Coromandel Region

Coromandel Township

Due to its unique character ‘the mainstreet of Coromandel town’ is regarded as a “national treasure” by the NZ Historic Places Trust. Blending the old with the new you can explore some great art shops or chill out at one of the local cafes.

Throughout the town there remain many historic buildings from the goldmining era which have heritage listings with the local Council, so if you're interested in soaking up the ambiance of some NZ history, Coromandel Town is a great place to start.

Coromandel Museum

Telephone 07 866 7251

To get a good sense of Coromandel’s past you should visit this great little museum. Packed with interesting displays you will learn a lot about the rich history of the area.

Stamper Battery

Telephone 0210 232 8262
Email goldstamper@ihug.co.nz

On Buffalo Road in the northern part of Coromandel Township is the last NZ operating Stamper Battery on its original site. Driven by water and open to the public this is a great place to better understand the method of gold mining used during Coromandels heyday.

Restaurants

There are a number of good places to eat in the Township.

The highly regarded Umu Restaurant and cafe (07 866 8618) is always a good choice.

For fine dining the Pepper Tree (07 866 8211) offers a great selection of quality meals.

The Lure Restaurant at the Golconda Hotel (07 866 8020) and the Bistro at the Coromandel Hotel (07 866 8760) are also worth considering.

Kauri Sanctuarys

There are two places offering easy access to giant Kauri trees. One is at Long Bay in Coromandel Town, where there is a great walk by the shores of the Hauraki Gulf. You can see an example of a huge giant of the forest and walk through a stand of young Kauri, the likes of which were used for ships spars in the British Navy.

The other place close to Coromandel Town where you can see a Great remaining stand of Kauri’s is on the 309 Road between Coromandel Town and Whitianga. The short well formed track leads through native bush to a stand of enormous old trees, here you can get a real sense of these forest giants that once carpeted the entire peninsula. Waitai Gardens (07 866 8659) www.waitatigardens.co.nz Stroll down the fragrant walkways that lead through tranquil gardens of rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials. Here you can enjoy a picnic in this truly inspiration garden.

Coromandel Beaches

The Coromandel Peninsula has some of the best beaches in the world. These range from Pacific ocean surf beaches on the east coast, to small safe bays on the western side of the peninsula. Oamaru Bay/Golden Bay are 5 minutes drive from Driving Creek Villas. They are both safe for young children.

Waitete Bay some 15 minutes from the accommodation heading north to Colville is another safe swimming beach with more of an ocean feel.

Whangapoua Beach 25 minutes away is the most accessible east coast beach from Coromandel Town. This is big ocean beach great for body and board surfing on an easterly swell. (follow Highway 25 to Whitianga and take the Whangapoua Turnoff).

New Chums beach is world renowned for its beauty and crystal clear waters. This is perfect for a ‘day at the beach outing’ with a picnic. Drive to the Northern end of Whangapoua Beach and then follow the headland around. It takes about 25 minutes to walk there, with some rock hopping required. As you approach the beach you pass through a beautiful area of coastal rain forest. A walk to the end of the beach takes about 20 minutes.

Waikawau Beach up past Colville on the east coast is another exquisite beach 45 minutes from Coromandel Town. Surrounded by Government owned land, this large remote ocean beach is good for surfing.