Coromandel’s best photo spots and where to find them.
The pretty Coromandel Peninsula is heaven-on-a-selfie-stick with its Pohutukawa-fringed beaches, lush native bush, turquoise waters and majestic mountain range. With more than 400 kilometres of coastline to discover, the region hosts some of the country’s most photogenic vistas and hiking tracks. Here are six of the best Coromandel photo spots to tick off on your travels.
Most iconic spot: Cathedral Cove, Hahei (Te Whanganui-A-Hei )
This stunning cove and Cathedral-like arch, is only accessible by one of several local boat or kayak tour operators. It has three claims to fame. Search ‘#Coromandel’ and it’s the number one most photographed spot on the Peninsula and for Narnia-lovers, it has top billing as a film location for the Chronicles of Narnia movie. Cathedral Cove is also one of the country’s few protected marine reserves. By taking a boat tour you get the added benefit of sharing the journey with a variety of marine and fish life.
The famous limestone archway on the beach has witnessed countless romantic proposals, family picnics and swimmers cooling off in the clear azure waters, making it one of the area’s top Coromandel attractions.
Most beautiful beach: New Chum Beach, Whangapoua (Wainuiototo)
Hike over the headland from Whangapoua Beach and you’ll discover one of the country’s best hidden gems, gorgeous Wainuiototo Bay or New Chum Beach. Pause at the top and pull out your smartphone, as you’ll be hard pressed to snap a bad shot of this bay, with no shops, houses or cars to interrupt the gorgeous view. Stroll along New Chum’s golden sands fringed by emerald-green native bush and take a refreshing dip on a sunny day. Recognised as one of the world’s best beaches, this magic spot is a jewel in the crown of Coromandel attractions.
Best sunrise shot: Mt Paku, Tairua Beach
For 360-degree panoramic views spanning Panuanui, the dividing estuary and Tairua Ocean Beach, take a 30-minute steep but short hike up to the volcanic peak of Mt Paku. Get up early to capture the stunning sunrise on a clear day as the views are even better at first light, so add this hike to your ‘Coromandel things to do’ list.
Most epic coastal views: The Pinnacles Track (Kauaeranga Valley)
This overnight or 8-hour return hiking track is a steep climb through native bush and towering Nikaus to the summit. But you’ll be rewarded on a cloudless day with two-way views of the Firth of Thames and the vast Pacific Ocean. The climbing ladder to the viewing platform is a novel touch and well worth the additional 40-minute hike past the accommodation hut, which you need to prebook.
Best road trip shots: The Thames Coast Highway
Possibly New Zealand’s most picturesque stretch of coastal road, this 55-kilometre route hugs the Firth of Thames and the shores of the Hauraki Gulf, before it winds north towards Coromandel township. Enjoy endless bays, pebbled shores, cute cottages and beautiful blooming Pohutukawa in early summer. Keep your camera handy as around every bend on the road are more Coromandel attractions and views to capture. Check out the remote northern bays of Oamaru, Otautu, Port Jackson and last stop after Colville, Fletcher Bay. The hardest part will be deciding where to pull over as you take in the incredible coastal scenery. This road trip is a Kiwi classic and capturing a Thames Coast sunset is a must-do on your visit.
Best kept secret views: Northern Coromandel and the Coromandel Coastal Walkway
Leave the day trippers behind and head through Coromandel and Colville (the last place for great coffee and supplies) to the secluded northern tip of the Peninsula. The scenic Coastal Walkway runs from Fletcher Bay as an out-and-back route and reveals views of Aotea Great Barrier, Mount Moehau, secluded little bays and the stunning photo spots Coromandel is famous for. The best photo spot on the Walkway is at Lookout point, a five kilometre walk from Fletcher Bay.
This is one of the country’s best one-day hikes revealing the beauty and solitude of the remote Northern Coromandel Peninsula. A hassle-free way to experience the Coromandel Coastal Walkway is to book a shuttle transfer to the trail head with pickup at the far end in Fletcher Bay. Contact the local experts at Hike and Bike Coromandel, who can assist with ebike hire, tours and information about the area.
Get planning your trip to the Coromandel for picture-perfect spots and travel memories to last a lifetime.
