Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations.
Spring signals the opening of the Coromandel scallop season. Dive for scallops to barbeque yourself or savour them at a local seafood restaurant. Coromandel’s famous water gardens at Rapuara come alive in spring. Take a cruise and see an abundance of marine life up close.
Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
A relaxing world of sand, sea and forest
The rugged volcanic hills are cloaked in native rainforest, and more than 400 kilometres of spectacular coastline promises you can find the beach of your dreams. The Coromandel is a place where bush and beach are both easily accessible. In the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forest.
Inspired by the region’s idyllic setting, many artists and crafts people have made the Coromandel their home - visitors to the area are welcome in their studios. The area’s fascinating history is evident in gold mining relics, logging dams and ancient Maori pa sites. The past can also be found in the charming colonial architecture and historical buildings preserved in several towns around the region.
Key Features
Cathedral Cove A 2-hour return walk, or a guided kayaking trip, will bring you to the white sands and arches of Cathedral Cove. It’s an idyllic place to swim, snorkel, picnic or simply relax under the pohutukawa trees.
Hot Water Beach
This beach lives up to its name. For two hours either side of low tide, you can create your own hot pool by digging into the sands. The hot spring bubbling up through the sand is the legacy of an exciting volcanic past.
The 309 Road
From 'The 309 Road' you can walk to the foot of the Waiau Falls, where the Waiau River crashes over a rock face. Another 10 minute track will take you to the 309 Kauris, the finest stand of kauri trees in the region.
Key Tips
The Coromandel is just 1 ½ hours from Auckland International Airport. It is also close to Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua.
Drive the coastal Pacific Coast Highway from Auckland to the Coromandel - the scenery is superb.
The best time to visit is during autumn and spring - the weather is good and you’ll avoid the crowds.
Allow enough time to explore the region. Some of the roads are windy and driving can be slow at times.
MEMORY: Submitted by Sophie P from Switzerland
"
Coromandel was the most beautiful and peaceful place I've ever seen. I couldn't believe what I saw during three wonderful days. Amazing
"
Backpacking New Zealand is ideal for travelling in the backpacking style. And more and more people are now choosing this kind of holiday.
Paddle to Cathedral Cove through Te Whanganui A Hei Marine reserve.
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
The pohutukawa trees that dominate the Thames-Coromandel coastal road bloom in spring and early summer. The flowering trees are a spectacular sight, like crimson velvet against the blue sky. The Coromandel Pohutukawa Festival in November/December coincides with the blossoming of the trees. The festival includes a range of activities that take place right around the region.
