New Zealand

Coromandel Peninsula

Region

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, between the Hauraki Gulf and the Pacific.

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, between the Hauraki Gulf and the Pacific. A forested mountain range separates the tranquil west coast, with Thames and Coromandel Town, from the east coast, with beaches like Hahei, Hot Water Beach, and Whitianga.

The peninsula is renowned for Cathedral Cove, the rock arch near Hahei, and Hot Water Beach, where you can bathe in warm sand at low tide. In the 19th century, gold discoveries and Kauri timber brought settlers here; you'll find traces in Thames, Coromandel Town, and the Karangahake Gorge. The roads are winding and narrow, so allow more driving time than distances suggest. During summer, especially around Christmas and in January, the resorts are busy. Severe weather damaged roads and paths in 2023 and 2026; check current conditions before your journey.

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Coromandel Town

Coromandel Town is a small settlement on the peninsula's west coast, with gold rush-era wooden houses, galleries, and cafés. New Zealand's first gold was discovered here in 1852.

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Tairua & Pauanui

Tairua and Pauanui lie opposite at the mouth of the Tairua River on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Tairua is an established town with a harbour and the lookout Mount Paku, Pauanui a planned holiday settlement with a long surf beach.

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Place 3 of 4

Thames

Thames, on the Firth of Thames at the southwestern edge of the Coromandel Peninsula, is the gateway to the region, an hour and a half drive from Auckland.

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Whitianga

Whitianga is the largest town on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and lies on Mercury Bay with a long town beach and marina. From here, it's about a 30-minute drive to Hahei, Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach.

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Sights in Coromandel Peninsula

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Waiau Kauri Grove

Short forest path off the 309 Road to a group of large Kauri trees. Nearby are the Waiau Falls with a swimming hole.

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Historic Landmark

Karangahake Gorge

Gorge on the southern edge of the peninsula with hiking trails through old gold mines, tunnels, and a former railway tunnel. The Windows Walk leads through illuminated windows in the rock, take a flashlight.

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Attraction

Mautohe / Cathedral Cove

Beach with a large rock arch in the Hahei Marine Reserve. Since December 2024, foot access reopened, but the ground remains unstable and closes temporarily for storm warnings. Check DOC for status; alternatively, by boat or kayak from Hahei.

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Natural Feature

Hot Water Beach

Beach south of Hahei, where hot thermal water rises through the sand. Around two hours before and after low tide, you dig your own pool with a shovel. The current here is strong; swimming in the sea is dangerous.

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Culture

The peninsula is tribal land of several Iwi of the Hauraki Region. Following the first gold discovery in 1852 at Coromandel Town and the Thames gold rush from 1867, thousands of fortune seekers arrived. Today, Coromandel is a holiday destination for Aucklanders, with many holiday homes, the so-called Bachs, and a vibrant art and pottery scene.

Locally exploring

Thames is about an hour and a half from Auckland. State Highway 25 circles the peninsula; the 309 Road crosses it between Coromandel Town and Whitianga. Buses are infrequent; a rental car is virtually essential. For road closures, check NZTA traffic information.

Nearby

Whitianga

Coromandel Town

Coromandel Town is a small settlement on the peninsula's west coast, with gold rush-era wooden houses, galleries, and cafés. New Zealand's first gold was discovered here in 1852. To the north, the secluded tip of the peninsula begins, featuring gravel roads and the Coromandel Coastal Walkway.

Tairua & Pauanui

Thames

Thames, on the Firth of Thames at the southwestern edge of the Coromandel Peninsula, is the gateway to the region, an hour and a half drive from Auckland. The long Pollen Street with wooden facades recalls the 1867 gold rush; hiking trails into the mountains start in Kauaeranga Valley.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke is located in the Hauraki Gulf, approximately 40 minutes by ferry from central Auckland. The island is known for its vineyards, olive groves, and beaches like Oneroa and Onetangi. It's perfect for a day trip but can also be explored well over a weekend.