Island, but Karangahake Gorge is also rich in gold mining relics. Delve into gold mining tunnels while capturing tremendous views of the Waitewheta River on the Windows Walkway, or walk to Owharoa Falls on the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway.

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.

6. See Rare Birds at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre

On your way to the Coromandel, either on your way in or out from Auckland, don’t miss the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre.

At the Shorebird Centre, learn about the rare wading and shorebirds that live here.

Then head to the Robert Finlay Reserve to see the birds for yourself, particularly thousands of wrybill which are unique to New Zealand.

Entry to the Shorebird Centre and Reserve is free, but donations are welcome to fund conservation efforts.

Location: 283 East Coast Road, Miranda.

7. Take a Selfie with the Giant L&P Bottle

The iconic New Zealand soft drink, L&P, is a sweet lemonade with an extra kick of lemon. You’ve got to try it at least once.

The “L” stands for “Lemon” and the “P” stands for “Paeroa”, the town that proudly invented the drink.

Locals will tell you that the pure waters from the city source give the soft drink its unique taste. What’s more, it’s not the only BIG thing in New Zealand…

See more attractions in the area in the 5 Best Things to Do in Paeroa.

Location: State Highway 2, Paeroa town centre.

8. Relax on Wainuiototo (New Chum Beach)

One of the most scenic and secluded beaches in the Coromandel, Wainuiototo New Chum Beach is only accessible on foot or by boat.

A walk to the beach begins just north of Whangapoua and takes you through nikau and pōhutukawa forest.

The track leads to a lookout where you’ll be able to get “that picture” before descending onto the beach.

For more beaches, see our 10 Coromandel Beaches You Can’t Miss.

Location: The walk starts on the north end of Whangapoua Beach. 36 km (22 mi) from Whitianga.

9. Take on the Coromandel Coastal Walkway

Another real hiking gem is the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, a 3-4-hour one-way adventure along the breathtaking coast of the northern Coromandel Peninsula.

The Coromandel Walkway is a stunning coastal trek showcasing the peninsula’s wild beauty. This one-way track offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast ocean beyond.

Getting there is an adventure in itself, so be sure to book your transportation to the start of the track (and back from the end) in advance.

Keep an eye on the DOC website for track updates, as parts of the walkway have been closed since 2023.

For those seeking a guided experience, Hike & Bike Coromandel offers guided hikes and transport options.

Trust us, the effort to get there is well worth it – you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand!

Location: Either Port Jackson Road, Fletcher Bay or Port Charles Road, Stony Bay.

10. Kayak to Cathedral Cove…

The waters surrounding Cathedral Cove, known as Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, offer a protected haven for marine life. This fishing-free zone creates a spectacular environment for exploration, particularly by kayak.

Paddle through crystal-clear waters, weaving around islands teeming with birdlife and watching for graceful stingrays gliding beneath the surface.

For an unforgettable experience, consider joining a kayak tour with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. As a delightful bonus, you’ll even be treated to barista-style coffee on the beach – the perfect way to cap off your marine adventure!

We also recommend this tour in the 10 Romantic Activities in the Coromandel.

Location: Departs from Hahei Beach, 2 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei.

11. … Or Cruise to Cathedral Cove

For a more relaxing way to enjoy the famous cove, boat cruises and glass-bottom boat tours offer another perspective of the stunning Coromandel coastline.

From Whitianga, embark on a two-hour glass-bottom boat adventure with Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga.

From Hahei, join the Hahei Explorer for a one-hour tour exploring the dramatic coastline. Their mammal watch permit allows for potential encounters with dolphins, whales, orcas and seals.

For a more extensive experience, try the 1.5-hour tour with Mercury Bay Discoveries. Their comfortable catamaran features a toilet, warm freshwater shower for post-snorkelling rinses, and refreshments. It’s wheelchair accessible and offers a dry experience in all weather conditions.

Check out the 10 Things to Do in the Coromandel with Kids for more experiences like this.

Location: Glass Bottom Boat and Mercury Bay Discoveries depart from 1 The Esplanade, Whitianga.

Hahei Explorer departs from the end of Hahei Beach, Wigmore Crescent, Hahei.

12. Enjoy a Beach, Kauri and a Waterfall at the Long Bay Reserve

The Long Bay Reserve is only a short drive north of Coromandel Town and will give you that beach fix.

With only one camping ground around, which will need to pass through to access the beach and parking, the reserve is often empty.

The nearby Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove tracks are also worth a 30-minute exploration while you are in the area.

See more attractions nearby in the 5 Best Things to Do in Coromandel Town.

Location: Long Bay Road, Coromandel Town.

13. Do a Zipline Tour Through the Forest

Fly through the forest like majestic tui on a tour with Coromandel Zipline Tours.

After a unique journey up the Driving Creek Railway, your tour begins with eight exciting ziplines covering 705 m (2,300 ft)!

Your guides will lead the way on this eco-tour, sharing their knowledge on this land’s incredible journey from forestry, farming and gold mining to lush regenerating forest. What’s more, all profits from the tour go toward restoring and preserving the land.

Location: 380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel Town.

14. Set Sail Along the Coast

Another more premium way to get out on the water is on a sailing cruise.

Windborne Charters offers sailing trips on their 19 m (62 ft) topsail schooner, a characterful vessel built in 1928. Join them for one of their day trips around Mercury Bay, out to the Mercury Islands or for their sunset cruise.

Alternatively, they are available for private charters should you want to plan something extra special. Another sailing option is with Boom! Sailing, offering relaxing sails around Mercury Bay on their catamaran yacht. This tour sets sail from Cooks Beach and allows you to swim or snorkel at the marine reserve, anchor at Cathedral Cove for a while, and lounge on the onboard bean bags with some smoked seafood and a cold beer or wine.

See more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Experiences in the Coromandel.

Location: Boom Sailing – Flaxmill Bay, Purangi Road Ferry Landing, Whitianga.

Windborne Charters – The Esplanade, Whitianga.

15. See the Coromandel on Horseback

Saddle up for an unforgettable countryside adventure with Wairakau Horse Treks just outside of Whitianga.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete novice, their range of lessons and treks cater to all abilities.

For a truly unique experience, don’t miss their special “Wild Food” trek. You’ll ride through stunning rural landscapes before enjoying a delicious barbecue of venison steaks and wild pork sausages by the river.

It’s the perfect way to combine horseback exploration with a taste of New Zealand’s wild cuisine. (We promise you won’t go hungry on this ride!)

See how this one compares to the 10 Best Horse Riding Tours in New Zealand.

Location: Kaimarama Road, Whitianga. 10 km (6 mi) from Whitianga.

16. Visit the Ngatea Water Gardens

The small town of Ngatea is a great rest stop on your way to or from the cities of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.

Treat yourself to a picnic in the small Ngatea Water Gardens, where water fountains made of recycled materials and a lot of humour make for a surprisingly fun exhibit.

It will only set you back 30 to 45 minutes on your journey. Plus, for more activities nearby, check out the 5 Best Things to Do in Ngatea.

Location: Bratlie Place, Ngatea.

itravelNZ - New Zealand in your pocket on Flickr

17. Walk the Thames Coastal Walkway

The 5 km (3 mi) walkway is an easy one. In fact, the whole town of Thames can be explored on foot pretty quickly.

Explore the area and learn more about its gold mining history and the fascinating life of the pioneers who populated it.

The walkway is also part of the Hauraki Rail Trail – more on that below.

For more ways to experience the town, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Thames.

Location: Thames waterfront.

18. Bike the Hauraki Rail Trail

With almost 197 km (122 mi) of flat track, there is no excuse not to bike the Hauraki Rail Trail. It is often referenced as the “easiest bike trail in New Zealand”.

The bike trail features unique landscapes and many points of interest in this list, such as the historic gold mining town of Thames and the gorgeous Karangahake Gorge.

Plus, it will also take you through the North Island’s longest tunnel at 1.1 km (0.6 mi).

Check out some of the highlights along the trail in the 6 Hauraki Rail Trail Towns You Can’t Miss.

Location: Thames, Waihi and Paeroa – see the link above for entry point locations.

19. Hike to the Top of Mt Paku

When visiting Tairua, you will find the best views of the surroundings after driving and then taking a short walk to the summit of Mt Paku.

Almost denuded of its vegetation, Mt Paku offers a great panorama of the area from every angle.

There are a few signs around the lookout that will tell you more about the area’s history and help you orient yourself.

Plus, see more ways to keep yourself occupied nearby in the 5 Best Things to Do in Tairua & Pauanui.

Location: Memorial Reserve car park, Paku Drive, Tairua.

20. Take On the Wentworth Valley Waterfall Walk

Follow the Wentworth River for about one hour and return the same way – it’s as simple as that.

Along the way, you’ll cross multiple bridges and get many views of the famous waterfall.

Split the 20-m (66-ft) high drop in two for a great subject for photography.

The Wentworth Falls Track finishes at the top of the falls, but the best views are along the way. We recommend taking your time to soak in the stunning scenery!

Again, check out the 5 Best Things to Do in Whangamata for more activity ideas.

Location: Wentworth Valley Road, approximately 7 km (4 mi) from Whangamata

21. Ride the Waves, Beachcomb and Watch the Sunrise at Waihi Beach

Enjoy 9 km (5.5 mi) of golden sand beach at this popular Kiwi holiday destination.

It’s one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand, where surf lessons and hire are available. Otherwise, Waihi Beach is a great place to enjoy classic beach activities.

What’s more, the sunrise from the beach is one of the best we’ve seen nationwide!

See more experiences nearby in the 10 Best Things to Do in Waihi.

Location: Waihi Beach Road, Waihi, just off State Highway 2.

22. Try Your Luck on a Fishing Charter

The Coromandel has a huge fishing culture, which you can experience on one of the many fishing charters available.

For instance, join the kingfish experts Epic Adventures Fishing Charters for a day on the water.

Try your luck at hitting a Yellowtail Kingfish, where all the fishing gear is included.

The tour starts from Whitianga, collecting baitfish in Mercury Bay before heading out to the deep water to catch some Kingfish!

Location: 1153 Purangi Road, Ferry Landing or Whitianga Wharf, Esplanade, Whitianga.

23. Indulge in Fresh Coromandel Seafood

Speaking of fish, if there’s only one place you’re going to try seafood in New Zealand, make it in the Coromandel! The region produces some darn good oysters, green-lipped mussels and more.

Head to The Coromandel Oyster Co. (1611 Manaia Road, Manaia) to try oysters fresh from the farm or dine on mussels at Blackbeard’s Smokehouse (1 Kopu Road, Kopu) that are harvested, marinated and smoked in the Coromandel.

See more activities like this in the 10 Things to Do in the Coromandel for Foodies.

Location: See specific locations in the link above.

25. Climb Mt Pauanui

Because hiking is always free, lace up your hiking boots one last time and get yourself on the top of Mt Pauanui for more panoramic views of the peninsula.

It will lead you to a great lookout from beaches to coves after passing through a coastal forest. If you plan to picnic along the way, we suggest Cave Bay, located about 45 minutes into the walk.

Combine this walk with the 5 Best Things to Do in Tairua & Pauanui.

Location: Car park at South End Reserve, Pauanui Beach Road, Pauanui.

More Must-Dos and Things to Do in The Coromandel

Check out these articles for more ways to plan your Coromandel visit!

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.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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