The Coromandel area is a hiker's paradise with a variety of trails offering everything from historical walks to breath-taking summit views. You are spoilt for choice and can certainly find a variety of options to suit your mood for the day ahead from overnight tramps with tramping huts to shorter day hikes. Here are some of our favourite Coromandel hikes.
Long Bay Kauri Walk
The Long Bay Kauri Walk in Coromandel Town offers an easy 1-hour return loop through beautiful native bush, featuring a majestic 1200-year-old kauri tree among many younger ones. The track also includes a walk above Tuck’s Bay for stunning ocean views, making it a perfect blend of forest tranquillity and coastal beauty. It's an accessible adventure, starting from Long Bay Campground, and is a local favourite for a reason—it's a gentle journey into the heart of Coromandel's natural beauty.
Harray Track
The Harray Track in Coromandel Town is a moderately challenging route that offers an authentic slice of New Zealand's bush and breath-taking views of Coromandel Harbour. Starting on Rings Road right off of the exit from Buffalo Road, this unmetalled track can be steep and muddy in sections, but it rewards walkers with diverse terrain and the serene beauty of the area. With three different starting points accessible from within a couple of kilometres from the town centre, it's a convenient yet immersive nature experience for those visiting the area.
Success Track
The Success Track near Coromandel Town offers a rewarding 8-12km out-and-back hike that takes you up to the Kaipawa, standing 586 metres above sea level. While the summit itself doesn't offer views due to the bush coverage, the journey up provides beautiful vistas. The track, known for its steep inclines and regenerating forest, can be extended by connecting with other trails for a longer walk. It's a trek that guarantees satisfaction for those seeking a bit of a challenge and some scenic rewards along the way.
New Chums Hike
The New Chums hike in Coromandel is a must-visit for its secluded beauty and pristine conditions. This 30-40 minute walk through spectacular nikau forest and giant pōhutukawa leads to the untouched Wainuiototo Bay or New Chum Beach. The track, beginning at Whangapoua, winds over a saddle offering stunning coastal views, culminating at one of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches, accessible only by foot or boat, promising an intimate encounter with nature's serenity. Do note you cross water and go over several rocks to get there which we would rate as fairly challenging! It is best to go 2 hours either side of low tide to catch this magical spot.
Pinnacles Hike
The Pinnacles in the Coromandel Forest Park is a striking volcanic formation and one of the most popular hikes in the region. This challenging, but rewarding trek takes you through lush native forests, across streams, and up steep sections to the summit, where panoramic views of the Coromandel Peninsula await. The walk can be done in a day or you can stay overnight in the Pinnacles Hut, enjoying the stunning sunsets and sunrises from this unique vantage point. Whether you're an avid hiker or looking for a spectacular day trip, the Pinnacles promises an unforgettable adventure.
Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove, Te Whanganui-A-Hei, is one of the Coromandel Peninsula's most stunning and renowned coastal features. This picturesque cove offers a large natural archway which looms majestically over the bay and can be accessed by a walking track from Hahei Beach. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and native bush, it's a perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, and taking in the natural beauty. This iconic natural cathedral and its surroundings form part of a marine reserve, providing a sanctuary for marine life and a picturesque setting for visitors.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock, located southeast of Coromandel Town, is an impressive peak rising out of the Coromandel Range. This distinctive geological formation, also known as Motutere, stands at 525 metres and is a former volcanic core. The hike to Castle Rock is a challenging adventure, favoured by hikers and climbers for its steep, rugged terrain, and the summit provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It's a journey well worth the effort for those seeking a thrilling climb and the reward of breath-taking panoramas.
Coromandel Coastal Walkway
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway is a stunning trek linking Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay over a 10km track. This medium-difficulty walk can be completed one way with organised transport at the end, or as a 7-hour return trip. The path offers a gentle climb through diverse landscapes, including coastline, bush, and farmland. A highlight is the view out towards Sugar Loaf, the Pinnacles, and Great Barrier Island, with a signposted lookout just over an hour's walk from Fletcher Bay for those on a shorter excursion.
