You’ve probably seen images of the Coromandel without even knowing it: Cathedral Cove’s arches and rock formations are one of New Zealand’s most photographed natural features. But there are many more things to do in the Coromandel besides this iconic spot. Just east of Auckland, this popular peninsula is a summer playground home to beautiful beaches, natural hot springs, rugged forested mountains, and hiking trails. Add in a rich gold-mining and kauri-milling history, and thriving arts communities and you'll see there’s a lot to love about the Coromandel.
The Coromandel is very busy in the summer as it’s popular with international tourists and Aucklanders—it’s only a 1.5-hour drive from the big city. While this is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches, it can get crowded; accommodation is usually booked out, especially in the school holidays from late December to early February. Visit in late spring (November) or early autumn (March) to enjoy the weather without huge crowds.
Self-driving is by far the easiest way of getting around the Coromandel. Limited shuttles and inter-city buses also ply the peninsula, but having your own wheels provides greater flexibility. State Highway 25 loops around the peninsula and the interior is covered in forest and mountains, so is fairly impenetrable. While most travelers stick to places on or near SH25, there’s plenty more to explore in the north beyond Coromandel Town, along more rural roads.
The Coromandel’s particular geography—on a peninsula with a rugged interior—has proven to be a problem in recent years. There’s only one major road around its perimeter, which has suffered major damage from cyclones and other extreme weather events. Some popular walking tracks have been closed, either temporarily or for longer periods. Repairs have tended to be slow and not always long-lasting. Before making concrete plans to travel to the Coromandel, check the access status and the progress of repairs.
