Activities in Coromandel Region
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Purangi Estate
On the way to Hahei, Purangi Estate has a cafe and free tastings of fruit wines and liqueurs.
reviewed
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A
Driving Creek Railway & Potteries
The amazing Driving Creek Railway & Potteries is 3km north of Coromandel Town. The unique train runs up steep grades, across four trestle bridges, along two spirals and a double switchback, and through two tunnels, finishing at the ‘Eye-full Tower’. The hour-long trip passes artworks and regenerating native forest – more than 17,000 natives have been planted, including 9000 kauri. It’s worth lingering for the video about the extraordinary guy behind it all, well-known potter Barry Brickell.
reviewed
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B
Lost Spring
The Lost Spring is an intriguing Disney-meets-Rotorua thermal complex, involving a series of hot pools in a lush junglelike setting, complete with an erupting volcano. Yet this is an adult’s indulgence (children under 14 not permitted), leaving the grown-ups to marinate themselves in tranquillity, cocktail in hand. There’s also a day spa and an excellent restaurant.
reviewed
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Tairua Dive & Fishinn
Tairua Dive & Fishinn hires out kayaks (some with glass bottoms), plus scuba, snorkel and fishing gear. The company also runs fishing charters, dive trips out to the Alderman Islands (dive and full gear $220, trip only $130, snorkelling $95) and PADI courses ($595).
reviewed
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Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking
Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking runs guided kayaking trips around the rock arches, caves and islands in the Cathedral Cove area. The Remote Coast Tour heads the other way when conditions permit, visiting caves, blowholes and a long tunnel.
reviewed
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Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel
Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel takes daily dive trips and rents out scuba gear ($60), snorkelling gear ($20), bikes ($20) and boogie boards ($20). A Discover Scuba half-day beginners’ course costs $160 including all the gear.
reviewed
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Over The Top Adventures
Take an on-/off-road dirt bike tour with Over The Top Adventures. It also rents mountain bikes (per day $35 to $45), which will be especially handy when the Hauraki Rail Trail is completed.
reviewed
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Goldfields Railway
Goldfields Railway runs vintage trains to Waikino, leaving Waihi station daily at 10am, 11.45am and 1.45pm; from Waikino it’s 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. The 7km-long scenic journey takes 25 minutes.
reviewed
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C
Seafari Windsurfing
Seafari Windsurfing, 4km north of Whitianga, hires out sailboards (from $25 per hour) and kayaks (from $15 per hour), and provides windsurfing lessons (from $40 including gear).
reviewed
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Highzone
Highzone offers high adventure on a ropes course, including a trapeze leap and flying fox. It’s located 7km south of Whitianga, just off the main road. Call for opening hours.
reviewed
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D
Dive HQ
Dive HQ is a PADI five-star accredited dive facility offering a range of shore, kayak and boat dives. Come November, it also organises a dive festival.
reviewed
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Wentworth Falls Walk
The Wentworth Falls walk takes two hours one way; it starts 3km south of the town and 4km down a good gravel road.
reviewed
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Twin Oaks Riding Ranch
Twin Oaks Riding Ranch will take you horse-trekking over farmland and through bush 9km north of Whitianga.
reviewed
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Hot Water Beach Store
Spades ($5) can be hired from the Hot Water Beach Store, which has a cafe attached.
reviewed
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E
Thames Small Gauge Railway
Young 'uns can ride on the cute-as-a-button 900m Thames Small Gauge Railway.
reviewed
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F
Paki Paki Bike Shop
Paki Paki Bike Shop rents out bikes for $25 a day and performs repairs.
reviewed
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Shelley Beach
reviewed
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Pauanui Beach
reviewed
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Otama Beach
reviewed
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Opoutere Beach
reviewed
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Ocean Beach
reviewed
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Matarangi Beach
reviewed
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Hot Water Beach
reviewed
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G
Simpsons Beach
reviewed
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H
Front Beach
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