Coromandel Peninsula is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is known for its sandy beaches, coastal forests and dramatic landscapes making it the perfect Kiwi summer getaway destination. There are many things to do in Coromandel – Hiking and walking trips, camping, holiday resorts, beaches, there is something for everyone.
If you are planning on exploring what Coromandel has to offer, Bachcare has a range of holiday home options to make your stay extra special.
There are numerous beaches to choose from, each with its own unique character and beauty.
We reached out to travelers who have shared their experiences with Coromandel beaches. Here are some of the best beaches on Coromandel Peninsula based on what they said:
Best Coromandel Beaches:
- Hot Water Beach
- Cathedral Cove
- New Chums Beach (Wainuiototo Bay)
- Hahei Beach
- Cooks Beach
- Onemana
- Whangamata
Hot Water Beach
One of New Zealand’s most recognizable beaches is Hot Water Beach, which is located on Coromandel’s east coast.
Although the beach itself may seem like a fun location to explore, what sets it apart is the flurry of activity that goes on below the water’s surface.
Natural hot water bubbles and filters to the surface where Hot Water Beach meets the Pacific Ocean from two subsurface reservoirs of volcanically heated water beneath the beach.
By digging a custom hole in the sand, you may build your very own Jacuzzi right at the ocean’s edge. You’ll only require a spade, a bathing suit, and a beach towel.
Jenny Ly – Go Wanderly
Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove is another wonder of New Zealand and it is not far away from Hot Water Beach. This natural rock formation is caused by erosion and it offers a great view to its visitors among other attractions.
To reach Cathedral Cove there is a path of approximately 2.5 km walk with great views and when you see it, will be worth it.
This cove is a well-known attraction in New Zealand and it is a filming location for the Narnia film. Along the way, there are great points to stop and enjoy the view and take photographs.
For example, the Viewing Platform is available for tourists to experience the stunning view before heading off the road. Along the path, Gemstone and Stingray Bays will awe you with breathtaking views.
There are many attractions as kayaking and canoeing on the beach, but the mixture of greenery, ocean, and natural rock formations will present you with an astonishing experience of nature.
Ugur Yurt – Wingie
Builders
New Chums Beach (Wainuiototo Bay)
Located on the northeast coast of the Coromandel peninsula, New Chums Beach is one of the most highly photographed beaches in New Zealand and for very good reason!
Rated as one of the top 20 deserted beaches in the world, and is highly rated by Lonely Planet and National Geographic It is breathtaking.
But not just the beach itself, the walk through the lush, green bush to get to it is spectacular as well. And it’s quite an adventure, too!
Getting to the path first requires traversing a long stretch of sharp, slick rocks followed by a hunt for the path entrance, which is a bit hidden. (It took me 5 passes to find it!)
The path itself can be quite muddy and slippery, so it takes a bit of an effort to find the beach (that is if you choose to walk the 30-minute trail instead of taking a boat). But the effort is worth it!
New Chums Beach is secluded, with crystal clear water as far as the eye can see, making you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a little slice of heaven on Earth. However, it is *crucial *that you check the tide times as it is only accessible on foot at low tide.
I made the rookie mistake of enjoying the beach a bit too long and thinking I could outrun Mother Nature on my way back only to find myself having to swim fully clothed with my backpack and camera gear held overhead to get from the bush path back to the car park!
Allison Albanese – Parched Around the World
Hahei Beach
We spent about a year in New Zealand for a working holiday back in 2018, and based on personal experience I have to recommend Hahei.
Hahei Beach is famous for being home to one of New Zealand’s natural iconic landmarks, Cathedral Cove: It is truly awesome to witness the majesty of Cathedral Cove’s arch for yourself in person (Especially during low tide) because pictures do not do it justice!
Cathedral Cove is at the northern end of Hahei Beach. But instead of just driving there, take the entire scenic walk from Hahei Village Entry Carpark to reach Cathedral Cove so you can see other highlights of Hahei Beach.
These include Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay (our personal favorite!). Allow a little more than an hour to complete the walk at a leisurely pace.
Besides Cathedral Cove, Hahei Beach attracts summer crowds easily thanks to its pristine white sand and welcoming water perfect for swimming (or fishing).
January is the busiest time of the year at Hahei beach as this is when the holidays are. Hence, you’ll have to come earlier to find a good parking spot. Beginner-friendly kayaking tours are popular in this area too.
Plus, the tours are an alternative way to see Cathedral Cove too. Tip: Winter is another great time to visit Hahei Beach when there are way fewer people!
Janice Yong – Travel With Sun
Cooks Beach
When thinking of the perfect seaside getaway, many people imagine clear blue water, white sand beaches, and rolling waves.
Luckily, Cooks Beach offers all of these things and more.
With its long stretches of pristine coastline, beautiful surrounding waters, and ample camping options, this lovely region is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate for a few days.
What’s more, Cooks Beach is a popular destination amongst local Kiwis. With scores of charming baches scattered throughout the area, there is no shortage of accommodation options here, from rustic beachside campsites to upscale holiday home rentals.
So whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to bask in the sun or prefer to have plenty of modern amenities at your fingertips during your stay, Cooks Beach has you covered!
Named after Captain Cook, Cooks Beach boasts incredible ocean views and easy access to excellent hiking trails and picturesque picnic sites.
And with Ferry Landing just a short way down the road from this scenic stretch of coastline, it’s easy to explore some striking nearby towns.
Steve Morrow – Paddle About
Onemana
New Zealand is one of the places I often visit, as I love its beaches. I find it’s the perfect destination for a quiet vacation. My favorite beach there is Onemana.
This beach has quite a unique aesthetic, which attracted me to it the first time. At the southern end, this gorgeous beach merges into three private beaches with a small community of holiday homes and a few hundred permanent residents.
The north end of the beach, which has a miniature waterfall and excellent snorkeling, attracts visitors due to its view of the Slipper Group’s offshore islands, including Alderman Islands and Mayor Island.
The entire stay here cost me around $1500 for almost a week. The food was affordable and remarkably delicious, I definitely encourage you to try out the local cuisine. I did not engage in many touristic activities as I came to relax and enjoy the nice weather.
Alison Meacham – Everything Mouse
Whangamata
I am a Kiwi travel blogger and grew up going on summer holidays to the Coromandel. I would recommend Whangamata as one of the best beaches in the Coromandel.
Whangamata is great for visitors of all ages as, in addition to the main surf beach, there are the port and lagoon sides for calmer swimming conditions.
I’ve personally spent a few New Years’ and summer holidays at Whangamata and have loved the range of events on from surf lifesaving competitions to concerts. It’s also easy to get around on foot or by bike
Kate Slater – Kate Abroad
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.
