Coromandel Caper
6 day Coromandel small group tour
The Peninsula is packed tight with great attractions and wonderful views – from the beauty of Rapaura Watergardens and Barry Brickell’s legacy, quirky Driving Creek railway to historic Coromandel township and the sandy eastern beaches of Whangapoua, Hot Water Beach, Hahei and Whangamata.
WHAT TRACY LOVES ABOUT THIS TOUR: For me Barry Brickell’s creation Driving Creek Railway represents the uniqueness of the Coromandel Peninsula – it’s creative, original and fun and with a ” just do it” attitude. Riding the train up through the bush to the Eyefull Tower is a treat.
Day 1
Auckland - Thames - Rapaura Watergardens - Coromandel
A history guide joins our coach in Thames as we tour around this old gold town and visit the Thames Museum. We lunch at the Trellis Tearoom at Rapaura Watergardens where you can wander among native trees and lily ponds to a cascading waterfall.
Travelling further north along this picturesque coastline, we arrive at historic Coromandel where the town’s gold mining past is still visible today, beautifully restored buildings line the main street. We dine at Pepper Tree Restaurant.
- Historic and picturesque Thames
- Lunch at lovely Rapaura Watergardens surrounded by Coromandel rainforest
- Coromandel - Anchor Lodge
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Accommodation
COROMANDEL - ANCHOR LODGE
Located only 400 metres from the town centre among native bush and overlooking Coromandel Harbour situated only minutes away from many of the unique Coromandel attractions.
What we love about Anchor Lodge – Take time to soak in the spa pool and enjoy easy bush walk access from on site.
Day 2
Coromandel - Driving Creek Railway - Meeting the locals - Coromandel
Sit back as we explore the heart of the Peninsula. We visit Driving Creek Railway to ride the narrow gauge mountain railway train up through the bush to the pinnacle – the Eyefull Tower which lives up to its name – the views are magnificent.
After lunch we catch up with screen printing artist Pete Sephton who will be our guide as we tour the town’s historic buildings and visit artists’ studios.
- At Driving Creek Railway ride through the bush to the Eyefull Tower
- Tour the town with our local guide, screen printing artist Pete Sephton
- Coromandel - Anchor Lodge
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Accommodation
COROMANDEL - ANCHOR LODGE
Located only 400 metres from the town centre among native bush and overlooking Coromandel Harbour situated only minutes away from many of the unique Coromandel attractions.
What we love about Anchor Lodge – Take time to soak in the spa pool and enjoy easy bush walk access from on site.
Day 3
Coromandel - Colville - Whitianga
We head north to Colville to meet Tony, our local guide, at the landmark General Store run by the community for over 40 years. Then the East Coast golden sand beaches beckon – Whangapoua, Matarangi and Kuaotunu.
We stay two nights at Baileys at the Beach Motel, Whitianga and dine in town tonight.
- Visit Colville’s landmark General Store
- Tour the beautiful beaches of the Coromandel East Coast
- Whitianga - Baileys at the Beach
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Accommodation
WHITIANGA - BAILEYS AT THE BEACH
Baileys at the Beach Motel is literally beachfront accommodation across the road from Buffalo Beach – the perfect place for a stroll or a swim. There are sea views from all the units and the centre of Whitianga township is just 2km away.
What we love about Baileys at the Beach – Start your day with a beach stroll and catch the sunrise at Buffalo Beach.
Day 4
Whitianga - Cruise to Cathedral Cove - Whitianga
This morning we board a glass-bottomed boat and cruise down the coastline from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove through the marine reserve to see for ourselves why this beautiful Cove became a movie star.
Returning to Whitianga, we stroll the beach and check out this fast growing centre.
- Cruise to Cathedral Cove on a glass-bottomed boat
- Explore Whitianga’s shops, galleries and enjoy a stroll along the beach
- Whitianga - Baileys at the Beach
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Accommodation
WHITIANGA - BAILEYS AT THE BEACH
Baileys at the Beach Motel is literally beachfront accommodation across the road from Buffalo Beach – the perfect place for a stroll or a swim. There are sea views from all the units and the centre of Whitianga township is just 2km away.
What we love about Baileys at the Beach – Start your day with a beach stroll and catch the sunrise at Buffalo Beach.
Day 5
Whitianga - Hahei - Hot Water Beach - Whangamata
We check out the popular holiday spots of Hahei and Cook’s Beach and paddle in the hot pools dug in the sand at Hot Water Beach. We lunch nearby at Mercury Bay Estate vineyard and admire the coastal views from the lookout.
At Cathedral Cove Macadamias we meet Doug and Jillian Johnson in their orchard and sample their products. We head south to Tairua and on to Whangamata and the Breakers Motel.
- Take in the panoramic views to the Mercury Islands from the lookout
- Paddle at Hot Water Beach in thermal pools in the sand
- Whangamata - Breakers Motel
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Accommodation
WHANGAMATA - BREAKERS MOTEL
A unique getaway tucked in by a reserve bordering on the Whangamata estuary. Breakers is an attractive two story building with a swimming pool and independently filled private spa pools.
What we love about Breakers Motel – Family run by friendly Coromandel locals. Enjoy a relaxing spa or refreshing swim at the end of the day.
Day 6
Whangamata - Waihi - Karangahake Gorge - Miranda - Auckland
After breakfast we check out Whangamata Beach and then Waihi and the Martha Mine where there is a clear view down to the open cast gold mine overlooked by the historic Cornish Pumphouse.
We continue through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge to the Hauraki Plains then drive along the Seabird Coast to meet our guide at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre. We continue along the coastline to Clevedon and on to Auckland.
- At Waihi view the Martha Mine site
- Meet our nature guide at Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre
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Next departures
Please contact us if you have any questions about our tour departure dates.
General inclusions
- All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach (maximum of 18 travellers).
- Services of your knowledgeable MoaTours Kiwi guide.
- Quality accommodation chosen for a “sense of place”.
All Meals Are Included
- All Breakfasts
- All Lunches
- All Dinners
Activities & Entrance Fees
The following are included in your tour.
Included Experiences
You’ll visit all the following spots on the tour.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our tour departure dates.
