Coromandel - Activity Highlights

Coromandel | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

The Coromandel is a beautiful region, bordered by spectacular coastline, with a rugged, forested mountain range running up the center—activities and attractions abound.

Featured Tourism Operators in Coromandel

View Mercury Bay Beachfront Resort Web site

Coromandel Activity Highlights Overview

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Sailing in the Coromandel, New Zealand

Sailing, Coromandel
Photographer: Jocelyn Carlin
(www.carlin.co.nz)

Entertainment involving the ocean comes with the territory in the Coromandel. You can enjoy fishing, scenic boat trips, sea kayaking, diving, snorkeling, swimming and so much more.

The Coromandel is also a walker's paradise—coastal walkways and inland bush walks lead to giant kauris, waterfalls, mining relics and secret beaches.

A Trip Along the Seabird Coast

More than a 100 migratory bird species live around the edge of the Firth of Thames. Drive past them on your way to the local attractions.

Visit Miranda Hot Springs for a therapeutic dip in the hot mineral water
Gemstones, crystals, fossils and shells from New Zealand and around the world can be found at Wilderness Gems
Ngatea Water Gardens is a uniquely designed five acre water garden open year round

The Golden History of Thames and Coromandel

The towns of Thames and Coromandel were once the scene of a gold rush. Today they're quaint and interesting.

The Goldmine Experience—underground tours and gold panning!
At the Karaka Bird Hide you can sit and watch birds in the Thames Firth
Rapaura Water Gardens is an extensive water garden of native and exotic plants surrounded by native forest park
Carousel Dairy Farm provides an insight into a modern working dairy farm
The Thames market is held every Saturday morning
Take a ride on New Zealand's only narrow gauge mountain railway at Driving Creek
The '309 Kauris' is the finest easily accessible stand of kauri on the Peninsula
The Coromandel School of Mines Museum explains the gold mining history of the area
Pick up a craft trail guide and see over two dozen artisans working in their own studios

Whitianga and Mercury Bay

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Kayaking at Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, New Zealand

Kayaking, Cathedral Cove
Photographer: David Wall
(www.davidWallPhoto.com)

The beach town of Whitianga makes an excellent base for explorations of Mercury Bay and the adjacent coast.

At Hot Water Beach you can dig in the sand for hot spring water and make your own spa pool
Cathedral Cove is a magical beach framed by a massive natural rock arch
Go big game fishing, snorkeling or scuba diving
Indulge in a seafood feast at one of Whitianga's restaurants
Visit the numerous galleries and artists' studios along the east coast

Tairua and Pauanui

The twin towns of Tairua and Pauanui give you the best of both worlds—surf beaches along the seaward coast; tranquil harbour in behind.

Offshore Slipper Island has historical sites, scenic walks, safe snorkeling, diving and fishing
Walk to the summit of Paku, the volcanic peak that dominates the Tairua Harbour
Hike up the Pauanui Mountain track for panoramic views over the Bay of Plenty

Surf's up at Whangamata

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Surfing in the Coromandel, New Zealand

Surfing, Coromandel
Photographer: Chris McLennan
(www.cmphoto.co.nz)

The surf town of Whangamata is lively in summer and lovely the rest of the year. Aim for autumn or spring if you want to avoid the crowds.

Visit the gifted local artisans on the Whangamata Craft Trail, or walk one of the many tracks in the Coromandel Forest Park or Tairua Forest.

Afterwards head to one of the picturesque holiday beaches, such as Opoutere, Onemana or Whiritoa.

Deep in the heart of Karangahake Gorge

The beautiful Ohinimuri River runs through Karangahake Gorge on State Highway 2.

The gorge is the site of Waihi's 1875 gold rush. Numerous walkways reveal the gold-mining history of the region. Old mine tunnels, stamper battery sites and other mining relics adorn the tracks.

Take a step back in time and climb on board the Goldfields Vintage Railway, which travels between Waikino and Waihi.