Take a look at this list of things to do in Coromandel town!
Because regardless of how many days you spend in the Coromandel Peninsula, you will eventually find yourself in Coromandel town. Especially if it’s your fist time in the area.
Coromandel has its fair share of activities to do. Most are outdoor but we’ve tried to include some options for rainy days too.
7 Things To Do In Coromandel Town
1. Hike To Tokatea Hill Lookout (Kaipawa Trig Track)
Either drive up to Tokatea Hill Lookout via Kennedy Bay Road or make a longer hike out of it with the Kaipawa Trig Track (Whangapoua Road):
1.1. Drive Up Kennedy Bay Road
If you choose to drive up to the lookout, watch out as Kennedy Bay Road is only fit for 4×4 vehicles. There is however, a convenient car park that is accessible no matter which road you take.
Tip: Don’t follow Google Maps blindly as it goes a bit further past the actual location. Look out for a green sign that says “Tokaatea Hill Lookout (Lucas Lookout)”.
Then, from the car park, it’s just a 10-minute walk up a hidden staircase (just off the road) to the lookout.
The views at the very top are partially obscured by surrounding shrubs but is still a pretty sight of both the east and west coasts on a clear day.
You could also come here to witness the sunset!
Note: The views are better halfway up to the lookout
Location: Tokatea Lookout, New Zealand
1.2. Kaipawa Trig Track (Whangapoua Road)
If you’re hoping to find some free things to do in Coromandel town, like many other places in New Zealand:
Hiking is the solution!
Kaipawa Trig Track is a heart-pumping tramping trail of 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on your level of fitness) through undergrowth. Note that it’s considerably harder to do the Kaipawa Trig Track in wet conditions.
Partway through the trail, you’ll have views of Coromandel town from another perspective. And even Whitianga or Auckland if you know where to look!
There is however, limited views at the end of the track where the trig is.
Moreover, because there are kauri trees here, no dogs are allowed on the trail.
Location: 275 Whangapoua Road, Coromandel 3582, New Zealand
2. Embark On A Bush Railway To The Eyefull Tower (Driving Creek Railway Tours)
Take a pleasant 1 hour+ train ride up through bush on a single train track up to the Eyefull Tower to get an eyeful (pun intended) of the surrounding views.
Once at the tower, there’s a 360-degree view of Coromandel, Hauraki Gulf as well as Waiheke Island.
You can’t do much at the tower other than take the obligatory tourist shot and walk about for 15 minutes or so.
But it’s the scenic train ride, friendly staff and views that make Eyefull Tower a great outing for the family!
Train and history junkies can also look forward to learning more about the history of Barry Brickell and his contribution to trains and railways in New Zealand from the commentary during the train ride.
Note: The train ride is kind of dizzying and pricey (NZD $37 per adult).
Location: Coromandel 3583, New Zealand
Driving Creek Railway Tours:
- Location: 380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel 3506, New Zealand
- Opening Hours: 9:30am–4:30pm
- Contact: +6478668703
- Website: link here
3. See Some Majestic Kauri Trees
Surprise, surprise, the Kauri Block Walk (or The Kauri Block Track) in Coromandel is another hiking opportunity close to Coromandel town.
Again, you can’t bring your pooch but this ~30-minute uphill walk with a couple of bridges also presents some excellent 360 degree views of the beach, town and harbor.
And even if you’re stuck with miserable weather, this well-maintained track is still doable and worth doing since you can see mostly young kauri but a few big kauri trees too.
However, this is not a loop track and you’ll either have to return back the same way or find your way along the coast (which could make the whole excursion last around 2 hours).
Location: 348 Wharf Road, Coromandel 3506, New Zealand
4. Camp At Long Bay
Technically, Long Bay is still 5 minutes’ drive from Coromandel Town.
But if you feel like going for a swim in shallow waters or exploring rock pools (when the tide is out), this is a neat little spot close to the kauri groves!
And if you have a camper van or self-contained vehicle, you can consider camping nearby at Long Bay Motor Camp & Cabins since they have powered sites.
They have cabins too and in the summer, people put up tents! Speaking of summer, Long Bay is highly sought after and can get very crowded.
5. Visit Coromandel School of Mines & Historical Museum
With Coromandel’s rich history (pun intended) in gold mining, it would be a shame not to drop by the local museum.
Coromandel School of Mines & Historical Museum has more than photos to look at (like the old town jail). Although the pictures do tell incredible stories on their own!
There is information on how mining literally shaped the area and how some scars still remain.
It’s a small museum but the staff is helpful and the displays and exhibits are all well explained and labeled.
Note: Entry is $5 per adult.
- Location: 841 Rings Road, Coromandel 3506, New Zealand
- Opening Hours: 1–4pm; Thursday, 10am–4pm
- Contact: +64211602351
- Website: link here
6. Take On The Trails At Ride Coromandel Bike Park
Fancy cycling in Coromandel? Ride Coromandel Bike Park is an adventure center that caters towards mountain biking enthusiasts. They do occasionally host workshops too.
Bring your own bike to try out the different cross-country trails in the cycling park.
They even have a bike washing station on site to prevent Kauri Dieback!
So if you want to spruce up your cycling skills, you can look up Ride Coromandel Bike Park the next time you’re trying to figure out what to do in Coromandel town!
- Location: 595 Hauraki Road, Coromandel 3506, New Zealand
- Opening Hours: 8:30am–7:30pm
- Contact: –
- Website: link here
7. Swing Through The Trees (Coromandel Zipline Tours)
Coromandel Zipline Tours is under Driving Creek too. And the exhilarating tour begins with an 18-minute train ride to the start of the zipline course.
It’s a beautiful location with abundant greenery and there are 8 different ziplines to try out!
All the while, you’ll be in the safe hands of the wholesome, knowledgeable and professional team who will also give you a tour of the old on-site pottery workshop that’s still in operation.
This is both a fun and educational outing since you can zip through the trees over gullies and local flora! And learn about the history of the area, as well as New Zealand kauri trees.
Note: Fees for adults are priced at $127 as of May 2022. All profits from Coromandel Zipline Tours goes towards New Zealand conservational efforts
- Location: 380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel 3506, New Zealand
- Opening Hours: 9:30am–4:30pm
- Contact: +648002676947
- Website: link here
Conclusion
Coromandel town definitely has interesting things to do if you’re keen on the outdoors. This is what makes it a great stop on a road trip to find and visit the best beaches in the Coromandel.
It helps to do a little research beforehand so you don’t miss out on attractions you’ll regret later!
Want more things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula?
