Things to Do in the Coromandel
Whichever way you roll through the hills into Hahei, as you catch the first glimpse of the ocean, your mood lifts, and your days somehow feel longer. Hahei Beach Resort is the perfect base to discover the many things to do in the Coromandel. We love listening to guests' stories of great days out, so we've made a list of Must-Dos, our top tips for coastal roamers, family adventurers, long lunches, and day-trippers.
So slow down, take the curves in the road gently and enjoy the discovery. Stop off at the roadside produce stalls, pull into the sandy bays, chat with the fishermen, and stretch your legs to the top of the hills. The views are always worth it.
Whether you choose to hang in Hahei with the walkers and the wave riders or disappear into the hills on two wheels of four, afternoon road trips in search of art, crafts, old wares, and beautiful food, make sure you take the slow lane. You're on Coromandel time.
Lonely Planet rate Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove Beach in the top 11 best beaches in New Zealand. Of course we agree! But with 400km of idyllic coastline to explore along the Coromandel Peninsula, you really are spoilt for white sandy choices to swim, relax and take in a sunset.
Here is our guide to the best beaches in the Coromandel, all are close by so go and we highly recommend you check them out when you're in Hahei:
- Hot Water Beach
- Cooks Beach
- New Chum Beach
- Tairua Beach
- Te Karo Bay
- Lonely Bay
- Kūaotunu
- Opoutere
- Otama
- Flaxmill Bay
Here's a full guide to the Coromandel's best beaches, but remember whichever sandy space you choose, leave only your footprints for the next generation.
You don't have to stray far from Hahei Beach Resort to find yourself surrounded by the best coastal views and top New Zealand walks.
From the Resort, turn left for the insta-famous Cathedral Cove Walkway, approximately a 2-hour return walk. You can easily make separate walks to Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay off the main track. Many people miss these spots so you can easily find yourselves the only ones there when Cathedral Cove is busy.
If we have romantics in the house, we suggest you turn right when you get onto Hahei Beach and head to the idyllic Te Pare Walkway for an easy sunrise or sunset stroll. Pack a picnic.
Hahei Beach Resort makes an awesome base to tick off our top 10 Coromandel Walks. Most are family friendly walks to tick off your bucket list. As New Zealand can be prone to four seasons in one day, we always recommend you check the level of fitness required for the route, pack your water bottle and other essentials before you head off. Talk to our team at reception, they're sure to let you in on some secrets too!
- Shakespeare Cliff & Lonely Bay
- Stella Everand Memorial Park, 30-60 minute return
- The Square Kauri, 20-minute return
- Waiau Falls & Kauri Grove, 30-minute return
- New Chum Beach, 2-hour return
- Mt Paku overlooking Tairua and Pauanui Beaches
- The Coromandel Coastal Walkway, 7-hour return
- Karangahape Gorge trails, pick your trail
- Pinnacles Hut, 6-7 hour return
There is a full guide on all the great regional walks here, or check out the Department of Conservation website for more great family friendly Coromandel walks to get the whole team moving. When the walking is done, shall we just say you've earned your hot tub soak when you get back to Hahei Beach Resort? And the best night's sleep!
And best of all, there are so many free things to do in the Coromandel! Mother nature takes care of endless days of family fun so mix it up, a Hahei holiday doesn't have to cost a fortune to curate your very own catalogue of childhood memories for your whanau. Make sure you mark the free annual Easter Egg Hunt at Hahei Beach Resort in your calendar too.
Free Family Things to Do:
- Dig a hot pool at Hot Water Beach
- Spot stingrays at Stingray Bay
- Stargazing and spotlight after dark
- Give the kids the camera and see what they see
- Chase the waterfalls at Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove
- Create your own Amazing Race with your camp mates
- Cycle a section of the Hauraki Rail Trail
- Ride the epic New Whitianga Skatepark
- Go snorkeling at Gemstone Bay
- Create an annual family photo pose at Cathedral Cove, and recreate it every year (a guaranteed laugh for the 21sts!)
Favourite Family Roadtrips Adventures and Activities:
- Hahei Explorer tours to the sea caves and Blowhole
- Kayak from Hahei to Cooks Beach for an icecream
- Take the ferry from Ferry Landing to Whitianga for the movies
- Coromandel Zipline Tours
- Take the Glassbottom Boat to Cathedral Cove
- Visit Whiti Farm Park
- Get wet at The Waterworks Park
- Fun Zone Adventure and Family Park in Whitianga
- Learn to Surf at Hot Water Beach
- Be pampered at The Lost Spring Spa
There are countless more ideas and we always recommend popping into reception for a free colouring-in activity sheet and the top tips on What's on in Hahei. You can always check out the Coromandel Gig Guide too.
The first break of the day you should catch is with the locals at our Beachbreak Café, get your coffee on board, the best local advice on wave conditions.
SUPer's early morning with the sunrise in front of you on Hahei Beach is true bliss. Roll out of bed and you're right on it, what a way to start the day.
Boogie boarding is hours of free entertainment for all the family without having to go anywhere. Can we say that it's a right of passage for Kiwi kids to experience that happy level of exhaustion after a day in the surf with your mates? We can definitely say that the best sleep comes after a day on Hahei Beach catching the waves.
Want to learn to surf while you're in the Coromandel? Talk to the team and we will put you in touch with the local pros who can arrange private or group surf lessons at Hot Water Beach or here in Hahei. Hey Santa, we reckon that's a great Christmas present idea for your teens, or why not for the whole family?
For the more serious surf action, check out nearby hotspots starting in Hot Water Beach, Pauanui or head on down the coast to Whangamata. Check the breaks from the high spots on your roadie and swing in with the locals wherever you see the signs.
Generations of Kiwi kids have learned to ride their bikes in the safe park-like grounds of Hahei Beach Resort. The freedom of two wheels, fresh air and epic views make the Coromandel an adventure playground for families, beginners, e-bikers, mountain bikers, and cyclists of all levels to get out and see more of our coastline!
Outside of peak summer times, a great day trip from here is to do a roadie to Cooks Beach then on to Ferry Landing where you can cross to Whitianga with your bikes on the ferry for lunch. There are plenty of ice cream (or cold beer!) stopovers on the way home too!
The Hauraki Trail is fast becoming a Must Do New Zealand cycle trail. You can easily base yourself here or families love to stop off and do a section on the way to Hahei, or on their way home. It's a great way to break up the car journey and have sleeping children in the backseat.
Check out the cycling and mountain biking Coromandel Tracks and Trails Guide to find the right trail level for you. Helmets on, and you're set for a great outdoor adventure.
And the perfect end to that big day out, a soak in the hot tub back at Hahei Beach Resort of course!
Whilst you can start your art trail right here in Hahei at The Lawnmowers Son, call ahead to visit the studios of local artists Betty Collings, Jane Parson, Meg Auth, Natasha Courtney, Printmakers Combined, Trevor Bayly, and the Yellow Door Art Group. Click here for the map and studio details.
A major highlight on the Coromandel art scene is the Open Studio programme as part of the annual Mercury Bay Art Escape. Mark these dates in your diary, gather your NZ art loving friends, and book your Hahei accommodation early. Don't forget there are some fantastic art exhibitions, art and photography courses offered throughout the year across the region. What better place to come and unleash your creative side!
For a day trip, we suggest you cross from nearby Ferry Landing to Whitianga and follow the street art trail as you wander the shops, galleries, and fabulous café scene.
Don’t miss the vibrant scene of the local produce markets where you can stock up on organic fruit, veggies and local products including honey, macadamia nuts, and sourdough loaves.
We love a brown paper bag breakfast, fresh muffins, doughnuts, local coffee and treats for your holiday snacks and hungry campers.
You can bet there will be music playing, windchimes blowing and delicious treats to sample so relax, and get caught up in the local vibe. Arts, crafts, secondhand books, vintage clothes and homewares, who doesn't love a good rummage and the thrill of a bargain. The best holiday souvenirs.
Check the Coromandel Markets Guide to find the best spots to shop while you're here.
Food is a passion project in the Coromandel. It's all about passionate growers, chefs, and wine-makers who love seasonal and celebrate local. Check out organically farmed Cathedral Cove Macadamias nearby, have lunch on the deck at Hotties or hang in the garden at Hot Waves Café and take in the local art collections.
If you are heading out on the highway, shop and eat at The Hive Purangi, the homemade chutneys, jams and produce shop at Colenso is always a winner. Local Coromandel legends at Luke’s Kitchen with pizza and beats on the beach at Kūaotunu is like visiting old friends.
Look out for the many roadside stalls selling avocados, honey, free-range eggs, and seasonal produce. Coromandel goodness is usually organic, you won't find it fresher and how good does it feel supporting local producers.
Need a local brew with that? Discover the boutique brewers, the highly awarded new gin distillery, or spend a relaxing afternoon matching food and wine at Mercury Bay Estate overlooking the vines and Cooks Beach.
Travelling via Whangamata? There's a great pit stop at Port Road Project to grab and go.
For inspiration on route to Hahei, Cuisine magazine editor, Kelli Brett, Give's it Up for The Coromandel on her gourmet tour to get to here, have a read, and hit the road.
People come from far and wide to celebrate good times all over The Coromandel.
Long time Leadfoot Festival here in Hahei is naturally a favourite way to celebrate Waitangi weekend and we can't wait for it to return.
Until then, car lovers, make the most of The Beach Hop in Whangamata it's a true classic, not just for cars, we especially love the epic retro caravans on display too.
The new Whitianga Oceans Festival, or the summer series at The Coroglen Tavern, Tairua Food and Wine Festival, and the Whitianga Summer Concert starring our local star, Gin Wigmore and Jordan Luck in 2021.
We hope to see all our favourite festivals happening again this summer, so we suggest you keep an eye on the latest updates across the region here too. Remember to book your accommodation early, and check with us for transport options to the venues.
