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Drive State Highway 25, where ocean views hug the road, then dig your own steaming spa in the sand at Hot Water Beach.
This self-guided Coromandel adventure takes you from Donut Island’s secret volcanic lagoon to world-famous Cathedral Cove, native bush trails, and authentic 1860s gold mine tunnels.
Ride Barry Brickell’s hand-built railway into the hills, stand beneath ancient square-trunked kauri trees, and look into New Zealand’s richest active goldmine.
Trek to pristine New Chums Beach, climb an ancient volcano for 360° views, and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail through dramatic gorges and mining relics.
From Coromandel Town’s art galleries to Waihi’s mining crater, your app guides you curve by curve.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour begins at the parking area of Tastebud Cafe on Pacific Coast Highway.
The Tour Ends at Waihi Beach, which is our last stop.
Itinerary
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1
Dense native bush paradise with the challenging Pinnacles Walk, DOC campsites, and remnants of 1800s kauri logging. Gateway to Coromandel Forest Park's wild heart.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Dense native bush paradise with the challenging Pinnacles Walk, DOC campsites, and remnants of 1800s kauri logging. Gateway to Coromandel Forest Park's wild heart.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Step into 1885 mining history with 3,000+ mineral specimens, preserved classrooms, and rare Pink and White Terraces fragments. Built on sacred Māori burial grounds.
Admission ticket free -
3
Historic 1870s goods wharf with weathered timber and stone, offering waterfront views along Themz Coastal Walkway. Once vital to gold rush commerce.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Explore authentic 19th-century mine tunnels, watch NZ's only operating stamper battery crush quartz, and try gold panning. Living history of the gold rush era.
Admission ticket free -
4
Rocky Point jutting into the sea—black rocks glittering under sun, waves crashing dramatically. Traditional fishing spot with seabirds wheeling overhead.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk leads to massive ancient kauri trees, then continues to Crosbies Hut for experienced trampers. Gold-mining relics scattered throughout.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Cozy coastal settlement where Tapu River meets Firth of Themz. Secret bush swimming holes, fishing spots, and gateway to Rapaura Watergardens and Square Kauri.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
1,200-year-old kauri with unusual square trunk plus 64-acre gardens featuring waterfalls, lily ponds, and Seven Stairs to Heaven. Nature meets artistry.
Admission ticket free -
7
River mouth where the Te Mata River slips quietly into the bay, framed by native bush. Peaceful haven used by Māori waka for centuries.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Stunning river valley meeting Waikawau Beach, with native bush, camping, and tracks into old mining territory. "Water of the shag" in a peaceful rural setting.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
Rugged cove with dark volcanic rocks, turquoise-green water, and steep bushy hills. Coastal Lookout and Manaia Saddle provide breathtaking harbor-to-ocean views.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
Six-meter waterfall tumbling into a jade-green pool, just 5 minutes off the 309 Road. Quick refreshing detour through mossy native forest—perfect swimming spot.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11
Colorful settlement blending gold rush history, art galleries, craft shops, fresh seafood, and the quirky Driving Creek Railway. Victorian buildings line charming streets.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Hand-built narrow-gauge railway zigzagging through bush to Eyefull Tower lookout. Potter Barry Brickell's extraordinary vision combining art, engineering, and conservation.
Admission ticket free -
12
Moderately challenging ridge walk through native bush to panoramic summit views over Coromandel Peninsula, coastline, and Hauraki Gulf. Historic mining shafts en route.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13
Turn toward Whangapoua Beach and the gateway to legendary New Chums Beach—often voted one of the world's most beautiful beaches, hidden behind bush track.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14
Golden Whangapoua Beach leads via tide crossing and bush track to pristine New Chums Beach—untouched white sand, turquoise water, pohutukawa shade. Pure paradise.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
15Matarangi
Four-kilometer golden beach perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, surfing. Dunes Golf Resort, Bluff Track, and Coastal Walkway. Relaxed holiday town with Village Markets.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
16
Ten kilometers of laid-back white sand beauty. Calm estuary waters, paddling paradise, and gateway to Otama Beach and Opito Bay detours. Legendary Killer Ice Cream.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
17
Waitaia Loop Track through bird-filled native bush, gold-mining history remnants, and incredible star-gazing opportunities. Small peaceful village off the tourist trail.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
18
Pristine golden sand beach where Captain Cook received one of his first Aotearoa welcomes. Calm waters, beachfront camping, and ancient pohutukawa trees standing guard.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
19
Five-kilometer golden crescent named after HMS Buffalo wreck. Perfect for swimming, fishing, paddleboarding. Gateway to Whitianga's marina and America's Cup heritage.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
20
Peaceful river valley where Kaimarama River winds from Coromandel Forest Park to harbor. Kayaking, fishing, Pinnacles Walk access, plus Combat Zone Fun Park adventures.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
21
Living hippie commune since 1964. Roadside shop selling organic produce, honey, handmade goods. Permaculture, shared meals, and that classic Coromandel alternative spirit alive.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
22Hot Water Beach
Dig your own steaming spa in the sand at low tide where geothermal springs bubble up. Iconic Kiwi experience mixing ocean waves with natural hot pools.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
23
Art gallery and accommodation under one of NZ's largest Moreton Bay fig trees. 1860s homestead turned creative oasis with café, cottages, and local artwork.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
24Cathedral Cove Walk
Gravel road climbs through pohutukawa-scattered hills to Cathedral Cove carpark. Trail begins here—45-minute walk to iconic natural archway through native bush.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
25
World-famous natural cathedral archway carved by sea. Featured in Narnia films. Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay, Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve—pure coastal magic.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
26Tairua
Twin harbor town with golden beach, calm estuary perfect for paddleboarding and fishing. Five-minute ferry to fancy Pauanui, plus Mount Paku's 360° volcanic summit views.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
27
Follow Paku Drive to Tirinui Crescent playground parking. Cross grassy field uphill, follow white signposts to Mount Paku summit trail. Adventure begins here.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
28
Zigzag through kauri and ferns, scramble final rocks to trig point. 360° views: Tairua, Pauanui, Coromandel Ranges, Pacific islands. 7-million-year-old volcano beneath feet.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
29
Quiet rural waypoint at 47m elevation. Rich archaeological heritage, reference point for hikers accessing New Chums Beach, 309 Road kauri groves, and forest tracks.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
30Pauanui
Purpose-built resort paradise with 3km golden beach, 6.4km scenic trail, golf courses, marina, and family-friendly infrastructure. Pauanui–Tairua boardwalk through mangroves and farmland.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
31Whangamata Beach
Four-kilometer golden ribbon perfect for surfing, swimming, paddleboarding. Whenuakura (Donut Island) kayak tours, Clarke Island snorkeling, legendary Repco Beach Hop festival venue.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
32
Whangamatā's golf options: 18-hole Titoki course (one of NZ's best) or easygoing 9-hole Williamson in town center. Otahu River meets sea nearby.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
33
Roadside treasure with layered green ridges folding into distance. Moody forest atmosphere, native birds calling, peaceful untouched Coromandel Ranges showing off—pure wilderness drama.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
34
Built on NZ's richest gold mine since 1878. Martha Mine still producing after 140+ years. Wild West history, Cornish miners, fortunes won and lost—treasure beneath feet.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
35
Interactive holograms, mining films, Martha Mine pit tours. Cornish Pumphouse landmark, Pit Rim Walkway with jaw-dropping views into massive active goldmine below.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
36Waihi Beach
Nine-kilometer golden paradise from Waihi to Bowentown. Classic Kiwi beach culture: surfing, fishing, cafés, markets, Flatwhite Café on shore. Trig Trail and Orokawa Bay Track adventures.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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