Coromandel Explorer Itinerary | Hiking New Zealand (HikingNZ)

DAY 1

Coromandel Walks

5 km (3 miles), 3-4 hours hiking

Your trip begins in Rotorua or Matamata where you'll be collected by your guide. Warm up with a hike to the top of Wairere Falls, an old Māori pack trail leading to the North Island’s highest waterfall, where we can view the verdant Waikato Basin from two lookouts over-hanging 153 metres of thunderous waterfall.

As we continue north, enjoy views out over the mussel farms of the Hauraki Gulf from one of New Zealand's classic coastal drives, the Coromandel west coast. Make a brief stop at Waiomu for refreshments before exploring the Waiomu Kauri Grove - this little known trail heads deep into a protected ecological reserve scattered with majestic Kauri trees, New Zealand's very own forest giants that grow up to 50 metres tall. We'll drive further up the Coromandel Peninsula in the late afternoon to reach our lovely accommodation, and watch the sunset from the verandah with a glass of wine or ice cold brew. Includes lunch and dinner.

Accommodation

Enjoy three nights in a cosy Hush boutique studio, in a beautiful New Zealand bush setting and surrounded by an abundance of bird life. Each studio has been designed with simplistic comfort in mind, offering a chance to relax and unwind amongst nature.

DAY 2

The Coastal Walkway

12km (8 miles), 6-7 hours hiking

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the alfresco dining area of the lodge, surrounded by native bush and birdsong.

We then head north to the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to hike one of the best coastal walks in the country. We begin our hike at Fletcher Bay, a picture-perfect isolated beach flanked by green hills and white sand. This historic trail follows an old bridle path once used by gold miners who populated the Coromandel region in colonial times. The views from the track of the Pacific Ocean, Great Barrier Island and Mt. Moehau are well worth the climb.

The track passes through farmland and native bush to reach the remote and beautiful Poley Bay – a fantastic beach for a picnic! This stretch of coastline offers all the dramatic views that encapsulate the Coromandel. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Stunning coastal views to reward your walking.

DAY 3

The Pinnacles

16km (10 miles), 6-7 hours hiking

Enter the hidden world of the Kauaeranga Valley, home to the majestic Pinnacles range. The entire length of the Coromandel Peninsula was once a chain of volcanic cones which have since been eroded and weathered to form the spectacular series of outcrops you see today.

The Pinnacles trail climbs through regenerating kauri forest, passing one of New Zealand's best preserved kauri dams, eventually cresting the top of the range to reach the Pinnacles Hut. From the hut, a scramble to the top of the Pinnacles rock formation rewards you with 360° views of the entire Coromandel Peninsula and beyond.

If the Pinnacles isn't your style and you would prefer a more relaxing day you have the option of staying in and exploring Coromandel Township. Highlights include the Driving Creek Railway, local artisan workshops, short walks, cafes, and colourful Coromandel culture. Take the time to relax in paradise.

A fabulous day of walking is topped off with a celebratory meal at one of Coromandel town's fine restaurants. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Feel on top of the world on the Pinnacles range.

DAY 4

Epic East Coast

5km (3 miles), 2-3 hours hiking

Explore Photo Sphere

This morning, we’ll pack up our kit, farewell our lodge hosts and head east to one of the top twenty beaches in the world, New Chums Beach. An unforgettable white sand, crescent moon-shaped beach, fringed by pohutukawa and nikau palms. Finding a secluded beach with no signs of man is an experience not to be missed! (Please note that this walk is dependent on tides)

We then head into the laid-back coastal town of Whitianga to catch a short, 2 minute ferry ride across the Whitianga Harbour. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch above the spectacular Cathedral Cove, before walking down the easy, 45 min path to the amazing natural sandstone archway – an unmistakeable Coromandel landmark and a must do for anyone visiting the Peninsula.

We’ll have you safely back to either Matamata between 4:00 – 5:00pm or Rotorua between 5:00 – 6:00pm to meet your onward travel connections.

Coromandel Explorer

Coromandel Walks

5 km (3 miles), 3-4 hours hiking

The Coastal Walkway

12km (8 miles), 6-7 hours hiking

The Pinnacles

16km (10 miles), 6-7 hours hiking

Epic East Coast

5km (3 miles), 2-3 hours hiking

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