The Coromandel Activities

Activities in the Coromandel mix coast and forest: guided sea kayaking from Hahei Beach, treetop ziplines at Driving Creek and boat cruises along the east coast. The peninsula is about 85 km long and these experiences start at different points along it, so it helps to match each one to where you are staying.

Sea kayaking from Hahei Beach

Hahei Beach is the launch point for guided sea kayaking, and the offshore islands break the swell so the water is calm. A 3-hour Cathedral Cove kayak tour checks in at 8.45am and 1.30pm daily, and the operator says the morning tour usually has the lightest wind and calmest sea. Most paddlers share a double kayak because two people working together can go further, and experienced kayakers can ask for a single. The paddle includes a landing at Cathedral Cove with hot drinks and cookies.

For a longer day, a full-day sea kayak tour from Hahei Beach is a 6-hour day that rounds the offshore islands and paddles into an ocean blowhole, with light refreshments at Cathedral Cove and dry bags for cameras.

Ziplines and forest at Driving Creek

At Driving Creek in Coromandel Town, a zipline tour through the forest starts with a 15-minute train ride, then runs eight ziplines, the longest 200 metres, with elevated tree platforms and guides who talk about the land and its conservation. Closed-toe shoes are needed (no sandals or jandals), and a light jacket helps because the weather can change quickly.

Driving Creek also runs a 75-minute railway tour on New Zealand's only mountain railway, across 10 bridges and through three tunnels, and a 90-minute beginner pottery class on the wheel.

Boat cruises along the east coast

For time on the water without paddling, Coromandel cruises run 2-hour trips along the coast to Cathedral Cove, sea caves and blowholes. A Cathedral Cove and volcanic coast cruise from Whitianga Wharf departs at 10.30am and 1.30pm and covers about 12 km of volcanic coastline.

Choosing an activity for the day you have

Half a day suits a 2-hour cruise, a 2.5-hour zipline tour or a 3-hour kayak, and leaves room to dig a pool at Hot Water Beach around low tide. A full-day outing suits the 6-hour kayak. Kayaks meet at Hahei Beach, ziplines and the railway at Driving Creek Road in Coromandel Town, and cruises at Whitianga Wharf or Tairua Marina, with a 1-hour drive between Hahei and Coromandel Town.

Coromandel water sports go further into the paddling side, with kayaking tours in the Coromandel starting from Hahei Beach, and the wider things to do in the Coromandel include Hot Water Beach and the east coast beaches. Families can start with things to do in the Coromandel with kids, and wet days have rainy day things to do in the Coromandel.

Frequently asked questions

What activities can you do in the Coromandel?

Activities on the Coromandel Peninsula include guided sea kayaking from Hahei, zipline and railway tours at Driving Creek, boat cruises to Cathedral Cove and the Aldermen Islands, and a beginner pottery class.

How long is a Cathedral Cove kayak tour?

A guided Cathedral Cove kayak tour from Hahei Beach is a 3-hour paddle, and the full-day version is a 6-hour day.

Is a Coromandel kayak tour better in the morning?

The Hahei kayak operator says the morning tour usually has the lightest wind and calmest sea conditions, and check-in is at 8.45am.

What should you wear on the Driving Creek zipline tour?

Wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals or jandals) and comfortable clothing suitable for walking in the forest. A light jacket is recommended because the weather at Driving Creek can change quickly.

Where do Coromandel activities start from?

Cathedral Cove kayak tours meet at Hahei Beach, the zipline and railway tours at 380 Driving Creek Road in Coromandel Town, and Cathedral Cove cruises at Whitianga Wharf or Tairua Marina. Hahei is a 1-hour drive from Coromandel Town.

Can families do Coromandel activities?

Yes. The kayak, zipline and cruise tours sell child and family tickets, and the zipline tour is described as suited to families. Each tour sets its own age requirements, so check them before you book.

Match the activity to your base on the peninsula, the coast around Hahei or the forest at Coromandel Town, and book it with Experience Oz.