Tips & Tricks for the Coromandel Peninsula

Jessica
Tips & Tricks for the Coromandel Peninsula

Activities

Perfect for a romantic couples retreat, a girls getaway or even for just a bit of 'me time'. Available all year round, The Lost Spring offers a day spa, geothermal spa/swim packages and licensed restaurant. With many different package options there is something for everyone. A must do when visiting Whitianga.
122 locals recommend
The Lost Spring
121A Cook Dr
122 locals recommend
Perfect for a romantic couples retreat, a girls getaway or even for just a bit of 'me time'. Available all year round, The Lost Spring offers a day spa, geothermal spa/swim packages and licensed restaurant. With many different package options there is something for everyone. A must do when visiting Whitianga.
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 3pm the Mercury Bay Museum is a great place to widen your knowledge. $5/adult, Children under 14 free when accompanied by an adult. Exhibitions offer a detailed insight into the area, people, history and what makes the Coromandel so special. Well worth a visit for those who love to learn and love gaining that "little bit extra" about a place.
26 locals recommend
Mercury Bay Museum
11a The Esplanade
26 locals recommend
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 3pm the Mercury Bay Museum is a great place to widen your knowledge. $5/adult, Children under 14 free when accompanied by an adult. Exhibitions offer a detailed insight into the area, people, history and what makes the Coromandel so special. Well worth a visit for those who love to learn and love gaining that "little bit extra" about a place.
Land bought in 1973 by Barry Brickell with a shared vision of pottery and conservation in mind, Driving Creek Railway became labor of love for Barry and an iconic gem in Coromandel Town. An absolutely awesome day out for thrill and art seekers alike. Driving Creek offers an interactive rail journey through native NZ bush as well as Zip Line options for those who prefer an alternative/exciting way down! There are also pottery classes and workshops available for the more creative of us. Pricing: Zipline Tours - from $137 Railway tours - from $39 Pottery Classes - from $57
106 locals recommend
Driving Creek
380 Driving Creek Rd
106 locals recommend
Land bought in 1973 by Barry Brickell with a shared vision of pottery and conservation in mind, Driving Creek Railway became labor of love for Barry and an iconic gem in Coromandel Town. An absolutely awesome day out for thrill and art seekers alike. Driving Creek offers an interactive rail journey through native NZ bush as well as Zip Line options for those who prefer an alternative/exciting way down! There are also pottery classes and workshops available for the more creative of us. Pricing: Zipline Tours - from $137 Railway tours - from $39 Pottery Classes - from $57
If your looking for a bit of a thrill and extreme day out Fun Zone offers many activities including Paint Ball, Archery, Outdoor Laser Tag and many more. With combo options available ranging in price there is something for everyone!
9 locals recommend
Combat & Fun Zone Advenure & Family Park
108 Kaimarama Rd
9 locals recommend
If your looking for a bit of a thrill and extreme day out Fun Zone offers many activities including Paint Ball, Archery, Outdoor Laser Tag and many more. With combo options available ranging in price there is something for everyone!
A true Whitianga Icon the Banana Boat is a fun option for everyone. Rides range from Scenic, Kiddy ride, Thrill ride and the infamous Hell Bender! Located on Buffalo Beach.
Banana Boat water activities Whitianga
The Esplanade
A true Whitianga Icon the Banana Boat is a fun option for everyone. Rides range from Scenic, Kiddy ride, Thrill ride and the infamous Hell Bender! Located on Buffalo Beach.
51 locals recommend
The Waterworks
471 The 309 Road
51 locals recommend
Boom Sailing
Esplanade
Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours
Cathedral Cove Jet
Te Puia Surf Co
7 locals recommend
Birdwood Springs Mini Putt
67 Joan Gaskell Dr
7 locals recommend
Whitianga Bike Park & Gardens
Warfish Charters
Epic Adventures Fishing Charters
The Esplanade
Mercury Bay Library
6 locals recommend
Mercury Bay Golf & Country Club
12 Golf Road
6 locals recommend
22 locals recommend
The Dunes Golf Resort Matarangi
741 Matarangi Dr
22 locals recommend
Coromandel Paddle Boarding

Food scene

One of the top cafes in town, The Fig serves All Press coffee and a menu of all day breakfast/brunch selections and sweety cakey things that never fail to tempt and satisfy! Friendly and attentive staff, highly recommend.
30 locals recommend
The French Fig
41 Albert St
30 locals recommend
One of the top cafes in town, The Fig serves All Press coffee and a menu of all day breakfast/brunch selections and sweety cakey things that never fail to tempt and satisfy! Friendly and attentive staff, highly recommend.
Next door to the Whitianga Museum, The Harbour House Café is located near the wharf and Jolly Roger playground. Perfect place to stop after a trip across the ferry, or a pit stop after taking the kids for a run around. Serving l’affare coffee and a variety of tasty all day menu, cabinet food and cake options. With a lovely outlook The Harbour House is a great spot for a coffee or brunch moment.
26 locals recommend
The harbour house cafe
11 Esplanade
26 locals recommend
Next door to the Whitianga Museum, The Harbour House Café is located near the wharf and Jolly Roger playground. Perfect place to stop after a trip across the ferry, or a pit stop after taking the kids for a run around. Serving l’affare coffee and a variety of tasty all day menu, cabinet food and cake options. With a lovely outlook The Harbour House is a great spot for a coffee or brunch moment.
An absolute local favorite, Blue Ginger serves up amazing Asian fusion cuisine while supporting local producers and creators. Walk-in only with options for everyone including an extensive Vegan menu Blue Ginger is definitely a must try.
54 locals recommend
Blue Ginger
10 Blacksmith Ln
54 locals recommend
An absolute local favorite, Blue Ginger serves up amazing Asian fusion cuisine while supporting local producers and creators. Walk-in only with options for everyone including an extensive Vegan menu Blue Ginger is definitely a must try.
Situated in Kuaotunu, about a 20min drive north of Whitianga, Lukes kitchen is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon of beers, beach and pizza. With options for kids, vegan/vegetarians, lacto/gluten free or those who would prefer something other then pizza there is something for everyone.
118 locals recommend
Lukes Kitchen
20 Black Jack Rd
118 locals recommend
Situated in Kuaotunu, about a 20min drive north of Whitianga, Lukes kitchen is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon of beers, beach and pizza. With options for kids, vegan/vegetarians, lacto/gluten free or those who would prefer something other then pizza there is something for everyone.
Located in Cooks Beach, about a 30min drive from Whitianga, The Hive is a popular restaurant situated amongst grape vines and providing many tasty dishes designed to be shared. A lovely place to spend the afternoon.
21 locals recommend
The Hive
450 Purangi Road
21 locals recommend
Located in Cooks Beach, about a 30min drive from Whitianga, The Hive is a popular restaurant situated amongst grape vines and providing many tasty dishes designed to be shared. A lovely place to spend the afternoon.
Blue Lagoon Bar and Eatery
27 locals recommend
That Curry Place
45 Albert St
27 locals recommend
40 locals recommend
Mercury Bay Estate
761 Purangi Rd
40 locals recommend
Mat's
MINOS MUSSEL KITCHEN
51 locals recommend
UMU Restaurant and Cafe
22 Wharf Rd
51 locals recommend
52 locals recommend
Eggsentric Cafe And Restaurant
1049 Purangi Rd
52 locals recommend
Coro Club - Café & Venue
7 Dakota Dr

Sightseeing

Located in Hahei, a 40min drive from Whitianga, Cathedral Cove is the top of many visitors lists. Once in Hahei you can park in the designated carpark at the entrance of the township (Pa Road) and take the shuttle bus to the entrance of the walking track (top of Grange Road). Cost: $5/adult rtrn, $3/child rtrn, $10/family (2A 2C) rtrn. The walk takes about 25mins and makes for a great day out with a picnic in tow. You can also get there via water taxi - no bookings required. The water taxi goes from Hahei - Cathedral Cove and reverse. Cost: $20/adult ech way, $15/child (2-14yrs) ech way
148 locals recommend
Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve
148 locals recommend
Located in Hahei, a 40min drive from Whitianga, Cathedral Cove is the top of many visitors lists. Once in Hahei you can park in the designated carpark at the entrance of the township (Pa Road) and take the shuttle bus to the entrance of the walking track (top of Grange Road). Cost: $5/adult rtrn, $3/child rtrn, $10/family (2A 2C) rtrn. The walk takes about 25mins and makes for a great day out with a picnic in tow. You can also get there via water taxi - no bookings required. The water taxi goes from Hahei - Cathedral Cove and reverse. Cost: $20/adult ech way, $15/child (2-14yrs) ech way
A great day out for the family. A short drive from Whitianga township, Hot Water beach is a top attraction on the Coromandel Peninsula. Double check when high/low tide times are for the day you choose to go, pack up the car with shovels (available from us on request), towels, togs, maybe a picnic and all other beach essentials and get ready for some natural geothermal water action!
202 locals recommend
Hot Water Beach
202 locals recommend
A great day out for the family. A short drive from Whitianga township, Hot Water beach is a top attraction on the Coromandel Peninsula. Double check when high/low tide times are for the day you choose to go, pack up the car with shovels (available from us on request), towels, togs, maybe a picnic and all other beach essentials and get ready for some natural geothermal water action!
The Pinnacles hike is a popular one amongst locals and tourists. Roughly a 3hour hike from base to summit with the option of staying over night in the Doc Hut located at the top (book before you go). The start of the walk is located in Thames (Bank St) at the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.
14 locals recommend
The Pinnacles
14 locals recommend
The Pinnacles hike is a popular one amongst locals and tourists. Roughly a 3hour hike from base to summit with the option of staying over night in the Doc Hut located at the top (book before you go). The start of the walk is located in Thames (Bank St) at the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.
Voted as 1 of the top 10 beaches in the world New Chums is definitely a must see. Located at the north end of Whangapoua, about a 40min drive north of Whitianga. The beach is privately tucked away and surrounded by untouched native bush. Being a local gem please respect this natural beauty and share in New Zealand's Tiaki promise - to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
84 locals recommend
New Chums Beach
84 locals recommend
Voted as 1 of the top 10 beaches in the world New Chums is definitely a must see. Located at the north end of Whangapoua, about a 40min drive north of Whitianga. The beach is privately tucked away and surrounded by untouched native bush. Being a local gem please respect this natural beauty and share in New Zealand's Tiaki promise - to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
12 locals recommend
Opito Bay Beach
Opito Bay Road
12 locals recommend
Otama Beach & Reserve, Waikato 3592, New Zealand
10 locals recommend
Kūaotunu Beach
10 locals recommend
9 locals recommend
Hahei Beach
2 Hahei Beach Road
9 locals recommend
Cooks Beach, Waikato 3591, New Zealand