Discover the Best Things to Do in the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is one of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s most beloved escapes, famous for its golden beaches, rugged ranges, creative small towns, and outdoor adventures. For us, this region is about more than sightseeing — it’s about connecting with the whenua, feeling the rhythm of coastal life, and uncovering those soulful spots that linger in your memory.

Whether you’re after a relaxing soak in natural hot pools, a challenging climb to panoramic views, or a cycle through historic trails, the Coromandel has something for every traveller. Here are the best things to do that capture the heart of this coastal paradise.

🌊 Hot Water Beach

Few places in the world let you grab a shovel, dig into the sand, and create your very own natural spa pool — but Hot Water Beach is one of them. Just two hours either side of low tide, geothermal springs bubble up through the sand, heating the water beneath your feet. Dig a hollow, let the hot water fill, and you’ll have a steaming seaside bath just metres from the rolling surf.

The springs themselves are heated by volcanic activity deep below the surface, and for centuries this spot has been known to tangata whenua for its healing and soothing waters. Local legend says that warriors would soak here to restore their bodies after battle, while others used the mineral-rich water for wellbeing.

Today, visitors from around the world flock to Hot Water Beach with shovels in hand (you can hire one from local cafés or holiday parks). The beach is split between the hot spring zone and the surf zone — so while one side is a steamy spa, the other is a surfer’s paradise.

💡 Fun tip: If the tide’s still high and you can’t dig, don’t worry — the café nearby serves legendary coffee and kai, and the Hahei coastline has plenty to explore while you wait.

👉 [Read our full guide to Hot Water Beach →]

🏝️ Cathedral Cove

If there’s one place that captures the soul of the Coromandel, it’s Cathedral Cove. Framed by its towering stone archway, this sheltered bay has become one of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s most photographed coastal icons. The cove’s dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and golden sands make it feel like a slice of paradise carved by nature itself.

The name comes from the massive natural arch that resembles the lofty ceiling of a cathedral. But for tangata whenua, this stretch of coastline holds much deeper meaning, with ties to ancestral stories of navigation and guardianship of the sea.

Reaching Cathedral Cove is part of the magic. You can walk in from Hahei on the popular track (currently subject to closures, so always check before you go), or arrive by kayak or boat, gliding across the sheltered waters of Mercury Bay. Once there, the cove reveals hidden gems like Gemstone Bay, known for its snorkelling trail, and Stingray Bay, where crystal-clear waters invite a refreshing dip.

Cathedral Cove even made its way onto the big screen — it featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, giving it worldwide fame. Today, it remains one of the Coromandel’s most cherished destinations, combining natural wonder, cultural depth, and cinematic beauty.

👉 [Explore Cathedral Cove in detail →]

🥾 The Pinnacles Track – Kauaeranga Valley

For trampers chasing one of New Zealand’s most iconic climbs, the Pinnacles Track – Kauaeranga Valley delivers history, culture, and unforgettable views all in one journey. This 16 km return trail follows the old packhorse routes once carved through the Coromandel ranges to haul giant kauri logs. Along the way, you’ll pass mossy streams, cross suspension bridges, and climb steep rock stairs that test your legs and reward your spirit.

The track is deeply tied to the story of the Kauaeranga Valley. For local iwi Ngāti Maru, these valleys, rivers, and peaks are woven into their ancestry and guardianship of the land. Later, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the area became a hub of kauri logging, and the scars of that era can still be seen in the form of old tramlines, dams, and relics hidden in the bush.

The highlight is reaching the jagged rock spires of the Pinnacles summit, standing at 759 m above sea level. From here, the Coromandel spreads out in a sweeping panorama — sunrise and sunset are especially magical as the colours spill across ridges and coastline.

While it’s possible to complete in a long day, many trampers stay overnight at the Pinnacles Hut, one of Aotearoa’s largest backcountry huts with 80 bunks. Waking early and climbing to the summit for dawn’s first light is a moment you’ll never forget.

👉 [Read our Full Guide to Hiking the Pinnacles →]

🚲 Hauraki Rail Trail

For an adventure on two wheels, the Hauraki Rail Trail is one of Aotearoa’s easiest and most scenic cycle routes. Stretching over 200 km, this trail follows the path of historic railway lines, making it mostly flat and perfect for riders of all ages and abilities.

The history here runs deep. In the late 1800s, these tracks connected gold-mining towns, farming communities, and trade routes across the Hauraki Plains and Coromandel. Today, cyclists roll past the same landscapes — but instead of steam trains, you’ll find coastal wetlands, farmland, and river valleys dotted with historic relics.

One of the highlights is the Karangahake Gorge, where the trail winds through old rail tunnels and over bridges with views of cliffs, rivers, and waterfalls. Interpretive signs tell the story of miners and railway workers who once lived and laboured here. Other sections take you through the bird sanctuary at Pūkorokoro Miranda, past thermal pools in Te Aroha, and into the heart of Paeroa — home of the iconic L&P soft drink.

Cyclists can ride the trail in sections or as a multi-day journey, with plenty of cafés, country pubs, and boutique stays along the way. Bike hire and shuttle services make it easy to plan. Whether you’re after a family ride or a longer cycling holiday, the Hauraki Rail Trail blends nature, history, and local flavour into one unforgettable ride.

👉 [Plan your Hauraki Rail Trail ride →]

🌿 The 309 Road

The 309 Road is one of those drives that’s as much about the journey as the destination. Winding for 22 km between Whitianga and Coromandel Town, this gravel back-country road is full of character, quirks, and hidden gems.

The origin of its unusual name is debated — some say it comes from the 309 bends along the road, while others believe it was once the time it took for horse-drawn coaches to travel the route: 309 minutes. Whatever the truth, the road has become a legend in itself.

Highlights along the way include the Waiau Falls, a short walk from the roadside to a pretty cascade that’s perfect for a summer swim, and the Kauri Grove, where a short track leads you into a stand of giant native trees that escaped the logging era. Then there are the famous pigs of the 309 Road — a friendly family of pigs that roam freely near the roadside and are a favourite with travellers stopping for photos.

Driving the 309 Road feels like stepping back into the Coromandel of old: untamed, green, and a little bit wild. It’s not the quickest way between towns, but it’s certainly the most memorable.

🎨 Coromandel Town & Arts Scene

Tucked on the western side of the peninsula, Coromandel Town is a place where history and creativity blend seamlessly. Once a bustling hub during the 1800s gold-mining boom, today it’s known for its artisanal vibe, relaxed pace, and community spirit.

The town has become a haven for artists, potters, and craftspeople drawn to the light, landscapes, and slower rhythm of life. One of the highlights is Driving Creek Railway & Potteries, founded by the late Barry Brickell — an iconic potter and conservationist. His narrow-gauge railway winds through native forest he helped regenerate, with whimsical sculptures and pottery works tucked among the trees.

Wander the streets of Coromandel Town and you’ll find art galleries, studios, and local markets, where you can meet makers and take home unique pieces. The town also has a strong foodie scene, with cafés, seafood shacks, and quirky restaurants serving up local flavours. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning browsing art, the afternoon exploring heritage buildings, and the evening relaxing with fresh mussels or fish straight from the harbour.

More than anything, Coromandel Town embodies the peninsula’s creative soul and welcoming spirit, making it a must-stop for travellers who want to experience the heart of the region.

🐬 Whitianga & Mercury Bay

On the eastern side of the peninsula, Whitianga is the main hub of Mercury Bay and one of the Coromandel’s liveliest seaside towns. With its sheltered harbour, golden beaches, and easy access to the Mercury Islands, it’s the perfect base for ocean adventures, local flavours, and coastal relaxation.

Mercury Bay holds an important place in history. It was here that Captain James Cook observed the transit of Mercury in 1769, giving the bay its English name. Long before Cook’s arrival, tangata whenua had lived and thrived in the area, drawing on the rich bounty of the sea and maintaining deep ancestral connections to the land and waters.

Today, Whitianga is all about embracing the sea. You can join boat tours to the Mercury Islands, head out dolphin- and whale-watching, or try a guided snorkelling or diving trip in the clear waters. The town’s long sandy beach is perfect for swimming, while the marina buzzes with fishing charters and cruising yachts.

On land, Whitianga has a friendly holiday vibe, with cafés, seafood restaurants, and artisan shops lining the streets. It’s also the gateway to nearby treasures like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, making it an ideal base for exploring the eastern Coromandel.

More than just a holiday spot, Whitianga reflects the peninsula’s balance of history, adventure, and coastal charm.

💡 Quick Travel Tips

• Best way to explore: The Coromandel is best travelled by car or campervan, giving you the freedom to reach beaches, hidden coves, and trailheads at your own pace.
• Allow enough time: Don’t try to rush it. The roads are winding, and the best experiences come when you slow down. Give yourself at least 3–5 days to take it all in.
• Summer crowds: The Coromandel is hugely popular during summer holidays. Book accommodation early, and be prepared for busy beaches at peak times.
• Check tides and conditions: For Hot Water Beach, timing is everything — aim for two hours either side of low tide. For tracks like the Pinnacles or Cathedral Cove, always check for closures or weather updates before heading out.
• Support local: Many communities here thrive on small businesses. Eat local, shop local, and connect with the people who make the Coromandel unique.

Final Reflections

The Coromandel Peninsula is more than just a holiday destination — it’s a place where mountains meet the sea, where history lingers in valleys, and where creativity flows through coastal towns. From the world-famous Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove to the wild beauty of the Pinnacles and the quirky charm of the 309 Road, this region has a rhythm that encourages you to slow down and savour every moment.

For us, travelling through the Coromandel is about connection — to the whenua, the moana, and the people whose stories are woven into the land. Whether you’re cycling, hiking, soaking, or simply sitting on a beach watching the sun dip into the horizon, the Coromandel leaves you with memories that feel both timeless and deeply grounding.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.