The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand extends 85 kilometres north from the western end of the Bay of Plenty, forming a natural barrier to protect the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames in the west from the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is 40 kilometres wide at its broadest point. Almost the entire population lies on the narrow coastal strips fronting the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty. In clear weather the peninsula is clearly visible from Auckland, the country’s biggest city, which lies on the far shore of the Hauraki Gulf, 55 kilometres to the west. The peninsula is part of the local government areas of Thames-Coromandel District and the Waikato Region.
The Coromandel Peninsula boasts some of the nicest beaches in the world. New Chums beach has been ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The east coast of the Coromandel has many great surf beaches with surfers coming from all over New Zealand and the world to surf here.
Due to The Coromandels proximity to Auckland and Hamilton, many local New Zealanders come to this area for holidays, often having their own beach houses in the area. Only five towns on the peninsula have populations of over 1000 (Coromandel, Whitianga, Thames, Tairua, and Whangamata), and of these only Thames has a population of over 5000. Several small towns dot the coast of the Firth of Thames in the southwest. In the Summer holiday period, these areas will go from 1000 people to 50,000 people.
The Coromandel is known for its mild winters and warm summers. It is an outdoor lovers paradise with many interesting things to do including fishing, hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, bird watching and exploring the magnificent scenic and historical sites.
Places to stay in The Coromandel Region of New Zealand
Click here to read the Coromandel District Council regulations on freedom camping (goes to an external site)
Things to do in The Coromandel Region of New Zealand
There are hundreds of places to visit and activities to do in New Zealand’s Coromandel region. We have listed a range of places to go and activities that will suit people on a backpacker budget as well as those who are happy to spend a bit of money. This list is not all inclusive and if you know of something we have missed please feel free to contact us and let us know.
Cathedral Cove
This popular track hugs the coast, providing dramatic views of spectacular coastal scenery along its length, finishing at the beach beneath an impressive rock archway.
A loop track at the north-western end offers an extension to the main walk with amazing views.
Due to increased increased traffic in Hahei village over summer, the car park at the start of the track is closed from 1 October to 30 April. Free parking is available at the entrance to the village instead. From there walk via the beach to the start of the walk, or use the park and ride shuttle bus (although you will miss Hahei Beach and the beautiful cliff walk).
Hotwater Beach
Hotwater beach is New Zealands most popular beach. Thermal water comes out of the sand and is accessible at low tide. People dig pools in the sand and soak in the hot mineral water that comes out. Look for the rock in the water, the hot water comes out from the beach near there. 
The best time to get to hotwater beach is 2 hours before low tide or 2 hours after. Bring a shovel (you can pick one up quite cheaply in places like Tairua or Whangamata) or you can hire one at the actual beach. The water can get really hot so it is advisable to bring a bucket so you can pour some cold water in.
Parking is on a pay and display basis near the cafe and public toilet area but the first domain road carpark is free and just as close.
The hill behind was a Maori village site and when the sand is not to high, you can see rocks on the beach where the Maori would sharpen their tools. Please respect this area and use the toilets provided.
The Pinnacles
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (also known as the Pinnacles Walk) is a very popular hike in the Coromandel region of New Zealand.
Walking options
- Walk to Pinnacles Hut and summit as a day or overnight walk
- Walk there and back on the Webb Creek Track (6 – 7 hr 30 min) or complete a circuit using the Webb Creek Track and the Billygoat Track ( 8 – 9 hr 30 min)
- Sample the track and walk the shorter Billygoat Circuit
More information on how to get there and how to book the pinnacles hut can be found here (external website)