Coromandel Beaches
THE BEST COROMANDEL BEACHES
A lot of New Zealand's seashore is ordinary coastline with a few beaches but on the Coromandel Peninsula things change dramatically - its end to end beaches! The high volcanic hills that formed the Coromandel Peninsula millions of years ago also created the ragged coastline with hundreds of bays and coves, each one different, some with streams, estuaries or off-shore islands, some with surf, some calm, and all with a backdrop of high bush clad hills! Some of the better known beaches are featured below.
The Beach Tour
Most Coromandel roads follow the coast so the beaches aren't far away. The high roads in the hills have a wider view but you're still never far from the sea, enjoy!
The Kuaotunu Coast and Matarangi Beach
The Kuaotunu Coast is a series of end to end, long and lovely, white sandy beaches fringed with Pohutukawa trees and north facing to catch all day sun. Matarangi is a resort town with shops, a café and the lovely, long white beach changes to a calm tidal beach on the western, estuary side.
Otama Beach and New Chums Beach
Otama and New Chums are two best kept secrets. Get to pristine Otama by driving on past the Kuaotunu Store, up the Black Jack Hill and the next beach is Otama. New Chums requires a ½ hour walk from the north end of Whangapoua Beach - over the sandy stream, around the rocks and pick up the path which takes you over the headland.
Buffalo Beach and Cooks Beach
Buffalo Beach is the main beach for Whitianga which is a large town with all services. The beach is fine for swimming, boating and even fishing off. Cooks Beach is a safe family swimming beach backed by a friendly community with shops and cafes. Captain Cook stayed a few days here in 1769, hence the name.
The Western Shore
The western side of the Peninsula is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean swell so it's generally more placid and suitable for picnics, family swimming and small children. There are several small communities with beach shops and accommodation. Fishing off the rocks can be good and there are several boat launching ramps along the coast.
Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove
Unique Hot Water Beach is a must see. It's a beautiful beach with the added attraction of naturally hot water bubbling from the sand – you can soak in a DIY spa! The Cathedral Cove coast can be seen by tour boat, kayak, helicopter or on foot from Hahei, one of New Zealand's most popular walks.
Hahei Beach and Whangamata Beach
Hahei and Whangamata are two of the Peninsula's most enjoyed beaches. Hahei has very white sand, turquoise water and gentle surf. 'Wanga' has an international reputation as a surf beach with a nice bar break for board riders and easy beach surf for all others. Both beaches are backed by attractive communities with shops, cafes and activities.
Waihi Beach and Opoutere Beach
Nine kilometers of white sandy Waihi Beach stretches all the way to Bowentown on the Tauranga Harbour - swim, surf and fish! Top accommodation, campgrounds, shops and cafes too. Opoutere is a ‘'best kept secret’ with an estuary, a 6km long white sandy surf beach, a small community, art and the Prana Retreat for those wanting rejuvenation.
PLEASE NOTE
In preparing this website we have taken special care in describing the special characteristics of the region, the natural beauty, the friendly locals, the history and the environment. Throughout it is emphasised that this is a unique region – enjoy it to the max, but at the same time, it must be respected, protected and not over commercialised.
Te Whenua te wai u mo nga tamariki. (Land is the nourishment for the next generation.)