What to Do in Coromandel Town
A peaceful town decorated with attractive heritage buildings, Coromandel Town is the ideal place to “escape from it all”. There’s not much expected from you here. Just enjoy the quaint cafes, the inspiring art galleries and serene beaches. If you do feel like getting out and about, the short walk to a kauri grove and a waterfall won’t be too demanding. Check out what you could be getting up to with this list of things to do in Coromandel Town!
Coromandel Town also makes a fantastic base for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula thanks to the daily tour departures from the town, as well as having a ferry terminal transporting passengers to and from Auckland.
For more inspiration while you’re here, see our 15 Coromandel Must-Dos, as well as 10 Features That Make The Coromandel Unique.
1. Do the Waiau Kauri Grove and Waiau Falls Walk
While it might seem like the Coromandel Peninsula is all about the coast, there are some stunning inland features to add to your Coromandel bucket list! Two easily-accessible sights are Waiau Falls, a popular swimming spot a picturesque waterfall along the 309 Road, and the Waiau Kauri Grove. This short walk takes you to a stand of Kauri trees – the largest types of trees in New Zealand. See more walks in our 16 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel.
Location: 7km (4 miles) along the 309 Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Relax at Long Bay
For those craving the sea, check out Coromandel Town’s closest beach, Long Bay. It’s a peaceful spot and well worth relaxing at or taking a stroll while road tripping around the Coromandel. There is a walk around to Tucks Bay and the Kauri Grove Track where you can more beautiful kauri trees during different stages of growth.
Location: Long Bay Road
© W. Bulach on Wikipedia3. Visit The Waterworks
Just 10 minutes drive from Coromandel Town is one of New Zealand’s quirkiest attractions, The Waterworks. See more than 30 water-powered contraptions and inventions, like a wooden water clock, bike-powered water cannons, a human-sized hamster wheel and much more! In summer, make use of the free barbecue and swimming hole to cool off or relax with a coffee at the on-site cafe. This attraction is a must for kids and kids-at-heart.
Location: 471 The 309 Road
© The Waterworks4. Check Out the Art Galleries
The peaceful town of Coromandel has attracted many talented artists throughout the years, many of which are displaying their works in the local art galleries. Be inspired at the Kowhai Watercolour Studio or see the ever-changing displays at the Hauraki House Gallery showcasing artists from all over the Coromandel Peninsula.
Location: Kowhai Watercolour Studio – 600 Wyuna Bay Road and Hauraki House Gallery – Kapanga Road
© MaxPixel5. Jump on the Driving Creek Railway
See where the gold mining boom began at the Driving Creek Railway! Take a 1-hour scenic train ride along a rugged mountain of regenerating forest passing through three tunnels and over several bridges. At the top of the mountain, you’ll get sensational views over the Hauraki Gulf and the surrounding Coromandel region. After you ride, take the time to “potter” around the on-site pottery or visit the predator-proof wildlife sanctuary.
Location: 380 Driving Creek Road
© denisbin on FlickrMore Things to Do Near Coromandel Town
- 10 Best Boutique Accommodation in the Coromandel
- 7 Best Things to Do in Thames
- 15 Coromandel Must-Dos
- The Complete Travel Guide to the Coromandel
That’s it for the best things to do in Coromandel Town. Find more activities for your travels in the 51 Best Things to Do on the North Island.
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 [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- 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.
