Off the Beaten Track to... New Chums Beach
New Chums Beach is a beautiful stretch of pristine, golden beach that's not much visited mainly because it takes a little bit of effort to get there. You will have to walk 'off the beaten track' for about 40 minutes but as this was voted as one of the World's Top 20 Beaches in 2006 by The Observer, you'd be kicking yourself if you didn't check it out.
Firstly, let's make sure you are in the right neck of the woods. You need to be on New Zealand's North Island, near the township of Coromandel on the Coromandel Peninsula. From Coromandel, follow Whanapoua Road (about 9 miles east) and head to the northern end of Whangapoua Beach. Wade through the lagoon (yes, you will need to get your feet wet) to the rocks before joining the track that will lead you to New Chums Beach. The track leads up to a saddle covered with pohutukawa trees and native bush before dropping down to the beach itself.
Things To Do at New Chums Beach
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sand (the beach is approximately one kilometre in length)
- Surf the swells (swells are stronger at New Chums Beach than at Whangapoua Beach)
- Watch and spot the marine life
- Go fishing
- Take photographs and relax
Useful Coromandel Links
To help plan your New Chums Beach experience in the Coromandel choose from the main categories below:
More Off the Beaten Track Suggestions
If you want to discover some of New Zealand's hidden treasures, travel to some out-of-the-way places and see sites that many travellers and tourists miss out on, look at more of our 'Off the Beaten Track' suggestions.