October 29 : Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel is the eastern of the two peninsulas forming the northern end of New Zealand. Its main town, Coromandel, is a quiet village, perfect for a peaceful overnight stay. The main attractions of the peninsula include Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and the Kauri trees, which are New Zealand’s largest (though not tallest) trees.

From Waitomo to Coromandel to Auckland

The distance from Waitomo to Coromandel is about 200 km. The journey took well over three hours because roughly half of the route winds along the peninsula’s shoreline, where narrow, twisting roads make for slower driving. After the day was done I still drove some 3 hours to cross through Auckland and reach its northern suburbs.

Coromandel

After arriving in Coromandel the night before, one day for exploring the peninsula seemed perfectly fine. I went on to see the main highlights of the peninsula, which are:

Kauri Trees – Towering, ancient trees found in the Coromandel Forest Park. These are among New Zealand’s largest trees, known for their massive trunks and cultural significance to the Māori people.
Cathedral Cove – A picturesque beach and natural rock arch, accessible by a scenic hike or boat. Its stunning views and clear blue waters make it a popular spot for swimming and photography. When I was there, the track from the main path down to the Cove was closed due to a rockslide, so I couldn’t actually see the arch itself (unless I paid 150 NZD for a boat ride). But that’s fine, as the overall scenery was just as beautiful, and I even saw a wild turkey at the end of the hike!
Hot Water Beach – A unique beach where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand, thanks to underground geothermal springs. Best visited around low tide for easy access to the hot water.

Karangahake

After leaving Coromandel, I still had some daylight to visit the stunning Karangahake Gorge further south. This historic area features old mining relics and scenic trails along the river. I walked a trail with a 1-km historic rail tunnel that felt almost endless—a surreal experience. Outside, the gorge offered rugged cliffs, abandoned mining equipment, and scenic bridges, creating a beautiful blend of nature and history.

Afterwards I spent a few more hours on the road, passing Auckland to spend the night at a cozy spot – a charming alpaca farm on Auckland’s northern outskirts.

Coromandel and Karangahake pics this way :