The Coromandel Peninsula’s slogan is ‘good for your soul.’ With its stunning beaches, numerous outdoor activities, and relaxed atmosphere, this little peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island’s northeastern coast is a welcoming paradise just a couple of hours from Auckland. Starting with a drive up the western coast to the northern tip and looping back along the eastern coastline, The Culture Trip has the top ten things to do and see on your road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula.
Relax at the Mana Retreat Centre
Schedule your trip to arrive in time to hear the 6 p.m. bells chime from Tara, the mountaintop sanctuary a short hike from the Mana Retreat Centre. Walk the labyrinth, eat delicious vegetarian food, schedule a therapeutic massage, and take an outdoor bush bath to unwind. In the morning, drive 20 minutes to Coromandel Town, where you can enjoy an organic breakfast made from scratch at Chai Tea House, owned and operated by one of Mana’s founders.
Meditate at the Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity
Continue your journey and being at peace as you stop at Mahamudra Centre forUniversal Unity. At the Buddhist meditation center, visitors can participate in a guided meditation or simply walk the gardens and take in the verdant valley views.
Gather Supplies from the Hereford ‘n’ a Pickle Farm Shop
Once you’ve reached Colville, stop at the general store to top up your petrol and dry goods, and then head next door to the Hereford ‘n’ a Pickle Farm Shop, where you can enjoy coffee or tea, freshly baked goods and ice cream, and purchase a selection of farm-fresh meats, cheese, and vegetables from the family-run Colville Farm. If you’re looking for a little extra adventure, take a half-hour walk from the shop to the Colville Cemetery, where you can see stunning views of the local farmland and graves from the late 1800s.
Camp at the DOC Port Jackson Campground for $13NZD, where you’ll be literally steps from the beach. The campsite also has a book exchange program going and is a starting point for the Muriwai Walk (recommended for sunrise or sunset).
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Hike Coromandel Walkway
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway is a must-do for anyone wanting to see the very best views. There are no roads along the tip of the Coromandel, so the only way to see the coastline is to do the three-hour hike from Fletcher Bay to Stony Bay. While a shuttle can be arranged to and from Coromandel Town, if you’re feeling ambitious, try for the seven-hour round-trip tramp, with a stop at the river at Stony Bay where you can dip your feet and eat a bite of lunch. The route isn’t treacherous, though you may run into a cow or two along the trail.
Experience one of the world’s 'Top Ten Beaches' at New Chum(s) (Wainuiototo) Beach
Park
After that hike, it’s time to relax in the sun. Drive across the peninsula and down the eastern side before swinging back toward Coromandel Town. Then take route 25 over and up toward New Chums Beach, just past Whangapoua. Park and walk about 30 minutes over boulders and through the woods until you come to a beach of stunning white sand, aquamarine waters, and surprisingly few people. Something about the little tramp keeps the hordes at bay, which means more room for you to stretch out and enjoy the sound of the surf.
Food and Fun in the Sun at Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu Beach
Bar
Farther down the east coast is Kuaotunu Beach, across the road from Luke’s Kitchen. Showcasing the best wood-fired pizza in the Coromandel, Luke’s has a café open during the day and a tiki-themed bar with live music open at night. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensure that whatever you order will be delicious. A less populated beach a little farther up the road is Otama Beach, so head there when you’re ready for some quiet time.
Sunbathe like a Local at Simpsons Beach
While the town of Whitianga has all the amenities you’ll need, when it’s time to hit the beach, drive five minutes up the road to the residential area known as Simpson’s Beach. The white sandy beach there is surrounded by the homes of locals, meaning tourists haven’t discovered it yet.
Go Sea Kayaking at Cathedral Cove
Cathedral
Cathedral Cove is famous for its eponymous cavernous rock formation plus stunning sunrises, sunsets, or views any time in between. But for something a little different, try sea kayaking with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours whose guides not only take you into the cove and make you fresh coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on the beach but also take you into other bays nearby, around the nearby islands, and provide local knowledge and snorkeling opportunities.
Experience Hot Water Beach
Each beach on this list offers something special, but Hot Water Beach is a truly unique experience. Grab your friends, grab a shovel, and dig your own hot tub right in the sand! The thermal waters beneath this beach mean the water is boiling hot, so channel your inner architect when designing an aqueduct to bring in cold water for the perfect temperature. BrocheAroe Fabian (pronounced bruh-khuh a-roy) is an American by birth who grew up traveling the world with her Anthropologist parents. She has an MFA in Writing Literature for Children, and currently works as freelance writer and marketing consultant. She enjoys fostering cross-cultural understanding through her travels. You can connect with her online here: WildlyTraveled.com, Facebook.com/wildlytraveled, Twitter/Instagram:@wildlylived.
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