Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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21. Rapaura Watergardens
Explore this 64-acre private estate, nurtured for more than 40 years with lush lawns, garden beds, and native forest and adorned with ponds, streams, waterfalls, fountains, and garden art. Trails lead through seasonal displays of primulas and spring bulbs, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, lilies, hydrangeas, and water lilies. Vegetable gardens supply Koru, the highly recommended garden café known for its wholesome house baking and local Coromandel produce. Rapaura also offers self-catering accommodations in either a Boutique Lodge or Garden Cottage.
586 Tapu–Coroglen Rd., Tapu, Waikato, 3575, New Zealand07-868–4821Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$15, Café closed May--Sept. -
22. Te Pare Historic Reserve
The headland at the south end of Hahei Beach is the site of two former Māori pā (fortified villages). Although no trace remains of the defensive terraces and wooden spikes that once ringed the cliffsides, the stunning outlook, which made it an ideal defensive site in years past, remains. At high tide, the blowhole at the foot of the cliffs adds a booming bass note to the sound of waves. To reach the actual pā site, follow the red arrow down the hill from the parking area at the end of Pa Road. After some 50 meters (164 feet), take the right fork through a grove of giant pohutukawa trees, then go through a gate and across an open, grassy hillside. You can also pick up the trail onto the headland from the southern end of Hahei Beach at mid- to low tide.
End of Pa Rd., Hahei, Waikato, 3591, New Zealand -
23. Thames Historical Museum
This tiny, volunteer-run museum contains photographic displays of the 1860s gold-rush and logging industries, re-creations of period rooms from the 1800s, and information on the area's first Māori inhabitants and early European settlers. A nice feature on the grounds is the memorial garden, with period roses and other flora that settlers commonly planted; it's a lovely place to rest and reflect.
Pollen and Cochrane Sts., Thames, Waikato, 3500, New Zealand07-868--8509Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$5, Closed Thurs. -
24. Thames School of Mines Mineralogical Museum
From the mid-1800s, the School of Mines was an internationally recognized institution, teaching all aspects of mining. A diploma from here guaranteed a job anywhere in the world. The museum was established in 1900 to exhibit geological samples. The school closed decades ago, but the museum's still kicking, displaying those turn-of-the-20th-century rock specimens along with scales, models of stamper batteries, and other gold-mining paraphernalia.
Brown and Cochrane Sts., Thames, Waikato, 3500, New Zealand07-868–6227Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$10 -
25. The Lost Spring
There are spas, and then there is The Lost Spring: thermal pools set in the middle of town yet landscaped as if they're lost in the forest. The Lost Spring taps into 16,000-year-old mineral water drawn from more than 2,000 feet below ground and now filling a man-made haven of steaming lagoons, waterfalls, and quartz-studded caves. Lie back in the water, and watch native birds eating berries from the trees and ferns while waiters deliver snacks, juices, beer, wine, or cocktails to the water's edge. There’s also a restaurant and day spa (be sure to book ahead).
121 A Cook Dr., Whitianga, Waikato, 3510, New Zealand07-866–0456Sight Details
Rate Includes: From NZ$40, 14 and older only, Pools closed Mon.--Thurs. Spa and restaurant closed Mon.--Wed. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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26. The Treasury Research Centre and Archives
The two buildings that host this historical collection could not be more contrasting, with The Treasury housed in the historic Carnegie Library and the adjacent Archives in an industrial-style complex constructed in 2014. Operated by the Coromandel Heritage Trust, this is the place to go if you want to conduct serious research into the history of the region. Among the resources here are old newspapers and photographic collections, cemetery records, and maps. However, it's only open from 11 am to 3 pm.
705 Queen St., New Zealand07-868-8827Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$5 per hour (research fee), Closed Fri.--Sun. -
27. The Wine Portfolio
A handsome, Dutch cape–style building will probably attract your attention, just south of Katikati on Highway 2. Originally built for Morton Estate Wines, it now houses the cellar door of wine-making business Wine Portfolio. The boutique, specialist winery produces vintages from grapes grown in leading New Zealand wine regions Hawke's Bay and Marlborough. Here's your chance to sample the country's best wines, all in one place.
2389 State Highway 2, Katikati, Bay of Plenty, 3166, New Zealand07-552–0795 -
28. Waihi Beach
Nineteen km (12 miles) north of Katikati, Waihi Beach is ideal for swimming and surfing and has access to numerous walkways. With 9 km (5½ miles) of sweeping white sand, the beach is one of the region's safest for swimming, surfing, and kayaking, and is particularly popular in peak summer (January). A surf club offers beach patrols at the beach's northern end and in summer at the far Bowentown end in the south, although you'll find people splashing about all along the long white stretch. Don't miss the drive to the top of the Bowentown heads at the southern end of Waihi Beach. This is an old Māori pā (fortified village) with stunning views. A short but steep walk from here leads to Cave Bay directly below the viewing point. Don't swim at Cave Bay; there are dangerous currents here. The Waihi Beach township encompasses restaurants and shops, and there is a full range of accommodations, from holiday parks to boutique lodges. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard; parking; toilets; waters sports. Best for: sunrise; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
View Tours and Activities -
29. Weta Design
Named after the country's largest native insect (which looks like a grasshopper with armor), this gallery has a range of items, including large and really lovely glass totems, small tiles, fabric art, carvings, ceramics, and jewelry.
46 Kapanga Rd., Coromandel, Waikato, 3506, New Zealand07-866–8823Sight Details
Rate Includes: Daily 10–4. -
30. Whakatane Observatory
If you've a hankering to see the stars from an antipodean perspective, check out the Whakatane Observatory, up on a hill above the town. With no city lights to obscure the view, the skies here rate among the clearest in the country. Showings are obviously weather dependent; however, on a good night you will see in stark clarity sights such as the "jewel box," a cluster of multicolor stars near the Southern Cross. Nighttime presentations are informal and informative, led by local astrologer Norm Izett.
22 Hurinui Ave., Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, 3120, New Zealand07-308–6495Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$15, Closed Sat.--Mon., Wed., and Thurs. -
31. Wharekawa Harbour Wildlife Refuge
Take a detour to the dazzling, white-sand Opoutere Beach and Wharekawa Harbour Wildlife Refuge, reached by a five-minute drive off State Highway 25, turning left 8½ km (5 miles) south of Tairua. The road follows the Wharekawa Estuary to a parking lot. From here cross a wooden footbridge and follow the trail for 10 minutes through the forest to the long white beach. Much of the estuary and headland area here is a wildlife refuge, a breeding ground for shorebirds, including the endangered New Zealand dotterel. Take care not to enter fenced areas as these protect the barely visible eggs that lie in shallow nests in the sand. For more information, ask at the Tairua or Whangamata information center.
New ZealandSight Details
Rate Includes: Free.
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