You know it’s a good sign when a place is popular with the locals. The Coromandel Peninsula is one such place and every summer, Aucklanders flock here to get their share of fun and sun. If you enjoy stunning white sand beaches, lush native rainforests and are intrigued by the thought of a unique hot water beach experience, The Coromandel should be high on your adventure destination list.

While the population does increase significantly over summer, that doesn’t mean you can’t escape the hustle & bustle if that’s what you prefer. The further north you travel towards the northernmost tip of the peninsula, the more remote it becomes and if you’re willing to explore a little off the beaten track, some special places can be found. Surfing, kayaking, snorkeling and hiking are just some of the available activities and if you’re up for it, one particular activity is guaranteed to get the heart racing.

Visiting Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach

The Coromandel Walkway

Visiting Hot Water Beach

Visit Cathedral Cove

Situated in the Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, Cathedral Cove is most probably one of the most iconic and most visited locations on the entire peninsula. Only accessible on foot or from the sea, the much-photographed rock archway is just one of many dramatic features along this stretch of coast. A one and a half hour return walking track from Hahei Beach requires a reasonable level of fitness but rewards with great views. Alternatively, you can paddle to Cathedral Cove or when it’s warm, snorkel there, stopping in at Stingray Bay where you might see… you guessed it, sting rays. Read about our experience at Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach.

Paddle to Whenuakura Island

More commonly referred to as Donut Island by the locals, this used to be something of a secret spot. From the shore, this island doesn’t look like much but it has a little surprise in store for keen adventurers. While it’s possible to paddle to the island unguided, we wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re well equipped and experienced on the water. And if you do choose to visit unguided, please adhere to the signs and don’t step onto the island. For guided tours to Whenuakura and the surrounding area, visit Surfsup New Zealand.

Visit New Chum Beach (Wainuiototo)

This is another of The Coromandel’s ‘secret spots’, or at least it used to be. Since appearing on numerous top 10 beaches and other lists that’s not the case anymore. That said, this long stretch of golden sand, only accessible on foot or via boat, does deliver and since most visitors congregate at the southern end, if you’re willing to walk a little further you can still feel like you have this beach all to yourself.

Explore Karangahake Gorge

State Highway 2 (SH2) between Paeroa and Waihi and then on to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty passes through Karangahake Gorge. Many people drive straight through without stopping but miss out on something special. Formerly a bustling gold mining area, nature is slowly reclaiming the place. What’s left are the disappearing steel and concrete remains along with tram tracks and mining tunnels. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this place with a number of walking and cycling options plus a ‘secret’ swimming hole for those willing to venture a little further. Nearby Owharoa Falls is also worth a quick visit as you pass through the area.

Climb The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles walk is rated as one of New Zealand’s most popular overnight hikes. While it can be done in a single day if you’re fit, the real appeal of this walk is experiencing the stunning view at sunset and sunrise. This means staying overnight in the Department of Conservation hut which sleeps 80. Owing to the walks popularity, advance hut booking is recommended.

Visit Sleeping God Canyon (Atuatumoe)

We’ve saved the best for last although that may depend on how adventurous you’re feeling as this is definitely not for the fainthearted. This guided canyoning experience descends over three hundred meters down a set of waterfalls. With abseils, natural water slides and pool jumps, this is truly an exciting and challenging adventure which you’ll never forget.