The Coromandel
The Coromandel Peninsula is the North Island's beloved beach escape. A short drive east of Auckland, it folds golden coves and a soaring sea arch into forested hills and laid-back towns. Dig your own hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach, walk the coast to Cathedral Cove, and wander quiet beaches and artsy villages. Here's how to enjoy this coastal gem.
Hot Water Beach & the coves
The Coromandel's signature is Hot Water Beach, where a geothermal spring lets you dig your own hot pool in the sand for a couple of hours either side of low tide. Nearby, the beaches of Hahei and hidden New Chums are among the country's prettiest, and boat and kayak trips explore the coast's arches and caves. It's a place to slow down. See our things to do guide.
Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei) — a vast natural arch linking two beaches — is the Coromandel's icon. Note that the cove and its walking track were damaged by storms in 2023, and access has been affected during repairs, so please check the current status; when the track is closed it can often still be reached by boat or kayak tours from Hahei. It remains breathtaking. See our getting around guide.
Towns, trails & the gorge
The rest of the peninsula rewards a relaxed drive. Browse the artsy towns of Coromandel and Whitianga, ride the quirky Driving Creek Railway, and detour to the dramatic Karangahake Gorge, where old gold-mining tunnels and trails follow a river through the hills. Winding roads and sea views make the journey part of the pleasure. See our itineraries guide.
The Coromandel: your questions
The Coromandel Peninsula, east of Auckland, is loved for its golden beaches, forested hills and laid-back coastal towns. Its signature sights are Hot Water Beach, where you dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide, and Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei), a soaring sea arch reached by a coastal walk. See our things to do guide.
Cathedral Cove and its walking track were damaged by storms in 2023, and access has been affected during repairs and stabilisation work, so please check the current access status before visiting — it may be reached on foot when open, or by boat and kayak tours from Hahei. It remains one of the North Island's most beautiful spots. See our getting around guide.
At Hot Water Beach, a geothermal spring seeps up through the sand, so for about two hours either side of low tide you can dig your own natural hot pool and soak in it. Bring or hire a spade, check the tide times, and take care as the water can be very hot. It's a quirky, memorable Coromandel experience. See our things to do guide.
The Coromandel is about 1.5–2 hours' drive east of Auckland, making it a popular escape and an easy add-on to a northern trip. The peninsula's winding roads reward an unhurried pace. See our Auckland guide.
Beyond Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, explore the beaches of Hahei and New Chums, the artsy towns of Coromandel and Whitianga, the Driving Creek Railway, and the dramatic Karangahake Gorge with its historic gold-mining trails. It's a peninsula made for relaxed exploring. See our itineraries guide.