The Coromandel Awaits You

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Hot Water Beach, Coromandel. Image credit: Getty images

3rd September 2020

We journey now, to the north eastern coast of the North Island, to where rolling waves and far stretches of soft white sand form the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Home to many kiwi holidays, and beautiful natural wonders, this stunning coastline awaits you.

We caught up with Howick-based Travel Advisor Michelle Sutton, who has an impressive 19 years in the industry, to chat through her favourites and suggestions in the Coromandel!

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Why the Coromandel from Michelle’s perspective

"The Coromandel is such a beautiful peninsula; pristine white beaches, lush forest, spectacular mountains with crystal clear streams - it is visually so soul fulfilling! The little towns have great holiday vibes, cafes, restaurants and there is a huge range of fun and interesting things to do and see."

Top things to do

The Coromandel really is a true kiwi holiday destination and there’s so much to do there whether you’re looking for a break with loved ones or the whole family!

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Beach in Coromandel. Image credit: Getty images

Take a walk or water taxi to Cathedral cove or take spades to Hot Water Beach and dig yourself a hot pool on the beach.
Whilst at Cathedral Cove, take a guided classic tour by Kayak and experience this in a whole new angle.
Visit Coromandel township and enjoy its wonderful cafes, shops and attractions such as The Waterworks, a quirky water park.
Take the Goldfields railway from Waihi through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge or cycle the Hauraki Trail and ride or walk through the old tunnels.
Day hike or overnight hike to the Pinnacles Hut in the beautiful Kauaeranga Valley behind Thames.
Walk to the top of Paku hill in Tairua for a spectacular view over Tairua, Pauanui, Hikuai and the mountains. Alternatively, walk to the falls in Wentworth valley behind Whangamata.
Consider a delicious Coast & Cuisine Experience that will take you around the coastlines and through delicious eateries!

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Top places to stay

Staying on the Coromandel is a treat in itself but finding accommodation that lets you just relax the way you want to is even better! Here’s a few of my top ideas that I love to use whenever I’m looking at a Coromandel holiday!

Stay at the beautiful Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort in Pauanui. Having stayed there, personally, I can assure you that the rooms are comfortable, the food is delicious and it’s just a short 10 minute walk to the beach so it is great for morning hikes or afternoon strolls.
Consider something different and visit the campgrounds such as Cooks Beach and Hahei where you’ll find cabins and units as well as campsites.
Stay more centrally at the beautiful Aotearoa Lodge in Whitianga. You'll find that it can be the perfect way to relax and unwind on the beaches, whilst also having access to cafes, shops and even a movie theatre!
Or go in true Kiwi style and chat with us about hiring a beachfront bach!

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Best options for Dining

Food is a language that we can all understand and enjoy! Every region of New Zealand boasts delicious restaurants, as I’m sure we can all agree, and so here are a few of my favourites from the Coromandel.

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Dinner platter. Image credit: Getty images

One of the best places to eat on the peninsula is undoubtedly Luke's Kitchen for wood fired Pizza in Kuaotunu. They often have live music playing, craft beers and they create the delicious wood-fired pizzas from scratch right in front of you!
If passing through Coromandel Town, the delicious Pepper Tree Restaurant and Bar has earned several awards for its cuisine. Their seafood and beef meals are amongst the winning combinations and you can relax in the sunny courtyard while you eat!
Salt Restaurant & Bar in Whitianga offers delicious meals and an incredible view of the marina along with some of the finest New Zealand cuisine.
Miha Restaurant (conveniently in the Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort) is simply exquisite and offers a European-meets-Pacific-Rim twist on its culinary options!
There are wonderful cafes, restaurants and pubs all over the Coromandel. The best thing to do is look at the Coromandel Food Trail as you’ll be able to see the ones recommended by the locals. Consider Kua Kawhe in Whitianga, Waiomu Beach Cafe in Waiomu or Bistro at the Falls Retreat in the stunning Karangahake Gorge!

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What is your favourite Coromandel spot & why?

New Chums beach - it has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world for a reason! You have to walk over the headland from Whangapoua Beach to get to it so it is virtually never packed with people which is fantastic!