Coromandel Explorer Walk
A walk of untold beauty. Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Coromandel that most people never see.
DAYS
4
KM
35 - 45
MILES
21 - 27
DIFFICULTY
4/5
ACCOMMODATION
Lodge
PRICE
$1950
Under 15 yrs 1300 NZD
WALKING SEASON
Oct-Apr
Check Dates for Coromandel Explorer Walk
WALKING TOUR SUMMARY
The Coromandel Explorer Walk is a unique combination of the best Coromandel hikes. Jagged mountain peaks, stunning coastal views, waterfalls, abandoned gold mines and glistening white sand beaches make this a uniquely Kiwi walking holiday. Hike ‘The Pinnacles’ in the Kauaeranga Valley and the Coastal Walkway with a small, fun group, staying in a boutique lodge.
- 4 day / 3 night New Zealand guided walking tour
- 4-7 hours hiking each day over varied terrain
- Carry a day pack only
- Enthusiastic and experienced guides
- Complementary gear hire on request
- Includes: cooked or continental breakfasts; generous packed trail lunches, snacks & hot drinks; delicious 2-course dinners with NZ wine or beer, including a meal at an award-winning local restaurant; return transfers from Rotorua or Matamata; 3-star boutique lodge accommodation with ensuites; Whitianga ferry-boat ride.
“I enjoyed the trip very much. The peace of the accommodation was wonderful.”
MAXINE, Coromandel Explorer
“A fantastic experience. Something I will remember and treasure for a lifetime.”
ALEX, Coromandel Explorer
A walk of untold beauty. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Coromandel that most people never see.
DAY 1
Rotorua to Coromandel, via Matamata
- 5kms / 3 miles
- 3-4 hours
- Lunch & Dinner
- Hush Cabins, Coromandel
- 3 hours with breaks
We’ll collect you from your central Rotorua accommodation between 8.00am and 8:30am or from your central Matamata accommodation around 9:30am.
First we warm up with a 5km hike to the top of Wairere Falls, an old Māori pack trail leading to the North Island’s highest waterfall, where we can view the verdant Waikato Basin from two lookouts over-hanging 153 metres of thunderous waterfall.
As we continue north, enjoy views out over the mussel farms of the Hauraki Gulf from one of New Zealand’s classic coastal drives, the Coromandel West Coast. We arrive in Coromandel Town, a charming seaside settlement rich in pioneering history and a bustling wee village in the summer months. If time allows, we’ll call in at Long Bay Scenic Reserve – this little-known trail circuits a grove of magnificent 330 year old Kauri trees – New Zealand’s very own forest giants that grow up to 50 metres tall.
At last we reach our lovely, peaceful accommodation where we can watch the sunset from the verandah, graze over a platter of fresh fruits and cheese with a glass of wine or ice-cold brew.
DAY 2
The Legendary Coromandel Coastal Walkway
- 12kms / 8 miles
- 6 - 7 hours
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hush Cabins, Coromandel
- 3 hours with breaks
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the alfresco dining area of the lodge, surrounded by native bush and birdsong.
We then head north to the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to hike one of the best coastal walks in the country. We begin our hike at Fletcher Bay, a picture-perfect isolated beach flanked by green hills and white sand. This historic trail follows an old bridle path once used by gold miners who populated the Coromandel region in colonial times.
The views from the track of the Pacific Ocean, Great Barrier Island and Mt. Moehau are well worth the climb.
The track passes through farmland and native bush to reach the remote and beautiful Poley Bay – a fantastic beach for a picnic! This stretch of coastline offers all the dramatic views that encapsulate the Coromandel.
DAY 3
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail: The ‘Pinnacles’
- 16kms / 10 miles
- 6-7 hours
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hush Cabins, Coromandel
- 3 hours with breaks
This morning we head south and enter the hidden world of the Kauaeranga Valley, home to the majestic Pinnacles range. The entire length of the Coromandel Peninsula was once a chain of volcanic cones. This chain has since been eroded and weathered to form the spectacular series of outcrops you see today.
The Pinnacles trail climbs through re-generating kauri forest, passing one of NZ’s best-preserved kauri dams, eventually cresting the top of the range to reach the Pinnacles Hut. From the hut, a scramble to the top of the Pinnacles rock formation rewards you with 360° views of the entire Coromandel Peninsula and beyond.
If the Pinnacles isn’t your style and you would prefer a more relaxing day you have the option of staying in and exploring Coromandel Township. Highlights include the Driving Creek Railway, local artisan workshops, colourful cafes, and Kiwi culture.
Tonight we dine in an award-winning local restaurant, where we’ll have a chance to sample some of the region’s best local food and wine.
DAY 4
Epic East Coast
- 5kms / 3 miles
- 2-3 hours
- Breakfast & Lunch
- 5 hours with breaks
This morning we visit one of the top twenty beaches in the world, New Chums Beach. An unforgettable white sand, crescent moon-shaped beach, fringed by pohutukawa and nikau palms. Finding a secluded beach with no signs of man is an experience not to be missed! (Please note that this walk is dependent on tides)
After a restorative café pit-stop nearby, we’ll carry on around for a refreshing picnic lunch overlooking Buffalo Beach in sunny, vibrant Whitianga. Continuing around the east coast, we’ll visit the 309 Kauri walk, an easy 30 minute stroll to a beautiful grove of majestic kauri trees, then have you safely back to either Thames between 3 – 4pm, Matamata between 4 – 5pm or Rotorua between 5 – 6pm to meet your onward travel connections.
We spend 3 nights in the same boutique, 3-star lodge set amongst lush, native bush on the outskirts of Coromandel Town. Rooms are private, standalone double, twin or single cabins each with their own ensuite bathroom.
For solo travellers, who’d rather not share a room, a private room upgrade or single supplement is available for $300 NZD, per person. Options for families are available as well, please enquire with our friendly team.
We share meals together in the covered, heated, alfresco dining area to ensure a closer connection with the peaceful, surrounding bush. We’ll make sure you’re well taken care of on this fully-catered, all inclusive package holiday. We supply 2-course evening meals, delicious cooked or continental breakfasts, nutritious snacks, pre-dinner drinks and healthy nibbles. You certainly won’t go hungry!
Specialty diets are easily accommodated, with advanced notice. You are also welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages if you wish.
What’s Included?
- Accommodation: Ensuite rooms, bed linen, bath towels, pillows & blankets. Hair-dryers are supplied in each room.
- Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with professional, qualified driver-guides.
- On-trail Hiking Guides: Our guides are fun, compassionate, friendly and entertaining. They are trained in outdoor-specific First Aid and carry First Aid Kits and satellite locator beacons.
- Meals: Generous, nutritious meals full of fresh, local produce; packed picnic lunches with the best sandwiches you’ve ever eaten, trail snacks & chocolate; fresh fruit & hot drinks.
- Drinks: One complimentary glass of crisp Kiwi wine or craft beer per person, each evening.
- Hiking Gear: complimentary hire of hiking equipment; raincoats, back packs and hiking poles by prior arrangement.
What else do you need to know?
- Specialty diets; we can cater for a wide range of food allergies and specialty diets with sufficient advance notice. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have specific dietary needs and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.
- Solo Travelers: Accommodation is based on a twin-share arrangement; if you’d rather have a private room, a single supplement fee of $300 NZD applies (this is for the whole trip, not $300 each night).
- Wi-Fi & Power: The lodge has power outlets next to most beds, so CPAP machines are easily accommodated. Please let us know in advance so we can put you in an appropriate room. There is wi-fi service in your room, but during peak times service speeds may be slow.
- Drying Rooms: There are no drying rooms available but plenty of wide, covered verandas for hanging wet gear.
- Drones: Sorry, the use of drones is not permitted.
FAQ
Specialty Diets – Can You Cater For Me?
I’m Travelling Solo – Who Will I Be Sharing a Room With?
Should I Bring Something Nice To Wear In The Evenings?
I suffer from terrible car sickness, what will the roads be like?
DAYS
4
KM
35 – 45
MILES
21 – 27
DIFFICULTY
4/5
ACCOMMODATION
Lodge
PRICE
$1950
Under 15 yrs 1300 NZD
WALKING SEASON
Oct-Apr
Check Dates for Coromandel Explorer Walk
WALKING TOUR SUMMARY
The Coromandel Explorer Walk is a unique combination of the best Coromandel hikes. Jagged mountain peaks, stunning coastal views, waterfalls, abandoned gold mines and glistening white sand beaches make this a uniquely Kiwi walking holiday. Hike ‘The Pinnacles’ in the Kauaeranga Valley and the Coastal Walkway with a small, fun group, staying in a boutique lodge.
- 4 day / 3 night New Zealand guided walking tour
- 4-7 hours hiking each day over varied terrain
- Carry a day pack only
- Enthusiastic and experienced guides
- Complementary gear hire on request
- Includes: cooked or continental breakfasts; generous packed trail lunches, snacks & hot drinks; delicious 2-course dinners with NZ wine or beer, including a meal at an award-winning local restaurant; return transfers from Rotorua or Matamata; 3-star boutique lodge accommodation with ensuites; Whitianga ferry-boat ride.
“I enjoyed the trip very much. The peace of the accommodation was wonderful.”
MAXINE, Coromandel Explorer
“A fantastic experience. Something I will remember and treasure for a lifetime.”
ALEX, Coromandel Explorer
A walk of untold beauty. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Coromandel that most people never see.
DAY 1
Rotorua to Coromandel, via Matamata
- 5kms / 3 miles
- 3-4 hours
- Lunch & Dinner
- Hush Cabins, Coromandel
- 3 hours with breaks
We’ll collect you from your central Rotorua accommodation between 8.00am and 8:30am or from your central Matamata accommodation around 9:30am.
First we warm up with a 5km hike to the top of Wairere Falls, an old Māori pack trail leading to the North Island’s highest waterfall, where we can view the verdant Waikato Basin from two lookouts over-hanging 153 metres of thunderous waterfall.
As we continue north, enjoy views out over the mussel farms of the Hauraki Gulf from one of New Zealand’s classic coastal drives, the Coromandel West Coast. We arrive in Coromandel Town, a charming seaside settlement rich in pioneering history and a bustling wee village in the summer months. If time allows, we’ll call in at Long Bay Scenic Reserve – this little-known trail circuits a grove of magnificent 330 year old Kauri trees – New Zealand’s very own forest giants that grow up to 50 metres tall.
At last we reach our lovely, peaceful accommodation where we can watch the sunset from the verandah, graze over a platter of fresh fruits and cheese with a glass of wine or ice-cold brew.
DAY 2
The Legendary Coromandel Coastal Walkway
- 12kms / 8 miles
- 6 – 7 hours
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hush Cabins, Coromandel
- 3 hours with breaks
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the alfresco dining area of the lodge, surrounded by native bush and birdsong.
We then head north to the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to hike one of the best coastal walks in the country. We begin our hike at Fletcher Bay, a picture-perfect isolated beach flanked by green hills and white sand. This historic trail follows an old bridle path once used by gold miners who populated the Coromandel region in colonial times.
The views from the track of the Pacific Ocean, Great Barrier Island and Mt. Moehau are well worth the climb.
The track passes through farmland and native bush to reach the remote and beautiful Poley Bay – a fantastic beach for a picnic! This stretch of coastline offers all the dramatic views that encapsulate the Coromandel.
DAY 3
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail: The ‘Pinnacles’
- 16kms / 10 miles
- 6-7 hours
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Hush Cabins, Coromandel
- 3 hours with breaks
This morning we head south and enter the hidden world of the Kauaeranga Valley, home to the majestic Pinnacles range. The entire length of the Coromandel Peninsula was once a chain of volcanic cones. This chain has since been eroded and weathered to form the spectacular series of outcrops you see today.
The Pinnacles trail climbs through re-generating kauri forest, passing one of NZ’s best-preserved kauri dams, eventually cresting the top of the range to reach the Pinnacles Hut. From the hut, a scramble to the top of the Pinnacles rock formation rewards you with 360° views of the entire Coromandel Peninsula and beyond.
If the Pinnacles isn’t your style and you would prefer a more relaxing day you have the option of staying in and exploring Coromandel Township. Highlights include the Driving Creek Railway, local artisan workshops, colourful cafes, and Kiwi culture.
Tonight we dine in an award-winning local restaurant, where we’ll have a chance to sample some of the region’s best local food and wine.
DAY 4
Epic East Coast
- 5kms / 3 miles
- 2-3 hours
- Breakfast & Lunch
- 5 hours with breaks
This morning we visit one of the top twenty beaches in the world, New Chums Beach. An unforgettable white sand, crescent moon-shaped beach, fringed by pohutukawa and nikau palms. Finding a secluded beach with no signs of man is an experience not to be missed! (Please note that this walk is dependent on tides)
After a restorative café pit-stop nearby, we’ll carry on around for a refreshing picnic lunch overlooking Buffalo Beach in sunny, vibrant Whitianga. Continuing around the east coast, we’ll visit the 309 Kauri walk, an easy 30 minute stroll to a beautiful grove of majestic kauri trees, then have you safely back to either Thames between 3 – 4pm, Matamata between 4 – 5pm or Rotorua between 5 – 6pm to meet your onward travel connections.
We spend 3 nights in the same boutique, 3-star lodge set amongst lush, native bush on the outskirts of Coromandel Town. Rooms are private, standalone double, twin or single cabins each with their own ensuite bathroom.
For solo travellers, who’d rather not share a room, a private room upgrade or single supplement is available for $300 NZD, per person. Options for families are available as well, please enquire with our friendly team.
We share meals together in the covered, heated, alfresco dining area to ensure a closer connection with the peaceful, surrounding bush. We’ll make sure you’re well taken care of on this fully-catered, all inclusive package holiday. We supply 2-course evening meals, delicious cooked or continental breakfasts, nutritious snacks, pre-dinner drinks and healthy nibbles. You certainly won’t go hungry!
Specialty diets are easily accommodated, with advanced notice. You are also welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages if you wish.
What’s Included?
- Accommodation: Ensuite rooms, bed linen, bath towels, pillows & blankets. Hair-dryers are supplied in each room.
- Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with professional, qualified driver-guides.
- On-trail Hiking Guides: Our guides are fun, compassionate, friendly and entertaining. They are trained in outdoor-specific First Aid and carry First Aid Kits and satellite locator beacons.
- Meals: Generous, nutritious meals full of fresh, local produce; packed picnic lunches with the best sandwiches you’ve ever eaten, trail snacks & chocolate; fresh fruit & hot drinks.
- Drinks: One complimentary glass of crisp Kiwi wine or craft beer per person, each evening.
- Hiking Gear: complimentary hire of hiking equipment; raincoats, back packs and hiking poles by prior arrangement.
What else do you need to know?
- Specialty diets; we can cater for a wide range of food allergies and specialty diets with sufficient advance notice. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have specific dietary needs and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.
- Solo Travelers: Accommodation is based on a twin-share arrangement; if you’d rather have a private room, a single supplement fee of $300 NZD applies (this is for the whole trip, not $300 each night).
- Wi-Fi & Power: The lodge has power outlets next to most beds, so CPAP machines are easily accommodated. Please let us know in advance so we can put you in an appropriate room. There is wi-fi service in your room, but during peak times service speeds may be slow.
- Drying Rooms: There are no drying rooms available but plenty of wide, covered verandas for hanging wet gear.
- Drones: Sorry, the use of drones is not permitted.
FAQ
Specialty Diets – Can You Cater For Me?
I’m Travelling Solo – Who Will I Be Sharing a Room With?
Should I Bring Something Nice To Wear In The Evenings?
I suffer from terrible car sickness, what will the roads be like?