Coromandel Off The Beaten Path

  Gold Mine History
by vtveen
 
  • Gold Mine History
      Gold Mine History
    by vtveen
  • View from Paku Hill to Pauanui and Tairua River.
      View from Paku Hill to Pauanui and...
    by Kakapo2
  • A scenic delight
      A scenic delight
    by iandsmith
  • An irresistible sign
      An irresistible sign
    by iandsmith
  • You might even see a rainbow
      You might even see a rainbow
    by iandsmith
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Highway 309

by ATXtraveler

During our trip up the Coromandel Pennisula, we went from the town of Coromandel to Mill Creek via highway 309. This is definitely not the most common road to take from the top of the pennisula back down to the bottom, but it did make for a scenic view.Highway 309 has Castle Rock, Waiau Waterworks and Waiau Falls as its main sites, but I was also very impressed by all of the rock formations on the sides of the road.Be careful though, as some of this road is actually not paved, which I found odd for a numbered highway!

Tip Photo
Kauaeranga Valley: hidden treasure

by vtveen

On SH 25,a couple of km's south of Thames, turn of to the left and you are on the Kauaeranga road. It brings you through typical Coromandel scenery: green native forest, tree ferns, a small river with a very old suspension bridge (take care), several fords, all surrounded by high hills.In the DOC Visitor Centre you can get information and a map with a lot of (walking)tracks. Choose one to the top of a hill and enjoy the view from your private look-out. Because it is almost sure you will not see anybody else.For us an unexpected experience.

Tip Photo
Road 309: 25 km's with 487 curves

by vtveen

First check your car rental agreement, because some companies don't allow you to drive the '309'. This gravel road connects Coromandel Town with Whitianga across the peninsula. There are a couple of car parks, which allow visitors to make short walks in the bush. One track leads to the Waiau Falls, another will bring you to the kauri grove with just 'young ones' of 600 years (this walk takes about 10 minutes).

Tip Photo
More on the 309

by iandsmith

Of course, the 309 offer more than just a waterfalls. Why, just next door there's a waterworks (pic 3) - complete with massive spider (pic 4). To quote from their blurb:"Waiau Waterworks was created for you to explore, Meet our Cyclist pedalling eternally on the lake, Ride a bicycle that pumps water, Discover waterwheels, machines and different gadgets for you to play with. And there's a huge water-driven clock just in case you lose track of the time!Set in a beautiful, peaceful two acre park with trees and gardens, lawns and ponds, Waiau Waterworks is the perfect place for a picnic and an hour or two of fun. Visit the picturesque cottage shop for local manuka honey and pottery. Kay Seawood's enchanting ceramic sculptures are offered on sale or commission. Tea and coffee available"You'll also be winding through some dense forest scenery and see the results of over logging on occasions.

Tip Photo
On the 309

by iandsmith

I was apprehensive. People had turned up their faces when I mentioned the possibility of driving the 309, the almost forgotten short road to Coromandel. Having taken the winding, interminably long main road 25 to get there, I figured the return journey was going to be on a different route.I need not have worried. Though it's dirt, something that doesn't bother me, it cuts a lot off in terms of distance and a fair bit in terms of time.En route, the sign said scenic reserve so, naturally enough, that was irresistable for me. Beautiful native bush surrounds Waiau Falls and its popular swimming hole, located seven kilometres along the 309 Road in the Waiau Falls Scenic Reserve. Just a few steps down off the road and you're there.Another kilometre up the road, a walking track leads to a grove of large kauri - one of the few unlogged stands left on the Peninsula. The grove contains a ‘Siamese’...

Tip Photo
Enjoy the Magic of Tairua (Coromandel)

by Kakapo2

Sitting on the summit of Paku Hill is like looking over an endless stretch of paradise. This camel shaped hill in Tairua on the Coromandel is surrounded by the sea on three sides, so it forms its own little peninsula. You get there by a short drive from the township of Tairua, and from a little carpark it is only a steep 10 to 15 minutes walk. The view is breathtaking, and it is my number one view in NZ. You see, of course, are the sea, white beaches, rainforest, little islands, but also the peninsula with the luxury resort town of Pauanui to the South, the Tairua River which separates Pauanui and Tairua, and on the horizon the Broken Hills. Sitting on a big block of rock you feel like on a throne overlooking a magic, quiet and peaceful kingdom.Tairua is perfectly located as the base for visits to Cooks Beach, Cathedral Cove, Hotwater Beach, bushwalks etc., has plenty of accommodation...

Tip Photo
Tairua – Paku Hill

by vtveen

Tairua is a small village on the east side of Coromandel with a lovely beach, a lot of accommodation and restaurants. It is located rather close to other sights on Coromandel.Very easy accessible from Tairua along Paku Drive is Paku Hill, an old volcanic cone and long time ago an island. From the car park at the end of the road is a steep climb of about 15 minutes to the summit. Your reward is a breathtaking view. On one side the Pacific Ocean with some islands as Slipper, Shoe and Aldermen Islands and the rugged Coromandel coast; on the other side Pauanui and its sandspit, Tairua River and the skyline of the Coromandel Ranges. Tairua is located on the east side of Coromandel Peninsula on highway 25.

Tip Photo
Thames

by vtveen

Coming from Auckland (as most visitors will do) Thames is the first town on the Coromandel Peninsula. It is also the ‘capital’ and the main shopping centre. The town has an interesting main street with some old buildings. The city has a ‘gold history’ after gold was discovered in the year of 1867. Nowadays the Goldmine Experience is the number one tourist attraction in Thames. We did the guided tour trough a Stamper Battery and learned a lot about the way gold was made in the older days. There is also a (small) museum with photographs and a video presentation(www.goldmine-experience.co.nz).Thames is the gateway to explore the Kauaeranga Valley (see tip), with its dozens of tracks through the impressive scenery of the Coromandel. And off course starting point for the peninsula it self with the scenic drive along the Firth of Thames.

Tip Photo
Hahei Beach

by vtveen

Hahei is a small settlement a couple of km's from highway 25 between Whitianga and Tairua; just turn off at Whenuakite. The village has some accommodations, a camping, a shop and a café.We liked the beach at Hahei very much. It is such a beauty with crystal clear water, more or less pink sand, fantastic views over the Pacific Ocean and a whole bunch of islands and some old pohutukawa's. During our visit (February) we were almost alone on this lovely beach. If you are finished with swimming and sun bathing, Hahei is a good starting point for a visit to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach (see other tips).

Tip Photo
The Alderman Islands

by allikat

The Alderman Islands are an uninhabited group of tiny islands about 25km off the East Coast of the Coromandel. They are now a wildlife reserve, and are only accessable by boat. The waters around them are deep and clear, and a popular spot for fishing trips (the waters do not form a marine reserve). Watch for dolphins, whales and orcas - you never know your luck!

Tip Photo
Unique Places in Coromandel

Top 3 Hotels in Coromandel

Beach Motel & Cabins  Whitianga

 2 Reviews and 5 Opinions  The accomodation was basic and furnishing basic and dated but in good working conditions. The BBQ on... 

 Hotels in Whitianga

Breakers Motel Whangamata  Whangamata

 38 Opinions

 Hotels in Whangamata

Harbour View Motel  Coromandel

 1 Review and 65 Opinions  An older motel, but immaculately kept an very appealing, with panoramic harbour views. This is one... 

 Hotels in Coromandel

83 Hotels in Coromandel
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Coromandel attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Coromandel sightseeing.

Experience Coromandel
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in Coromandel
  1. Whangamata Off The Beaten Path
  2. Kauaeranga Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in Coromandel

 

Questions and Answers

picnic101 profile photo

Q:  We have a bach at new years at whangamata but the condition is we need a parent. We will pay for rent etc its just that we need... 

kiwi profile photo

A: So do we assume this carries some degree of responsibility, hence your folks saying you need an adult? What sort of notice will you take of this adult, if they decide... 

Read 3 Replies

postQuestion_button