Tucked away on New Zealand’s North Island, Coromandel is the quintessential Kiwi holiday destination, where dramatic landscapes meet golden sand beaches and lush, misty forests. From pitching a tent to hiking trails, or booking a cosy holiday home, Coromandel forms the perfect base to plan your next coastal adventure.
Among its greatest treasures are its postcard-perfect beaches — rustic, unspoiled, and relaxed, so we’ve rounded up some of the best spots you shouldn’t miss during your next trip.
Best Coromandel Beaches
- Hot Water Beach
- Cathedral Cove
- New Chums Beach (Wainuiototo Bay)
- Hahei Beach
- Cooks Beach
- Onemana
- Whangamata
Hot Water Beach
Picture this — lounging in your very own natural pool, dug right into the sand mere metres away from the Pacific Ocean. One of New Zealand’s most recognisable beaches, Hot Water Beach is known for its natural hot springs bubbling under the surface of the sand. All you need is a spade and a spot to kick back and relax in the surreal mix of cool ocean breeze and steaming natural water as you soak in your very own beachside spa.
Where to stay: Hot Water Bach Holiday Home
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Cathedral Cove
Dramatic archway framing the stunning beach and bright emerald waters — Cathedral Cove feels like a storybook setting brought to life. Arguably New Zealand’s most famous patch of sand, reaching the beach is only part of the magic.
For those who prefer to walk, a scenic track from Hahei (two kilometres) winds through farmland and bush. For a direct beach drop-off, water taxis offer a return trip from Hahei Beach, or guided tours allow you to paddle across the waters and land directly on the beach.
Insider’s tip: bring plenty of water and plan a trip in the morning to avoid crowds.
Where to stay: The Grandstand, Hahei Holiday Home
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New Chums Beach (Wainuiototo Bay)
Located on the northern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Chums Beach is one of the most highly photographed beaches in New Zealand and for good reason.
Accessible by foot, you’ll need to walk along a rocky shoreline and follow a bush track, but the reward is a beautiful golden sand beach framed by bush-clad hills. It’s remote, it’s peaceful, and it’s worth the 30-minute walk. It’s advisable to check the tide times, as you access the track only at low tide.
Rated as one of the top 20 deserted beaches in the world, it is truly a hidden gem of the Coromandel.
Where to stay: Poppy’s Beach House
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Hahei Beach
Framed by pōhutukawa trees and known for its pink-tinged sand, turquoise waters, and a relaxed vibe, Hahei Beach is a classic Kiwi favourite — perfect for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or simply spending lazy summer days. The nearby local shops, art galleries, and cafés and restaurants add to the magic of the place.
Where to stay: Hahei Oceanfront
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Cooks Beach
With three kilometres of white sand beach, Cooks Beach offers plenty of space for everyone. It’s the perfect spot to spread out the beach towel and spend a lazy day by the ocean. Ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying slow coastal walks, Cooks Beach blends local history (it’s named after Captain Cook, who anchored in Mercury Bay in 1769) with local Kiwi charm. And if you’re up for a little more adventure, hop on a ferry to the nearby town of Whitianga to discover its many cafés, restaurants, and cosy shops.
Where to stay: Lake on Scott
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Onemana
Sitting six kilometres north of Whangamatā is the hidden gem of Onemana. It’s secluded, it’s uncrowded, and it’s ideal if you’re after a slower pace. On the northern end of the beach is a small waterfall, and on the other end of the crescent are pōhutukawas. The beach itself is great for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing, and with a handful of local amenities, Onemana makes for the ideal spot if you’re looking to switch off for a few days.
Where to stay: The Captain’s Lookout
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Whangamatā
Golden sand, rolling surf, and a buzzing seaside town — Whangamatā Beach has it all. By day, it’s a playground for surfers and swimmers, and as the sun goes down, it’s fish and chips on the sand. Add in kayak trips to Whenuakura (Donut Island), and it’s no wonder this is one of the Coromandel’s most-loved beaches.
Where to stay: Jack and Enid’s Whangamata Beach House
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Own a Holiday Home in Coromandel?
Bachcare offers Coromandel Airbnb property management services in popular holiday hotspots such as Whitianga, Hahei, Waihi, Whangamata and more.
