Things to do in Coromandel Town and north

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Things to do in Cromandel Town and north

Full Day Coromandel Coastal Walkway

Load up your backpack with plenty of food and water as you prepare to set off on a 10km hike that encapsulates the very best scenery The Coromandel has to offer. The Coromandel Coastal Walkway borders the northern Coromandel coastline between Stony and Fletcher Bays. It offers plenty of variety as it winds through forest, farmland and rocky shoreline and offers stunning views of Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) to the north and Cuvier Island (Repanga Island) to the east.  The majority of the walk follows a gentle gradient, however there is steep valley to conquer enroute to Poley Bay.  

A good option prior to hiking the Coastal Walkway is to camp overnight at Fletcher or Stony Bay Department of Conservation campground. This means you’ll have plenty of time to complete the 7 hour return trip without having a lengthy drive to the hike’s entry point.  Alternatively, the walk can be done in 3.5 hours from point to point if you arrange transport pick-up at the other end.   A number of local operators can assist with this, Coromandel Adventures, and Hike and Bike.  To get to the walk’s access points, drive 31km north from Coromandel Town to Colville.   From there, take Port Jackson Road for 30 km to Fletcher Bay, or Port Charles Road for 20 km to Stony Bay.

Northern Excursion

Spend a day exploring the remote Coromandel Coastal Walkway with experienced guides from Coromandel Adventures and Hike and Bike, both offering personalised day trips along rugged coastline to remarkable bays in this secluded part of the region. A good option is to stay overnight in Coromandel Town.

Add to the enjoyment of this itinerary by sailing to Coromandel Town on the 360 Discovery Scenic Ferry, departing from Pier 4, downtown Auckland.  A 2-hour scenic voyage over the Hauraki Gulf with transfer to the Coromandel Town Centre is the beginning of a relaxing short break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

While in Coromandel Town you might also enjoy a visit to Driving Creek Railway, The Waterworks or the 309 road with the Kauri Grove and Falls. Grab a bite to eat at The Mussel Kitchen, Coromandel Oyster Company or Peppertree Restaurant.

Nature Highlights of the remote Northern Coromandel

Feeling the pull of nature’s trails, Coromandel Adventures will put you in the picture of one of New Zealand’s most majestic groves of giant Kauri.  Departing from Coromandel Town, their Guided Kauri Forest Experience can be completed in less than half a day. Footbridges and walkways provide access right into the heart of the Coromandel’s stunning Kauri Grove.  It makes an easy and achievable hike for most people.  See the majestic Kauri trees for yourself and listen to local guides share the important story and history of the spectacular giant of the New Zealand native forest.

Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat is the place to go if all you wish to hear is the sound of birds and the breeze through the tress. Home to over 50 wild kiwi, Tangiaro also offers Kiwi experiences walks.

If time permits you might also like to head into Coromandel Town for a visit through the 1.6-hectare predator free fenced wildlife sanctuary and sculpture park at  Driving Creek Railway or take a night barbeque glowworm tour (in summer only).

While in Coromandel Town you might also enjoy a visit to The Waterworks and we suggest you grab a bite to eat at The Mussel Kitchen, Coromandel Oyster Company or Peppertree Restaurant.

For those with with more time, head right to the top of the peninsula and navigate the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, a full day coastal walk.