Coromandel

Travel Guide

Driving Creek Railway showing tranquil scenes, landscape views and general coastal views
Driving Creek Railway featuring railway items
Driving Creek Railway featuring wild flowers and animals
Driving Creek Railway
Driving Creek Railway which includes forests

This peninsular is known for its stunning beaches and coastline hikes, vineyards, gold mining history and New Zealand’s famous fresh green lipped mussels.

The Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand’s North Island features picturesque beaches, coral reefs, rainforest hiking trails, vintage railways and country hideaways just a 1.5-hour drive from Auckland. There are three main areas of the Coromandel, the north west coast including Coromandel town, the Whitianga area on the east coast, and the Thames area to the southwest.

Coromandel Town encompasses the Coromandel harbour and islands within it, and offers an abundance of outdoor activities from fishing, swimming and sailing on the harbour, to rainforest train trips and treks through ancient Kauri forests. The town itself is full of character, with historic buildings and gold mining relics. Take a narrow gauge railway through rainforest to a pottery.

The Whitianga area has some of the most stunning and geographically interesting beaches. Dig yourself a thermal spa at Hot Water Beach, where hot spring water seeps up through the sand. Hike through coastal pine forest and over scenic headland to Cathedral Cove Beach. Enter through the huge white rock archway that gives the beach its name. Take the ferry from Whitianga to Cooks Beach for a secluded swim and bush trails, a visit to wineries, or a game fishing expedition.

Whitianga is known for its seafood. Come in September for the annual scallop festival where you can try everything from green lipped mussels and pipis to crayfish.

Gold history comes alive in the Karangahake Gorge in the Thames area. Hike or cycle through 4.5 miles (7 kilometres) of rainforest by a spectacular gorge and river, strewn with interesting historical ruins from one of New Zealand’s most productive mines. Adventurous travellers can canyon down waterfalls in Kaueranga Valley just outside Thames.

Get around the Coromandel Peninsular by rental car. Many tour operators offer all-inclusive adventure packages leaving from Auckland. Ferries run between Auckland and Coromandel year-round. The area has many beaches to explore, water activities to enjoy, and fresh seafood to sample, so it’s best to give yourself at least a couple of days to enjoy the natural beauty and unwind.

Where to stay in Coromandel

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Preece Point

Though Preece Point might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like The Coromandel Smoking Co. and Coromandel Historical Museum.

Preece Point
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Te Rerenga

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Te Rerenga and surrounding area, you can visit Whangapoua Beach and Driving Creek Railway.

Te Rerenga
Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

2 out of 5
243 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
The price is CA $49 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
CA $49
CA $57 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (85 reviews)
"Friendly staff with easy check-in. Modern and clean rooms and facilities. Great place to stay."

Reviewed on Jun. 2, 2025

Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Harbour View Motel Coromandel

Harbour View Motel Coromandel

4 out of 5
25 Harbour View Road, Coromandel
The price is CA $90 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
CA $90
CA $103 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (369 reviews)
"Easy access to the rooms which were perfect for our needs"

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

Harbour View Motel Coromandel
Tasman Holiday Parks – Coromandel

Tasman Holiday Parks – Coromandel

4 out of 5
636-732 Rings Road, Coromandel
The price is CA $70 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
CA $70
CA $81 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified holiday park in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Coromandel Historical Museum and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (227 reviews)
"Convenient location, loved my visit to Coromandel."

Reviewed on Jun. 14, 2025

Tasman Holiday Parks – Coromandel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

2 out of 5
243 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (85 reviews)
"Friendly staff with easy check-in. Modern and clean rooms and facilities. Great place to stay."

Reviewed on Jun. 2, 2025

Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Oamaru Bay Tourist Park

Oamaru Bay Tourist Park

2.5 out of 5
440 Colville Rd, Coromandel, Waikato
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Coromandel. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Long Bay and Driving Creek Railway are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Spotlessly clean cabin right across the road from the beautiful bay. This holiday camp is great for families. Tidy, friendly, no fuss stay for enjoying the spectacular natural beauty of the area."

Reviewed on Apr. 7, 2025

Oamaru Bay Tourist Park
Coromandel Orchard Cottage

Coromandel Orchard Cottage

Coromandel Township
Stay at this cottage in Coromandel. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Driving Creek Railway and Coromandel Goldfields Centre ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (232 reviews)
"The cottage was lovely. Shirley our host was lovely and nothing was too much trouble for her. We loved the log fire. The bed was comfort , In fact it was all very good. I would highly recommend this accommodation."

Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2025

Coromandel Orchard Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Coromandel