Stepping into the world of Coromandel Peninsula, be prepared to spend lots of leisure time. The laid back, relaxed lifestyle of this area matches perfectly with the misty forests, calm white sandy beaches and some of the historic gold-mining towns. The trip through the hot springs, rainforests, Canyons also offers you plenty of adventures along with a relaxing holiday. The relaxing happy vibe of the Coromandel Peninsula is sure to give you amazing ‘Coromandel time,’ which defines their lazy, relaxed lifestyles. There is almost every kind of adventures available for you to test your limits, with the perfect dose of relaxing activities. Here are the best things to do in Coromandel:
1. The array of adventures in the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve
The Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve is known as Te Whanganui-a-Hei in the Maori language. This place is named after the cave named Cathedral Cove, a must visit in this area. The beach named Hahei is another attraction of this place. There are arrays of activities which can be tried on this reserve. The snorkeling and scuba-diving in the sea are to give you the chance to swim with the red moki, marblefish, butterfish and other sea-creatures. You can also take a hike through the Coastal path to enjoy the nature firsthand.
Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve
Address: Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, 3591 New Zealand
2. The surf town Whangamata and its authentic local arts
Head on towards the Whangamata town for its sea, sand, surf. One of the main bases to explore the Coromandel, this town is famous for its amazing combination of Sea and native rain-forest. The surfing opportunity in this Coastal area is popular, along with the opportunity of safe swimming in the calm water. The Whangamata Beach has an International fame of being one of the best surf beaches. While in this town, hop into the local art and craft shops to explore the local arts.
Whangamata
Website: New Zealand - Whangamata
3. Canyoning through the Kauaeranga Valley Sleeping God Canyon
Imagine climbing up a hill, while getting drenched by a marvelous waterfall falling from that hill. The Sleeping God Canyon of Kauaeranga Valley gives you this opportunity to push your limit. Through the numerous Hills and waterfalls, you can try abseiling or rappelling. Located amongst the Kauri trees, the descending waterfalls have created natural water slides till the deep natural pools. Along with the climbing, you can also try the water slides to jump into the natural pools. If you are not up to the thrilling and challenging adventures, try the view from the top of the Canyon.
Sleeping God Canyon, Kauaeranga Valley
Address: Kauaeranga Valley Rd, 3577 Thames, New Zealand
Website: New Zealand - Sleeping God Canyon, Kauaeranga Valley
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4. A relaxing dip in the Lost Spring
A dip in the natural mineral Thermal pool is exactly what you need to relax and detox your body. In the region of Whitianga, the lost spring offers something more than a dip in the Thermal pool. You can try the SPA located exactly amongst nature. After a relaxing spa treatment, enjoy your cocktail while soaking the beauty of nature. If you are hungry, head on to The Café, the restaurant located beside the Lagoon.
The Lost Spring
Address: 121A Cook Dr, 3510 Whitianga, New Zealand
Website: The Lost Spring
5. Explore the Hot Water Beach of Mercury Bay
You have to arrive during the low-tide to enjoy the hot spring of the Mercury Bay. During the high tides, the hot springs remain under the sea. The best time to visit this place is winter, autumn, and the spring. This beach is popular as one of the best surf spot, but you have to be careful about the strong current of the sea. The water of the natural spring is generally very hot. If you are not aiming for the dip try the view during sunrise and sunset. The beach town Whitianga is also good for a stay, which gives you the chance of exploring the whole Mercury Bay area at a slow pace.
Hot Water Beach
Address: 3591 Hot Water Beach, New Zealand
Website: New Zealand - Hot Water Beach
6. Follow the Tairua History Trail
The small town ‘Tairua’ can be described as a surf town. Tairua, which literally translates as two sides, is located in the Eastern part of the Coromandel Peninsula. Tairua Beach is also famous its surfing facilities. The Tairua History Trail is a walking or hiking trail which gives you an excellent opportunity to discover the history of the Polynesians Settlers and their stories of hunting the extinct moa bird. The other attractions of the Tairua area are the volcanic peak Paku and the Aldermen Islands. Amongst all the other attractions, don’t miss the Tairua River and the natural forest around it.
Tairua Beach
Address: 223 Main Road, Tairua, New Zealand
Website: Tairua Beach
7. Adventures in the island of Alderman
The Alderman Island can be described as a collection of the small islets which are located in the Southeast part of the Mercury Bay. Your days in this island are most likely to be fulfilled with the adventure activities like big game fishing, snorkeling, and diving. This island is featured in the adventures of Captain Cook, and it is all set to give an amazing underworld experience to all its visitors.
The Aldermen Islands
Address: The Aldermen Islands, Pauanui, New Zealand
8. Dig the gold mining history in Waihi
Setting up after all kinds of outdoor adventures amongst nature, if you are looking for some historic places, Waihi is the place. The town of Waihi is known as a gold town, which has been the center of mining since late 19th century. Waihi is also the home of the richest gold mine in New Zealand—which is still in operation.
To know more about the gold mining history, visit the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre. You can also gather the first-hand experience in gold-hunting. The Goldfields vintage railway is to take you through the path of gold-hunt. After a full dose of history, visit the Waihi Beach positively.
Waihi Town
Website: Waihi Town
9. A train ride to Driving Creek Railway
A narrow gauge mountain railway is to take you through the scenic Kauri forests. This one-hour return train journey passes through the spiral, tunnels till the top of the hill, from where you can have an amazing view of the surrounding Hauraki Gulf and nearby Islands. The viewing platform over the hill is called ‘Eyefull Tower.’ A series of pottery sculptures and the murals can be found beside the track. The train journey starts from Driving Creek Road, a few kilometers north of the Coromandel Town.
Driving Creek Railway
Address: 380 Driving Creek Rd, 3506 Coromandel, New Zealand
Website: Driving Creek Railway
10. Search for the history at Karangahake Gorge
The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway mainly follows the trail of an old railway track. The most common way to follow this track is cycling through it. Along with the scenic beauty of the Coromandel Range, the history of the gold mining is scattered over the whole trail.
Karangahake Gorge
Address: Karangahake, 3674 Paeroa, New Zealand
Website: New Zealand - Karangahake Gorge
The end, Coromandel Town
The rugged path of the mountain meets the coastline of the Pacific Ocean in the Coromandel Peninsula. No matter from where your journey has started, your trip to Coromandel must conclude in the historic Coromandel Town. The most historic part of the Coromandel Peninsula was once the home of the Maori tribes, which was later inhabited by the European Settlers. Finish your journey with a touch of Victorian era merging with the beauty of beaches and rainforests.
History
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