The Coromandel Peninsula is a mosaic of beach towns, forested ranges and historic settlements – each offering a slightly different way to slow down, explore and let the landscape set the tone for the day.
Thames – A heritage-rich gateway town where bush-covered hills meet the Firth of Thames. Wander historic streets lined with gold-rush-era buildings, explore coastal walkways and cafés, or use Thames as a relaxed base for inland drives into the Coromandel Ranges.
Coromandel Town – Creative, compact and quietly characterful, Coromandel Town blends harbour views with art studios, small galleries and a distinctly laid-back pace. It’s a favourite for slow wandering, coastal viewpoints and soaking up the peninsula’s old-school charm.
Whitianga – The peninsula’s main beach town hub, set around a sheltered harbour with easy access to Cathedral Cove, Hahei and nearby islands. Expect long beach walks, boat trips, cafés and an easy coastal rhythm that works well for longer stays.
Hahei & Cathedral Cove Coast – A small seaside village with one of the Coromandel’s most iconic stretches of coastline. Calm beaches, clear water and clifftop tracks define this area, with early mornings and evenings offering the softest light and quietest moments.
Tairua & Pauanui
A pair of relaxed holiday towns framed by harbour calm and surf beaches. Tairua offers easy walks to viewpoints like Mount Paku, safe swimming and a laid-back village feel, while Pauanui sits across the estuary with wide beaches, coastal tracks and a quieter, family-friendly rhythm. Both are ideal for classic Coromandel days built around sand, swims and slow coastal wandering.
Whangamatā – A classic surf town with a long, sweeping beach, lively main street and strong local energy. Great for swimming, surfing, coastal walks and relaxed dining, Whangamatā feels vibrant without tipping into hectic.
Paeroa & Waihi – Inland towns shaped by rail-trail culture and gold-mining history. Paeroa offers heritage charm and easy cycling routes, while Waihi connects history with access to beaches, bush walks and coastal detours toward the Bay of Plenty edge.
Kūaotunu, Otama & the Eastern Bays – Quieter, more spacious beach pockets where farmland meets white sand and clear water. These bays reward lingering – ideal for picnics, swimming and days shaped more by tide and light than by plans.
The Coromandel Ranges & Pinnacles Interior – Dense native forest, steep valleys and cooler air define the peninsula’s interior. Short bush walks, waterfalls and longer climbs like the Pinnacles offer a dramatic contrast to the coast and a reminder of the Coromandel’s wild heart.
Hauraki Plains & Rural Lowlands
A wide, open farming landscape linking the Coromandel with the Waikato. Ngatea and the Hauraki Rail Trail bring small-town charm, flat cycling routes and classic road-trip pauses between coastal stretches.
Tip: The Coromandel is best explored slowly. Choose one coastal area and one inland or town stop per day – the distances are short, but the roads (and views) encourage frequent pauses.