If Coromandel has any reputation, it must be that it is New Zealand’s beach paradise. While Coromandel does indeed have some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, there is much more to the vast peninsula that gives us an exciting list of things to do in Coromandel.
The heart of Coromandel is the mountains, covered with dense rainforest, which gives you plenty of opportunities to lace up your hiking shoes. The Pinacles is the most popular hike, while the Wentworth Valley leads to a waterfall that is perfect for viewing. Discover the remains of a long-forgotten era of gold mining in the Karangahake Gorge or in the charming town of Thames. Of course, you’ll always end up at the beach at some point, whether it’s to admire the white cliffs of Cathedral Cove or to relax in the hot pool you dug yourself at Hot Water Beach.
Hike to the top of the Peak
The Kaueranga-Kauri Trail, also known as the Peak Walk, is the most popular day/night walk in the area. It offers stunning views of the entire Coromandel Peninsula, as well as some spectacular views of – you guessed it – some of the peaks. Note that the track can be completed in one day, but is best enjoyed in two. The Pinnacles Hut is very well maintained by the Department of Conservation and offers stunning sunrise views.
Dig yourself a hot pool at the hot beach
The natural hot spring at Hot Water Beach is another example of the power of the earth beneath our feet in New Zealand. Around a small rock on the beach is a pocket of hot water that opens up at low tide. Dig a trench to sit in the sand and regulate your temperature with the cold seawater. We recommend going at low tide after dark when you can see glow worms on the path leading to the beach. In addition, there will be fewer people on the beach than during the day.
Or relax in the luxurious hot pool
Coromandel offers two other different hot pools. The Lost Spring is a geothermal mineral hot pool complex with hot pools, spa and restaurant. Alternatively, a good budget option is Miranda Hot Pools with a large geothermal pool, an adults-only hot pool and a children’s pool.
Discover the old gold mining tunnels in the Karangahake Gorge
Keep your vacation budget to a minimum with some of the free activities in Coromandel, such as the Carangahake Gorge walks. The Karangahake Tunnel Walk (a 45-minute loop) takes you through a 1,100-meter (3,600-foot) railroad tunnel, and the historic path from the East Portal Bridge follows the old railroad tracks to the cascading Ovaroa Falls.
See rare birds at the Miranda Shorebird Center
The Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Center is home to thousands of seabirds unique to New Zealand. This true spectacle of nature is a must-see if you are spending a few days in the area. Not far away, in the small town of Miranda, you can also find the wonderful Miranda Hot Spring, a very cheap way to relax from all that traveling you’re doing.
Take a selfie with a giant bottle of L&P
The iconic New Zealand soft drink L&P is a sweet lemonade with an extra slice of lemon. You have to try it at least once. The “L” stands for Lemon and the “P” stands for Paeroa, the city that proudly invented the drink. Locals will tell you that the pure water from the city’s spring gives the soft drink its unique flavor.