Coromandel: Discover Culture and Trails

There are different ways to discover Coromandel Town: on a guided tour of historic buildings, along a ridge-top trail or in a gallery. There is also an unusual theme park and a brewery with a tasting room. Nearby, a railway line runs through tunnels and over bridges, while a coastal walk takes you through varied landscapes.

Local History and Art in Coromandel Town

“Boom, Bust and Beyond” is a 90-minute guided tour through the centre of Coromandel Town. The tour visits historic buildings and covers the town’s Māori history. It is considered suitable for people of all abilities, including those using a wheelchair, pram or buggy.

At Hauraki House Gallery in the town centre, the Coromandel Arts Tour exhibition showcases work by participating artists. A guide can help you plan your visit. The exhibition programme and dates may change, so check what is on during your visit.

Unusual Experiences and Local Brewing

The Waterworks is a theme park in Coromandel Town featuring water-powered inventions and quirky contraptions. It has more than 70 attractions and an adventure playground. As the attractions on offer may change, it is worth checking what is currently available before your visit.

Coromandel Town Supply is a brewery in the heart of Coromandel Town, where beer is brewed and bottled on site. The tasting room and refill station let you try new beers, refill containers or take cans home. Visitor offerings and operations may change; check before visiting.

Trails and Lookouts

Kauri Block follows a ridge through regenerating bush and native plantings below Te Kauri Pā. A 45-minute return walk leads to a lookout at a pā, with views over the town and the sea. Kauri Block can be accessed from the top of Harbour View Road or via a trail beside 356 Wharf Road in Coromandel Town. Check local trail updates before setting out; trail conditions can affect the duration and the views.

Nearby, the Coromandel Walkway is a coastal walk between Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay. The route passes through farmland and coastal forest. Along the way, there are views of the Pinnacles, Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) to the north and Cuvier Island (Repanga Island) to the east. Trail conditions may change after weather events, and temporary closures may be put in place. Check the latest updates before setting out.

Also nearby, the Driving Creek Railway travels for 1 hour and 15 minutes through tunnels and over hand-built bridges to the EyeFull Tower lookout. Check the latest operating conditions before travelling for the train ride. The time indications for the two activities use different formats: for Kauri Block, the duration refers to the return walk on foot; for the railway, it refers to the ride. This distinguishes a walk from a train ride without treating the two activities as the same kind of route.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Whangamata, Thames, Opoutere, Hahei, Whitianga, Opito Bay, Hot Water Beach, Te Puru

Return to the main travel overview: Thames-Coromandel District.