Rainy Day Activities in the Coromandel

Things to do in the Coromandel when it rains start in the forest: a hand-built mountain railway runs in almost all weather, and the canopy shelters much of the ride. Wet days on the peninsula are about picking activities that do not depend on a clear sky, and checking sea conditions before heading out on the water.

Forest rides that keep going in the rain

At Driving Creek in Coromandel Town, a 75-minute railway tour climbs through regenerating native forest across 10 bridges and through three tunnels, and the operator says the journey is equally good rain or shine. The trees shelter much of the ride, and free-to-use ponchos are handed out if the weather turns. A light jacket or raincoat is still recommended, and visitors can bring their own snacks and drinks as long as they take their rubbish away.

The railway tour is wheelchair-friendly, with wheelchair tickets sold for adults and children.

Hands-on time with clay

Driving Creek also hosts a 90-minute beginner pottery class, where a professional potter teaches wheel throwing. Clay, a wheel and aprons are provided, and the class is held at the same forest site with sessions through the middle of the day.

Checking the weather before a boat or kayak trip

Boats and kayaks depend on sea conditions more than rain. The Aldermen Islands operator contacts each party when the weather changes, and the Hahei kayak operator says mornings usually have the lightest wind and calmest sea. Coromandel cruises and Coromandel water sports are worth keeping for a settled morning.

Planning around the weather on the peninsula

Hahei is a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland and Coromandel Town a 1-hour drive from Hahei, so wet days are easiest when you stay in one area. Coromandel activities sit mostly at Driving Creek and Hahei, families can start with things to do in the Coromandel with kids, and the wider things to do in the Coromandel cover the rest of the coast. For rain-friendly ideas beyond the peninsula, see rainy day things to do across New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in the Coromandel when it rains?

The Driving Creek railway tour in Coromandel Town runs in almost all weather, with free ponchos and forest cover for much of the ride, and a 90-minute beginner pottery class is held at the same site.

Does the Driving Creek railway run in the rain?

Yes. The Driving Creek railway operates in almost all weather, rain or shine, the forest shelters much of the ride, and free-to-use ponchos are handed out when it is wet.

Do Coromandel boat tours run when it rains?

Sea conditions decide. The Aldermen Islands boat tour operator contacts each party if the weather changes, so check your booking confirmation on the morning of the trip.

What should you wear on the Driving Creek railway in wet weather?

Warm, comfortable clothing and a light jacket or raincoat are recommended for the Driving Creek railway, although ponchos are free to use if the weather is bad.

Keep a wet day in the Coromandel to one area, the forest at Coromandel Town or the coast around Hahei, and book the experience with Experience Oz.