Coromandel Peninsula

Travel Guide

Coromandel Peninsula
Shakespeare Lookout which includes a bay or harbour and a sandy beach
Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel Peninsula featuring a bay or harbour, a coastal town and tranquil scenes
Coromandel Peninsula featuring rocky coastline and a bay or harbour

Sunbathe on golden sandy beaches, hike through beautiful native forests and stay in many attractive small towns when visiting this peninsula.

Coromandel Peninsula, more commonly known as The Coromandel, is a region of exceptional natural beauty. Swim or surf in pristine blue-green water at many secluded beaches. With dense, misty forests and impressive mountainous valleys, The Coromandel is perfect for outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and boating.

Dig your own spa pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach. The beach is famous for its natural springs occurring 2 hours either side of low tide. The phenomenon is due to nearby underground fissures that filter hot water to the surface. Hot Water Beach also features excellent cafés and art galleries.

Drive from Hot Water Beach to Cathedral Cove in about 10 minutes. The naturally formed archway is one of the region’s highlights. Reach the secluded site via a walking track or by kayak. Cathedral Cove is also an excellent place to swim, dive, picnic and sunbathe.

Thames, known as the rural centre of the peninsula, contains many cafés, restaurants and boutique shops. With lodges and self-catered apartments, the former gold-mining town is a great place to stay when exploring the peninsula. Learn about the town’s early Māori history or plan a trip to the nearby Kauaeranga Valley.

The Pinnacles Track (Kauaeranga Kauri Trail) is an excellent way to view The Coromandel’s magnificent natural beauty. Known as one of New Zealand’s best overnight hiking trails, the Pinnacles Track meanders through the rugged Kauaeranga Valley, just upstream from Thames. Reserve a spot in Pinnacles Hut, a serviced 80-bunk building, if you wish to complete the track over 2 days.

Find Thames about 115 kilometres (70 miles) from AucklandOpens in a new window. With luxury hotels, resorts and affordable lodges, Whitianga is also a great place to stay when visiting the peninsula. Plan your trip to The Coromandel in advance to get the most out of this magnificent natural region.

When visiting The Coromandel, pack suitable hiking shoes and clothing so you can experience some of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural areas.

Where to stay in Coromandel Peninsula

Default Image

Bowentown

Bowentown is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Waihi Beach and Anzac Bay.

Bowentown
Default Image

Athenree

Though Athenree may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Athenree Hot Springs and Historical Athenree Homestead.

Athenree
Default Image

Preece Point

Though Preece Point may 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
Default Image

Te Rerenga

While there might not be top attractions in Te Rerenga, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Coromandel Smoking Co. and Driving Creek Railway.

Te Rerenga
Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

3 out of 5
790 Hot Water Beach Road, Waikato Hot Water Beach
Stay at this holiday park in Hot Water Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (547 reviews)
Excellent facilities and staff

Reviewed on 14 Nov, 2025

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Beachside Resort Whitianga

Beachside Resort Whitianga

4 out of 5
20 Eyre Street Whitianga
The price is S$126 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
S$126
7 Dec - 8 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach motel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (858 reviews)
The staff were very helpful and informative. The room and location were excellent.

Reviewed on 11 Nov, 2025

Beachside Resort Whitianga
Hahei Beach Resort

Hahei Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
41 Harsant Avenue Hahei
The price is S$109 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
S$109
19 Nov - 20 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury holiday park in Hahei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (413 reviews)
Clean room, had everything you needed and plenty of hot water.

Reviewed on 5 Nov, 2025

Hahei Beach Resort
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.
Waterfront Apartments Whitianga

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga

3.5 out of 5
2 Buffalo beach Road Whitianga WKO
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Whitianga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (214 reviews)
Amazing oceanfront view from this property.It is spotless,clean,well maintained. Great amenities available for guests use.

Reviewed on 13 Nov, 2025

Waterfront Apartments Whitianga
Grafton Cottage & Chalets

Grafton Cottage & Chalets

4 out of 5
304 Grafton Road Thames
Stay at this cottage in Thames. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (410 reviews)
There is no breakfast but lovely cafes close by. We loved our room which was very peacefully with beautiful veiws.

Reviewed on 10 Nov, 2025

Grafton Cottage & Chalets
Pacific Harbour Villas

Pacific Harbour Villas

4 out of 5
223 Main Rd Tairua
Stay at this beach cabin in Tairua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Tairua Library and Pepe Reserve are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (190 reviews)
The villa was tidy and had everything we needed. The advert should mention that it has an oven though. Loved staying there as it was central to everything we did.

Reviewed on 9 Nov, 2025

Pacific Harbour Villas
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do