The Coromandel Peninsula is approximately 3 hours from Auckland, Hamilton or Tauranga, plan on spending 3-5 days to fully explore the natural beauty of this historic region. Driving times around the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel Peninsula is renowned for many of New Zealand's most beautiful, white sandy beaches. 5 beaches can be explored on foot. Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are 10 mins by car. Plan a day trip to explore the northern, beautiful unspoiled New Chums Beach, the Driving Creek Railway and Pottery, The WaterWorks and view giant Kauri trees. Learn about the Kauri industry and gold mining folklore, and enjoy bush walks.
Whitianga, a popular destination for people interested in fishing, diving and cruising the crystal clear waters of Mercury Bay and the off shore Mercury Islands. With so many interesting bush walks, safe swimming beaches and beautiful scenery, you could easily spend a week on The Coromandel Peninsula.Share

Whatever activities you have in mind, be sure to leave enough time to enjoy all the facilities freely available to you. Roll the kayak down the drive and launch it from the water's edge at Ferry landing Beach. Explore Back Bay or the inner harbour. Instruction for first time kayak users, life jackets and reef shoes supplied.







The Lodge is nestled amidst beautiful Pohutukawa trees and native bush with a stunning backdrop of exposed rock cliffs. This secluded, peaceful piece of nature is surrounded by lush native bush and is a haven for bird watchers. The small 'passenger only' ferryboat is just a few minutes walk from the lodge, in fact down the drive, down 4 steps to the water's edge where the path takes you directly to the small historic wharf.
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There are many fine dining experiences waiting for you both in Whitianga and Ferry Landing. As well as great Kiwi restaurants like Squids, The Wild Hog, Tua-tua and Salt Bar which all have seafood on the menu, there are authentic Indian and Thai restaurants along with a selection of kiwi takeaways serving traditional fish 'n chips. If you have been on the road all day, you may feel like a good hearty roast dinner from the highly recommended Roast Haven. The friendly staff there will also be happy to prepare you a picnic so you can eat your meal on the beach if you wish. Alternatively, you are welcome to use the Picnic hamper from the lodge.

On the Ferry Landing side of the harbour, there are also several cafes and restaurants to choose from, including Eggsentric Cafe for something different, and award winning Colenso Country Cafe. Click here to see the full dining guide.
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• For a refreshing swim Front Beach is just a 10 minute walk.
• A little further on is Flaxmill Bay, a safe beach for small children and handy to Eggsentric Cafe for coffee.
• A 2 hour round trip from the Lodge takes you to Shakespeare Cliff and down to secluded Lonely Bay. (See image)
• Further on is Cooks Beach, a popular family holiday resort.
• Across on the ferryboat is Buffalo Beach where shellfish can be gathered at low tide.
• We provide everything you need for a day at the beach, including umbrellas, beach towels, fold up chairs, buckets and spades etc.
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Over 150000 people visit this iconic landmark every year. Surely nature at its very best. This beautiful natural setting of a Cathedral Arch with pristine white sand, clear waters and beautiful native bush, is the wedding location of choice for many couples. If you have seen the movie Prince Caspian, you will recognise the area in the opening scenes which were filmed there in 2006. It is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. On the walk to Cathedral Cove there is a snorkel trail at Gemstone Bay. We are a short drive of 12 - 15 minutes from Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach.

Hahei is one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand and has changed dramatically in the last 50 years or so. It is a safe beach for swimming with spectacular views of the offshore islands. There is also an interesting walk to the Maori Pa site at the Southern end of the beach. Rob's family were the first European settlers at Hahei. The original homestead built around 1870, can still be seen on the corner of Grange Road and Hahei Beach Road.
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At Hot Water Beach you can dig your own spa in the hot sands, relax and enjoy the antics of others as they create their own 'piece of paradise'. Best time to experience this is 1 hour either side of low tide. We provide complimentary spades and beach towels. Click here for times of low tide which is when you can reach the hot water. We are 12 - 15 minutes drive from Hot Water Beach.

** Please note, visitors to Hot Water Beach are advised to swim in the sea with caution - the surf is renowned for its strong currents, frequent rips and large waves. Always swim between the flags **
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If you enjoy nature and bush walks, you'll be spoilt for choice! Beginning at the Lodge, the Maramaratotara track is a 40 minute round trip, past Back Bay and over the hill through native bush, to Front Beach. Adjacent to the Lodge is a nature reserve called Whitianga Rock. From here you will enjoy the spectacular views of Whitianga township, Buffalo Beach and beyond to the tree studded hills of the Coromandel Ranges.
The walk to Shakespeare Cliff is well worth fitting into your busy schedule. From the lodge, a return trip takes about 2 hours. The walk follows trails thorough native bush to the top of the cliffs where there are spectacular views of Mercury Bay. Shakespeare Cliff was named by Captain Cook as it resembled the Shakespeare cliffs of Dover, England. There are several other beautiful walks within the Whitianga/Mercury Bay area - see the full list, including time guides/fitness levels here.
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If bird watching is one of your hobbies, then choose the Pacific Coast Highway on route to the Coromandel Peninsula. Miranda foreshore on the Western shores of the Firth of Thames between the Hunua Forest Park and the Coromandel Ranges is home to over 100 bird species. Here at the Lodge, several Tui's provide entertainment for guests staying in the Sunflower Cottage.
They are attracted to the beautiful yellow flowers of the Frangipani tree which overlooks the Sunflower Cottage balcony. Delightful Fantails are common in our garden and the surrounding bush. Native Wood pigeons are also common visitors, using our drive as a flight path to berries on trees at each end. Theres a 'wild' Pheasant that also provides entertainment from time to time! The following links will be useful for birdwatchers visiting Coromandel and other parts of New Zealand.
Listen to the sound of forest birds.
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Coromandel is a nature lovers delight. There are many community lead conservation projects. One of the most successful is Kauri 2000 which evolved out of a project to mark the start of the new millennium. Native bush is being restored wherever possible and you too can help recreate a forest for future generations by purchasing a small kauri tree and having it planted on your behalf. We have planted 1 each for our grandchildren and when they come to visit us, a walk to see how much they've grown is something they love to do. In years to come these beautiful trees will once again dominate the forest canopy. Image shows the 600 year old kauris on the 309 Road, Whitianga, The Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand.
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A popular pastime for children is fishing from Whitianga and Ferry Landing wharfs for Mackerel and Kahawai. We have hand-lines available so here's a chance to introduce the children to a popular sport! If you're lucky enough to hook a 'big one' Rob will even prepare your fish for your breakfast next morning.

Ferry Landing Beach, at the end of the driveway provides plenty of opportunities for nature lessons ideal for exploring the foreshore etc. Launch the kayak from Ferry Landing Beach and introduce your children to adventure safely. Adjacent to the Whitianga wharf on the other side of the harbour is an extensive playground. Children love the ferryboat ride and with 3 cafe's right next door to the park, mum and dad are catered for too.
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"We had a great time fishing off the wharf. I LOVE fishing, thank you very much; from Alex. What a fantastic position and hospitality. Wish we could have stayed longer." Jane & Gerry, Aylce & Alex Watson, Castor Bay, Auckland, NZ
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Whitianga has it all, from fishing on the wharf with the children catching mackerel and kahawai, to big game fishing in search of tuna and marlin.
A number of charter boats offer dive trips, big game fishing or sight seeing trips around the beautiful coastline. Popular trips are the 'Glass Bottomed Boat', Cave Cruzer and sailing on the 'Windborne'. Photo is of the Glass Bottomed Boat up close with a pair of Orcas with Ferry Landing Lodge in the background. This is a useful link for fishing opportunities in the area.
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The Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve is a great place for diving or kayaking. Cathedral Cove Kayaks based in Hahei operate numerous trips throughout the day. Use these links for more information on Kayak and Dive charters
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There is a lovely 9 hole golf course at Purangi just 10 kilometres from the lodge. Further afield there are 18 hole golf courses at Whitianga, Tairua and Matarangi. All courses offer hire equipment.
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We have 2 mountain bikes and safety helmets available (no charge) so you can explore further afield if you wish. The bikes can be taken across on the ferryboat where you can enjoy an easier ride around Whitianga township.
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The Mercury Bay Museum is located just across the water on the Esplanade and is minutes from the lodge. Well worth a visit, as there are interesting displays of both the Maori and European history of the region, including commemoration of Kupe's discovery of New Zealand and Captain Cooks visit in 1769. Established in the old Mercury Bay Dairy Company. Photos of four generations of Rob's family are part of a large collection of photos, of the region's pioneer families.
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We can help organize a day trip to Coromandel Town taking in a visit to Driving Creek Railway. Popular with everyone of all ages, this unique narrow gauge railway zigzags up the mountain to a high point where wonderful views can be had looking out over Coromandel Town and the Hauraki Gulf. There is also an opportunity to see a working pottery and purchase some distinctly Coromandel artwork.
The journey takes you over the 309 road where you can view a stand of 600 year old kauri trees and visit the Waterworks and Waterfall at Waiau. A memorable day out for the whole family.
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Whitianga has a variety of shops including the New World supermarket. book stores, hardware, chemists, several clothing stores, gift and souvenir shops. There is also The Monk St Market which supplies organic produce and specialty items. Throughout summer months there are mini markets and craft days. During the winter months most shops are open Saturdays but closed on Sundays. As well as many fine restaurants, there are Real Estate Agents and the usual selection of service industries associated with a town of 4,000 people. For other shopping and services in Whitianga town go to this link.
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The Coromandel Peninsula is very popular for locals and overseas visitors. Incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, fauna and flora, birdlife and the people are so eager to share their knowledge of the area, you won't find a better kiwi welcome anywhere. We can assist you with travel times and based on your particular interests, also point out places along your chosen route. For more help with initial planning go to The Coromandel Touring Routes & Suggested Itineraries and The Coromandel Road Trip.
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To make things easier there are also useful links scattered throughout the website.
The Coromandel Region and The Coromandel Road Trip
Whitianga Information Centre
Hahei Information
Tourism New Zealand
Pacific Coast Highway
Department of Conservation
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