The Coromandel
Good For Your Soul
If you’re looking for a break away from the big city, you could be deep in the glorious Coromandel within just a few hours’ drive from either Auckland or Rotorua. Where else could you enjoy a dazzling cornucopia of mountains, rainforests, golden sand, hidden bays, charming old-world towns, and historic gold-mining settlements? There are many walking and cycling tracks just waiting to be explored. Experience a natural spa on the world-renowned Hot Water Beach, take a boat trip to enjoy the natural wonders of Cathedral Cove, or marvel at the marine life through a glass-bottom boat.
Experience The Coromandel
- The Coromandel is a walker’s paradise. Set out on your own or enjoy a guided walk with Kiwi Dundee Adventures
- Stop at Hahei beach and follow the coastal track to spectacular Cathedral Cove
- Dig yourself a hole at Hot Water beach and wait for hot springs to fill it with your very own spa
- Enjoy safe swimming at the idyllic beaches
Here is just a small selection of the accommodation available in the Coromandel area, but we have many alternative Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs, Motels and Lodges to suit all tastes and budgets.
Beachfront Resort, Whitianga
The only accommodation in Whitianga where the Pohutukawa-fringed garden flows right onto the golden sand itself, this resort is conveniently located for exploring the whole Peninsula, with easy day trips to Coromandel town, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, and just minutes from Whitianga’s shops and restaurants.
King Beachfront Units
Completely self-contained with full kitchen and bathroom facilities. They sleep two to four guests comfortably, with a King bed in the main room and two single beds in an area to the side, all overlooking the beach. Each comfortable unit has full kitchen facilities, SKY TV, a private balcony or patio opening onto the lush garden which enjoys panoramic 180-degree sea views. Guests are provided with free use of kayaks, dinghy, body boards, beach games, trampoline, heated spa pool and BBQ. Bikes, guest laundry and broadband internet access are also available.
Brenton Lodge, Whangamata
In an idyllic garden setting in the hills overlooking Whangamata, Brenton Lodge has panoramic views across the ocean to Mayor Island from all suites. A perfect place for leisure and pleasure, romantic weekends, or retreats, there’s a pool and spa pool, a warm hearth, as well as a bar and restaurant, where you can treat yourself to fresh local produce, as well as handmade chocolates made on site.
Ocean View King Suites
All have private access, a balcony, a King bed, en-suite shower room, sofa and dining area, tea and coffee-making facilities, fridge, TV, CD and DVD.
Sunlover Retreat, Tairua
Located in the heart of Tairua, Coromandel Peninsula, every room at the Sunlover Retreat has views of the sea, estuary and mountains from its own private deck – and its bathtubs! All rooms have complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes, hairdryers and free Wi-Fi.
Paku Suite
Supreme comfort from sunrise to sunset, this room also has a large bath with a view and its own private deck with views.
Estuary Suite
With its cool green views, slipper bath and plenty of space, this suite is just waiting for you to enjoy. Lay back and take delight in a bath with a view.
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, Pauanui
This beautiful Chalet-style property combines boutique elegance with retreat-style tranquillity. Set in 25 acres of secluded New Zealand native bush on Mt Pauanui, it’s an unsurpassable location just two hours’ drive from Auckland. Delicious food is served daily at the Resort’s award-winning Miha Restaurant and facilities include a pool, sauna and spa.
Rimu Chalet
Rimu Chalet is a deluxe room type, both spacious and stylish in its design for those who prefer a refined stay in the Puka Park treetops. Sleeping up to two people with a stunning king-sized bed, it features a separate en-suite bathroom with an indulgent, large bath, in addition to a walk-in shower or a shower over bath. Each bathroom also offers complimentary Beautiful Amiki Botanicals toiletries for guests to enjoy, designed exclusively for Grand Mercure. Further features include a 42″ LED television, and although no kitchenette is available in this room type, tea and coffee-making facilities are provided. Guests will enjoy access to a private deck with outdoor furniture to better relax and enjoy the natural surrounds available on your doorstep. A perfect combination of elegance and natural serenity.
Kauri Chalet
The Kauri Chalet offers guests superior studio-style accommodation, for the best of independent travel and comfort when travelling away from home. Ideal for two people, these chalets offer a fold out queen bed along with a day bed. A modern en-suite with walk-in shower is located in privacy beyond the main bedroom space. Guests who prioritise having their own cooking and laundry facilities will love that a kitchenette is provided. Included is a cooktop, in addition to a washing machine and dryer. There is even a small lounge area, featuring a table and two chairs. A 42″ LED television, to stay up to date or be entertained. For those who prefer to soak up the natural ambiance and beauty of this stunning location – you are in luck! Each Kauri Chalet boasts its very own private deck. With outdoor furniture to relax and unwind without having to move far beyond you own front door.
Tawa Treehut
Whether you are in love, or just love a tranquil holiday, the Tawa Chalet at Puka Park is enough to give guests true heart flutters! This romantic studio-style chalet is a stunning room type, nestled on the scenic slopes of Mt. Pauanui with an outlook to green gardens and treetop canopy beyond. The Tawa Chalet features a decadent king-sized bed, and an en-suite with a large walk-in style shower. Each bathroom extends complimentary Beautiful Amiki Botanicals toiletries for guests to enjoy, designed exclusively for Grand Mercure. A 42″ LED television and tea and coffee making facilities are available. Perhaps best of all, these rooms offer guests access to their own private deck. Enjoy the natural surrounds in peace and privacy. Each deck comes with outdoor furniture to better relax and soak up the tranquillity on your doorstep, without having to leave the comfort of the chalet.
Hahei Bed and Breakfast
A sub-tropical garden, a quiet environment, and magnificent ocean views will quickly ease you into beach-holiday mode in Hahei. Choose from four well-equipped rooms, with patios, decks or lounges with stunning views, and a range of facilities including en-suites and kitchenettes. All rooms have Super-King beds, with crisp cotton sheets and luxury bedding, while en-suites have robes, hairdryer and toiletries. Sofa-beds and 32″ LCD TVs, free WiFi, fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities complete the picture. Breakfast is served alfresco style on the deck beside the pool.
Hibiscus Room
A spacious ground-floor room with its own deck and outdoor table and chairs, overlooking the garden.
Mr & Mrs Smith Room
Large room on the ground floor with its own patio overlooking garden and pool.
Some of the experiences available in The Coromandel are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Nature and Coast Full-Day Guided Walk, Tairua and Pauanui
This tour showcases the Coromandel Peninsula’s natural heritage and scenic beauty. All the highlights are covered, as well as some special locations known only to locals. An easy walk on the forgotten paths of an old town will take you to an historic gold cave, now home to sparkling glow-worms. Your guide will tell you about the flora, fauna, and fascinating history of this region, introducing you to natural ‘treasures’, including rich gold specimens, crystals, petrified wood, Kauri gum and other minerals. Stunning coastal scenery abounds, with white sand beaches, huge beach caves, magnificent cliffs, old Maori Pa (village) sites and offshore islands. A visit to famous Hot Water beach is included.
Duration: 8 Hours (including lunch)
Cathedral Cove Classic Kayak Tour, Hahei
One of the best sea kayaking trips in the country, the “Cathedral Cove Classic” has got it all. Paddle through amazing sea caves, explore volcanic islands in the Marine Reserve and enjoy a cappuccino/hot chocolate/cookie on the beach at the world-famous Cathedral Cove.
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Glass Bottom Boat Cruise, Whitianga
Come and explore this breath-taking volcanic coastline, including Cathedral Cove, spectacular sea caves and the two film locations from ‘The Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian’. The glass-bottom boat is perfect for viewing marine life up-close, or you can snorkel the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, with all equipment supplied at no extra charge. Get up close and personal with dolphins, seals and penguins! Fully-trained tour guides and skippers will take you on an adventure, complete with a fun commentary enriched with local history and culture along the way.
Duration: 2 Hours
The Hauraki Rail Trail – Cycle Trail
The laid-back Hauraki Rail Trail is a Grade One cycle trail suitable for riders of all ages, fitness and abilities. With its gentle terrain and abundance of accommodation, cafes and restaurants, it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying trails in the North Island – a memorable and varied journey across 197km of track comprising of five sections – a perfectly relaxed four or five-day adventure.
The track traces the Shorebird Coast, and takes in quaint historic towns, lush farmlands, a historic railway corridor through the Karangahake Gorge, and then heads south to Matamata, home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. There are options to explore the Coromandel further, if so desired.
Day Rides:
Section A: Kaiaua to Thames – 55km (5-6 hours)
Starting from Kaiaua in the North, this section of trail follows in the footsteps of an early Māori settler, Te Aho. As it winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames over chenier shell banks, the trail passes through wetlands of International significance. The abundance of migratory shorebirds provide a magical opportunity to learn about the area’s precious birdlife, before heading out to the hides to see them up close.
Section B: Thames to Paeroa – 34 kms (3-4 hours)
This richly historic area was once only accessible via the two rivers, Waihou and Hikutaia. Following the old railway line out of Thames township, the trail promises lush farmland and impressive views of the Hauraki Plains and forested Kaimai Ranges. Matatoki Cheese Barn and the Convenient Cow Cafe at Hikutaia are worth a stop. Drop into the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park, once New Zealand’s most inland port, and catch the riverboat into town.
Section C: Paeroa to Waihi – 24 kms (6 – 8 hours Return)
Take two days to explore the most popular section which follows the Ohinemuri River through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge. This distinctly different landscape features the cascading Owharoa Falls, photogenic gold mining sites, and spooky Windows Walk. Pack a headlamp for the 1100-metre-long railway tunnel, and the Goldfields Railway vintage train is a Must Do. For a little bit of luxury, the Falls Retreat offers award winning dining and boutique accommodation options.
Section D: Paeroa to Te Aroha – 23 kms (2-3 hours)
Heading south, this leisurely section passes through lush Waikato farmland dotted with dairy cows and farm animals. The Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and Mt Te Aroha (952m The Mountain of Love), and expansive views over the Hauraki Plains are a feast for the eyes. Pack your togs and make the most of Te Aroha Mineral Spas. It’s a great way to soothe pedal weary muscles at the end of a ride.
Section E: Te Aroha to Matamata – 37 kms (2-4 hours)
Relax and make the most of this simple journey past goat, dairy and thoroughbred farms. As you approach Matamata, look out for the majestic Wairere Falls – the highest waterfall in the North Island. Stop at the Firth Tower to enjoy the tranquil gardens and explore the museum displays. A visit to Hobbiton Movie Set is a must. Take a Tour, feast like a Hobbit, or simply enjoy a tipple at the Green Dragon Inn.
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