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
A lifelong labour of love for its conservationist owner, this 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
This expensive but intriguing Disney-meets-Rotorua thermal complex comprises 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 tropical tranquillity, cocktail in hand. There’s also a day spa and cafe.
reviewed
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Tairua Dive & Fishinn
Tairua Dive & Fishinn hires out kayaks (some with glass bottoms), plus scuba, snorkel and fishing gear. It also runs fishing charters, dive trips out to the Alderman Islands (including full gear $199) and PADI courses ($595).
reviewed
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Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking
This outfit 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
Takes daily dive trips and rents out scuba gear, snorkelling gear ($20), bikes ($20) and boogie boards ($20). A Discover Scuba half-day beginners’ course costs $190 including all the gear.
reviewed
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Over the Top Adventures
Offers on-/off-road dirt-bike tours, rents mountain bikes ($35 to $55 per day) and provides cycling transfers.
reviewed
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Goldfields Railway
Vintage trains depart Waihi for a 7km, 25-minute scenic journey to Waikino.
reviewed
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C
Seafari Windsurfing
Based at Brophy's Beach, 4km north of central Whitianga, Seafari 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
Hit the ropes for high adventure, including a trapeze leap, high swing 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 Zone
A PADI five-star accredited dive facility offering a range of shore, kayak and boat dives.
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
Trek over farmland and through bush on horseback, 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 will enjoy the 900m loop ride on this cute-as-a-button train.
reviewed
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F
Paki Paki Bike Shop
Rents out bikes ($25 per day) and performs repairs.
reviewed
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Hauraki Rail Trail
This two-day cycle route connects Thames to Te Aroha via Paihia. Enquire at the i-SITE for more details.
reviewed
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Dive Zone
A new operator making a name for itself with reliable service, including regular opening hours. Also hires snorkelling gear ($20).
reviewed
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Coromandel Adventures
Offers various trips including a hop-on, hop-off service around Coromandel Town and a transfer to Whangapoua Beach.
reviewed
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Bularangi Motorbikes
Based in Waihi, Bularangi Motorbikes offers Harley Davidson rentals and one- to 21-day guided tours throughout the country.
reviewed
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Beaches
Buffalo Beach stretches along Mercury Bay, north of Whitianga Harbour. A five-minute passenger ferry ride will take you across the harbour to Whitianga Rock Scenic & Historical Reserve, Flaxmill Bay, Shakespeare Cliff Lookout, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach and Captain Cook’s Memorial, all within walking distance. Further afield are Hahei Beach (13km), Cathedral Cove (15km) and Hot Water Beach (18km, one hour by bike).
reviewed
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Sunshine Surf Coaching
Takes advantage of Waihi Beach’s relatively gentle breaks to offer all-age surf instruction.
reviewed
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Shelley Beach
reviewed
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Pauanui Beach
reviewed
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Otama Beach
reviewed