Coromandel Town & Colville
With its relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, Coromandel Town attracts talented artists and craftspeople from around the country - inspired not only by the tranquil atmosphere, but also by the spectacular natural surrounds.
The discovery of gold at Driving Creek in 1852 brought a boom to Coromandel Town, and the area has continued to flourish while retaining much of its history from those times. Colville Town, once the centre of the Kauri milling industry, is now a quiet country town serving the arts and farming communities.
For more information on
Accommodation, Activites, Transport, Dining, walks and Events
in Coromandel Town and Northern Coromandel.
Good reasons for including Coromandel Town in your holiday plans:
COROMANDEL TOWN’S special character with restored heritage architecture stems from the pioneering days of timber and gold. Enjoy our modern shops with friendly service.
DRIVING CREEK RAILWAY (3kmNorth) Come for a remarkable 1-hour+ train ride on a world-class narrowgauge mountain railway, passing through kauri forest and great engineering marvels. The line climbs to the new terminus, the Eyefull Tower, with its stunning panoramic views. Ph:07 866 8703. Bookings advisable.
DRIVING CREEK POTTERIES & CRAFT SHOP At the railway station see our wide range of handcrafted clay products, working potteries, innovatively designed kilns. Sculpture garden, book & craft shop, literature on ecology & local history
GOLD STAMPER BATTERY (2km north) See the huge 104-year-old quartz stamper driven by NZ’s largest working water wheel & get some gold.
FISHING & HARBOUR CRUISES Several choices for day and shorter excursions. Information Centre: Ph 07 866 8598 for details.
WAITATI GARDENS Right next to the Stamper Battery. This garden is the winner of a NZ Garden of Distinction Award with its beautiful layout. Just 0.5km up the road visit the Tairaire gardens with lake and picnic areas.
THE WATERWORKS (8.7km south up ‘309’ Rd) A highly entertaining theme park where whimsical wonders are driven by the power of water. Just 2km further up the road visit the mature kauri tree grove.
ARTS AND CRAFTS Several of NZ’s finest artists live around Coromandel Town district. Visit their studios or the several craft shops and galleries for which the town is becoming recognised. The Coromandel Peninsula Craft Trail brochure has more information.
CAFES, BARS, RESTAURANTS Enjoy a wide variety of cafes, bars, restaurants & shopping. Also stay in our wide range of accommodation for all budgets. Walk on our beautiful coastal & scenic walkways.
What's good for your soul?