Top Things to do in Coromandel Peninsula
What to do and see in Coromandel Peninsula, North Island: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand including Coromandel Forest Park, Mill Creek Bird & Animal Encounters, Te Pare Historic Reserve, Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve, Pauanui Trail, Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk, Coromandel Coastal Walkway, Waiau Kauri Grove, Stu's Wild Pig Farm, Kauri Block Track.
Restaurants in Coromandel Peninsula
1. Coromandel Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We went up the Pinnacles from the Kauaeranga Road carpark up the Webb Creek Trail. We stayed the night at the Pinnacles hut and then walked back to the carpark through the Billygoat Trail. The trail near the top had amazing views of the forest area around the pinnacles. It was quite scenic all around the area. There were also plenty of other camping and tramping options around the area. The trails all crisis cross with each other so looking at the right trail for your experience isn't too difficult.
2. Mill Creek Bird & Animal Encounters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Bird & Animal Encounters of the best kind. Situated in beautiful valley surrounded by scenic hills. Over 400 birds and many friendly farm animals. Interaction with our birds and animals encouraged. Hold one of our Macaws or one of the smaller birds. Walk-in Lorikeet aviary. Small miniature train rides around the park. Coffee and food kiosk. Camp ground at very reasonable rates. Cabins. Units.
Reviewed By NaeNae11 - Rotorua, New Zealand
Had a great time at Mill Creek, heaps of animals and birds to see and a great little playground a and picnic area as well! The staff were super friendly and attentive even while they were busy trying to fix damage from previous floods. We will definitely come back next time we are in Coromandel
3. Te Pare Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Rantinrover - Biggar, United Kingdom
There are good short trails with access from the beach at both ends of Hahei. The one at the north leads up to Cathedral Cove eventually and the one at the south to Te Pare Historic Reserve. Both trails provide good views over the town, beach and coastline. They are open to the public to freely access at any time. We actually drove to the Te Pare trail which starts at the end of Pa Road. It's a residential area however there is a turning circle with space for a few cars to park. The trail starts from the road end and passes through a wooded section before heading up onto the bluff overlooking the Bay. It's a fairly rough track and there is a gentle climb but nothing too demanding. There are steps at points so possibly wouldn't suit everyone. Young children should be kept close to hand as there are some unguarded drops. At the top the views over Hahei are great - we had a slight disadvantage that the sun was low and in our eyes towards the end of the afternoon so it may be better to visit in the morning. Beyond the area where the historic pa used to be (no more than groundworks can be seen) I followed the trail as it narrowed towards the cliff edge, over exposed tree roots. Here I got a very good view along the coastline with rock stacks standing in isolation from the land thanks to erosion. It's similar to those seen at Cathedral Cave and elsewhere on this coast. Far down below I could see a couple of guys fishing off the rocks which looked a particularly hazardous activity as some of the waves which crashed over these could easily have swept them off their feet and into the Bay. I suppose they knew what they were doing. During our visit we were the only people at the site until a couple of women arrived just as we were setting off back down the trail. It's a peaceful spot with very good views and worth the short walk to see it.
4. Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Irish_Kiwi77 - Wellington, New Zealand
The views of the bay are amazing from the lookout at the top and there are a few signs explaining a bit of the history of the area and the names of the islands in the bay. There is also a separate viewing area for Lonely Bay. There is parking available at the top and it is a short walk to the lookout from the car park, if you are walking it is a bit steep on the the way up.
5. Pauanui Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By RoWZN
not to be confused with the Pauanui Trail along the river ! We took the trail as recommended counterclockwise, steep sections, but completely rewarded by breathtaking views at the top ! Depending on weather conditions, sturdy shoes , hiking boots are a definitely recommended.
6. Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By DiannaC308 - Melbourne, Australia
This is a stunning walk and worth seeing the small Grove of Waiomu Kauri trees. It follows a creek along an old pack saddle route used by miners. NOTE. 1) the initial causeway crossing is likely to have water on it. We waded through as water was only 5cm deep. There are some unstable stepping stones . 2) parking is possible closer to the track start. Drive a further 500m past the sign. Pull off on the left.
7. Coromandel Coastal Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway borders the northern Coromandel coastline between Stony and Fletcher Bays, following an old bridle path formed by early pioneers. It is a 10km (one way) hike that encapsulates the best scenery The Coromandel has to offer. It offers plenty of variety as it winds through regenerative native forest, farmland and rocky shoreline.
Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We did an overnight trip to do the Coastal Walk. We stayed in Fletcher's Bay Campground and the walk goes to the Stony Bay campgrounds, just follow the orange trail marks. The return trip took us about 6 hours at a fairly leisurely pace. I found that the walk itself was mostly easy with a light gradient. The start bit from Fletcher's Bay was quite an uphill and there was also a section near Poley Bay in the middle of the walk that had a steep downhill and uphill section. The views along the walk was very scenic. The views over the water to the various islands was really nice. There was also a lookout which had a nice view of the surrounds which included our destination, Stoney Bay. It was a bit of a climb to get to the lookout though, but it was short (about 5 minutes). The walk from Fletcher's Bay was on farmland so it was quite open. After that section, most of the walk was covered under the bush which was quite nice. The path was fairly wide, possibly due to that being a biking path too. There were also a few stops along the way between the campsites including Poley Bay and a lookout point. It was quite an enjoyable day tramp.
8. Waiau Kauri Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By BryanCll - Tewantin, Australia
Excellent close up viewing of majestic, magnificent trees, they are stunning. Great short walk through thick forest along an easy track. Most information says about 8kms of unsealed road along road 309 to the forest. Actually, about 3kms of this is sealed, leaving about 5kms unsealed. Take it easy on the road, it is narrow, often cambered the wrong way on bends and with some pot holes, but OK.
9. Stu's Wild Pig Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Stewnick - Adelaide Hills, Australia
So many pigs in all different sizes & colours! & super cute baby piglets. You will find Stu's wild pigs before "the waterworks" on 309 Rd, if travelling from Coromandel Town end. Must see for all ages! ????????????????????????
10. Kauri Block Track
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By NickyDtravels
Great walk to the summit and site of a Maori Pa, can't wait for the forest to be cleared of Privet and other bad plants so the natives can continue to grow through. The view from the top is second to none. Would love to learn more about the Pa site.
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