Top 9 Hidden Gems Things to do in Coromandel Peninsula, North Island

The Purangi Winery was established in 1985 the 37th Winery in New Zealand. The Evans Family who moved from Hong Kong were welcomed as settlers by the district in 1966. Our products are made in the traditional manner with purest ingredients hence the company name Purangi Estate Ltd or "PurEst". In 2009 we built a wood fired pizza oven and launched the Purangi Winery Pizzeria which has been more and more popular. We produce many of the ingredients for the pizzas, making the pesto and pizza sauce and using a wide range of fresh herbs and vegetables from our garden. Our bar in the Coromandel invites you to enjoy all our homemade products: Cider, Wines, Long Drinks and (in winter) Mulled Wine as well as a wide range of national and international beers. Relax in our family friendly environment. WE ARE IN THE PROGRESS OF RELOCATING AND ARE NOT OPEN UNTILE FURTHER NOTICE!

Barry Brickell (acclaimed potter, painter, engineer and conservationist) started building the railway 35 years ago to bring clay from the hillside to his pottery. This amazing switch-back railway climbs the mountain to the 'Eyeful Tower' with magnificent views over the Hauraki Gulf. The one hour return journey incorporates superb engineering with 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and several large bridges. Unique pottery sculptures and tile walls line the track through a regenerating forest setting. Back at the station watch the DVD about Barry and the railway. Enjoy a walk in the sculpture garden followed by a bush walk in the predator free native sanctuary. Pottery, souvenirs, mini-bricks, books and the DVD are available to purchase in our craft shop. Tours Times: Summer- 9.00am, 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2.00pm, 3.15pm, 4.30pm and 5.45pm Daily Winter - 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2.00pm, 3.15pm and 4.30pm Daily As this attraction is extremely popular we strongly suggest you book your seat; especially over the summer period.

Release the child within and experience New Zealand's quirkiest theme park. Voted by AA Tourism as a must-do Kiwi experience The Waterworks is a theme park with a difference. Set in 5 acres of native Coromandel Bush and just 10 minutes from Coromandel Town is an array of water powered inventions, quirky contraptions and fun to discover at every turn. Inspired by the ability to create something new out of something old our attractions are made largely from recycled materials and are powered by water. Water is used to keep time on the wooden water clock; watch out though it often works on Coromandel time. We've got water cannons to blast away on and bikes that pump H2O. Our human sized hamster wheel is an absolute hoot and our mad inventions leave people wondering "what the".As well as the 70+ attractions to look at, play on, or interact with, The Waterworks has a generous adventure playground area perfect for picnics, an onsite café, free use of BBQs and a natural swimming hole to cool off in during the hot summer months.

Escape and leave the everyday behind as you relax and rejuvenate, immersing yourself in the peaceful restorative atmosphere of The Lost Spring. Discover a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the scenic Coromandel Peninsula, and bask in the revitalising serenity of one of New Zealand’s most unique destinations. Luxuriate in the therapeutic waters of our Geo-Thermal mineral pools, surrounded by lush native bush and the peaceful sounds of running water and birdsong. Experience the pure decadence of having delicious cocktails and dining delivered directly to you poolside while you soak, or pamper yourself with a massage or one of the many other tempting treatments offered at our indulgent day spa. The Lost Spring is the perfect getaway for a day of relaxation and indulgence and offers the perfect opportunity to retreat from the world and enjoy a truly transformative experience.

A mature property, which has evolved over more than 45 years, Rapaura Watergardens offers something for everyone; native trees, ferns, seasonal flora, lily ponds, meandering walks over lush green lawns, bridges and streams, garden sculptures by an award winning artist and a relaxing bush walk to a cascading waterfall, ‘The Seven Stairs to Heaven’.