Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand Self Drive Tour with an APP

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An island with a marina, lush greenery, and a clear blue sky. 1

A beach with driftwood and a clear sky. 2

By Trippy Tour Guide

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
9h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Drive State Highway 25, where ocean views hug the road, then dig your own steaming spa in the sand at Hot Water Beach.

This self-guided Coromandel adventure takes you from Donut Island’s secret volcanic lagoon to world-famous Cathedral Cove, native bush trails, and authentic 1860s gold mine tunnels.

Ride Barry Brickell’s hand-built railway into the hills, stand beneath ancient square-trunked kauri trees, and look into New Zealand’s richest active goldmine.

Trek to pristine New Chums Beach, climb an ancient volcano for 360° views, and cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail through dramatic gorges and mining relics.

From Coromandel Town’s art galleries to Waihi’s mining crater, your app guides you curve by curve.

Activity location

Kauaeranga Valley Road
- Kauaeranga Valley Road
- Thames, Waikato Region, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Tastebud Cafe
- 382 Ngati Maru Highway
- 3578, Thames, Waikato Region, New Zealand

Check availability

Dates

Travellers

Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand Self Drive Tour with an APP in Multilingual

9h
Opening hours: Sat 8:00 am-4:00 pm
English

Languages available

Price details

AU$21.08 x 1 AdultAU$21.08

Total

What's included, what's not

Detailed directions to both well-known attractions and hidden spots
Audio Guide
Access to the Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand Self Drive Tour on our App
Fully offline map – no need for Wi-Fi or data.
75+ narration points of popular locations in Coromandel Peninsula

Know before you book

- Public transport options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Kauaeranga Valley Road

Dense native bush paradise with the challenging Pinnacles Walk, DOC campsites, and remnants of 1800s kauri logging. Gateway to Coromandel Forest Park's wild heart.

Kauaeranga Valley Road

Dense native bush paradise with the challenging Pinnacles Walk, DOC campsites, and remnants of 1800s kauri logging. Gateway to Coromandel Forest Park's wild heart.

Thames School of Mines (Pass by)

Step into 1885 mining history with 3,000+ mineral specimens, preserved classrooms, and rare Pink and White Terraces fragments. Built on sacred Māori burial grounds.

Burke Street Wharf

Historic 1870s goods wharf with weathered timber and stone, offering waterfront views along Themz Coastal Walkway. Once vital to gold rush commerce.

Goldmine Experience (Pass by)

Explore authentic 19th-century mine tunnels, watch NZ's only operating stamper battery crush quartz, and try gold panning. Living history of the gold rush era.

Fishing Rocks Corner

Rocky Point jutting into the sea—black rocks glittering under sun, waves crashing dramatically. Traditional fishing spot with seabirds wheeling overhead.

Waiomu Valley Road Track

Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk leads to massive ancient kauri trees, then continues to Crosbies Hut for experienced trampers. Gold-mining relics scattered throughout.

Tapu

Cosy coastal settlement where Tapu River meets Firth of Themz. Secret bush swimming holes, fishing spots, and gateway to Rapaura Watergardens and Square Kauri.

Rapaura Watergardens (Pass by)

1,200-year-old kauri with unusual square trunk plus 64-acre gardens featuring waterfalls, lily ponds, and Seven Stairs to Heaven. Nature meets artistry.

Te Mata Point Reserve

River mouth where the Te Mata River slips quietly into the bay, framed by native bush. Peaceful haven used by Māori waka for centuries.

Waikawau Foreshore Reserve

Stunning river valley meeting Waikawau Beach, with native bush, camping, and tracks into old mining territory. "Water of the shag" in a peaceful rural setting.

Wilsons Bay

Rugged cove with dark volcanic rocks, turquoise-green water, and steep bushy hills. Coastal Lookout and Manaia Saddle provide breathtaking harbor-to-ocean views.

Waiau Falls

Six-meter waterfall tumbling into a jade-green pool, just 5 minutes off the 309 Road. Quick refreshing detour through mossy native forest—perfect swimming spot.

Coromandel town

Colourful settlement blending gold rush history, art galleries, craft shops, fresh seafood, and the quirky Driving Creek Railway. Victorian buildings line charming streets.

Driving Creek Railway (Pass by)

Hand-built narrow-gauge railway zigzagging through bush to Eyefull Tower lookout. Potter Barry Brickell's extraordinary vision combining art, engineering, and conservation.

Kaipawa Trig Track

Moderately challenging ridge walk through native bush to panoramic summit views over Coromandel Peninsula, coastline, and Hauraki Gulf. Historic mining shafts en route.

Whangapoua Beach

Turn towards Whangapoua Beach and the gateway to legendary New Chums Beach—often voted one of the world's most beautiful beaches, hidden behind bush track.

New Chums Lookout

Golden Whangapoua Beach leads via tide crossing and bush track to pristine New Chums Beach—untouched white sand, turquoise water, pohutukawa shade. Pure paradise.

Matarangi

Four-kilometer golden beach perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, surfing. Dunes Golf Resort, Bluff Track, and Coastal Walkway. Relaxed holiday town with Village Markets.

Kuaotunu Beach

Ten kilometres of laid-back white sand beauty. Calm estuary waters, paddling paradise, and gateway to Otama Beach and Opito Bay detours. Legendary Killer Ice Cream.

Kuaotunu

Waitaia Loop Track through bird-filled native bush, gold-mining history remnants, and incredible star-gazing opportunities. Small peaceful village off the tourist trail.

Simpsons Beach Whitianga

Pristine golden sand beach where Captain Cook received one of his first Aotearoa welcomes. Calm waters, beachfront camping, and ancient pohutukawa trees standing guard.

Buffalo Beach

Five-kilometer golden crescent named after HMS Buffalo wreck. Perfect for swimming, fishing, paddleboarding. Gateway to Whitianga's marina and America's Cup heritage.

Kaimarama

Peaceful river valley where Kaimarama River winds from Coromandel Forest Park to harbour. Kayaking, fishing, Pinnacles Walk access, plus Combat Zone Fun Park adventures.

Wilderland Organics

Living hippie commune since 1964. Roadside shop selling organic produce, honey, handmade goods. Permaculture, shared meals, and that classic Coromandel alternative spirit alive.

Hot Water Beach

Dig your own steaming spa in the sand at low tide where geothermal springs bubble up. Iconic Kiwi experience mixing ocean waves with natural hot pools.

The Lawnmower's Son Art Gallery and Accommodation

Art gallery and accommodation under one of NZ's largest Moreton Bay fig trees. 1860s homestead turned creative oasis with café, cottages, and local artwork.

Cathedral Cove Walk

Gravel road climbs through pohutukawa-scattered hills to Cathedral Cove car park. Trail begins here—45-minute walk to iconic natural archway through native bush.

Cathedral Cove Beach

15m
Admission ticket included

World-famous natural cathedral archway carved by sea. Featured in Narnia films. Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay, Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve—pure coastal magic.

Tairua

Twin harbour town with golden beach, calm estuary perfect for paddleboarding and fishing. Five-minute ferry to fancy Pauanui, plus Mount Paku's 360° volcanic summit views.

Tirinui Crescent

Follow Paku Drive to Tirinui Crescent playground parking. Cross grassy field uphill, follow white signposts to Mount Paku summit trail. Adventure begins here.

Mount Paku Lookout Walkway Entrance

Zigzag through kauri and ferns, scramble final rocks to trig point. 360° views: Tairua, Pauanui, Coromandel Ranges, Pacific islands. 7-million-year-old volcano beneath feet.

Pukepoto

Quiet rural waypoint at 47m elevation. Rich archaeological heritage, reference point for hikers accessing New Chums Beach, 309 Road kauri groves, and forest tracks.

Pauanui

Purpose-built resort paradise with 3km golden beach, 6.4km scenic trail, golf courses, marina, and family-friendly infrastructure. Pauanui–Tairua boardwalk through mangroves and farmland.

Whangamata Beach

Four-kilometer golden ribbon perfect for surfing, swimming, paddleboarding. Whenuakura (Donut Island) kayak tours, Clarke Island snorkelling, legendary Repco Beach Hop festival venue.

Whangamata Golf Club

Whangamatā's golf options: 18-hole Titoki course (one of NZ's best) or easygoing 9-hole Williamson in town centre. Otahu River meets sea nearby.

Point of view whotueka

Roadside treasure with layered green ridges folding into distance. Moody forest atmosphere, native birds calling, peaceful untouched Coromandel Ranges showing off—pure wilderness drama.

Waihi

Built on NZ's richest gold mine since 1878. Martha Mine still producing after 140+ years. Wild West history, Cornish miners, fortunes won and lost—treasure beneath feet.

Gold Discovery Centre

Interactive holograms, mining films, Martha Mine pit tours. Cornish Pumphouse landmark, Pit Rim Walkway with jaw-dropping views into massive active goldmine below.

Waihi Beach

Nine-kilometer golden paradise from Waihi to Bowentown. Classic Kiwi beach culture: surfing, fishing, cafés, markets, Flatwhite Café on shore. Trig Trail and Orokawa Bay Track adventures.

Location

Activity location

Kauaeranga Valley Road
- Kauaeranga Valley Road
- Thames, Waikato Region, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Tastebud Cafe
- 382 Ngati Maru Highway
- 3578, Thames, Waikato Region, New Zealand

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