Coromandel Explorer Guided Walk

We’ll pick you up from your central Rotorua accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30am, or from central Matamata around 9:30am. Our adventure starts with a gentle 5km hike to the top of Wairere Falls, following an old Māori pack trail to the North Island’s tallest waterfall. From two stunning lookouts, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the lush Waikato Basin as the 153-metre waterfall roars beneath.

As we journey north, take in the scenic beauty of the Coromandel West Coast, where classic coastal views stretch out over the mussel farms of the Hauraki Gulf. Our destination is the charming Coromandel Town, a historic seaside village that buzzes with life during the summer. If time permits, we’ll stop at Long Bay Scenic Reserve for a walk among magnificent 330-year-old Kauri trees, New Zealand’s towering forest giants, reaching up to 50 metres high.

Finally, we arrive at our tranquil accommodation, where you can unwind on the verandah, watch the sunset, and enjoy a platter of fresh fruit and cheese with a glass of wine or an ice-cold brew.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in the lodge’s alfresco dining area, surrounded by native bush and the sounds of birdsong. We then venture north to the very tip of the Coromandel Peninsula for one of New Zealand’s finest coastal walks. Our hike begins at Fletcher Bay, a secluded beach with stunning white sand framed by rolling green hills.

Following a historic bridle path once trodden by gold miners, the trail offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Great Barrier Island, and Mt. Moehau – making the climb well worth the effort. As we trek through farmland and native bush, we reach the remote and picturesque Poley Bay, an idyllic spot for a picnic. This section of coastline captures the wild, dramatic beauty that makes the Coromandel so special.

This morning, we head south into the hidden gem that is the Kauaeranga Valley, home to the stunning Pinnacles range. Once part of a chain of volcanic cones stretching along the Coromandel Peninsula, these ancient formations have been shaped by time into the striking outcrops we see today.

Our hike takes us along the Pinnacles trail, winding through regenerating kauri forest and passing one of New Zealand’s best-preserved kauri dams. The trail eventually leads us to the Pinnacles Hut, and from there, a short scramble to the top of the Pinnacles rewards you with breathtaking 360° views across the entire Coromandel Peninsula.

If hiking the Pinnacles isn’t your thing, you can opt for a more relaxed day exploring Coromandel Town. Discover the charm of the Driving Creek Railway, visit local artisan workshops, or simply enjoy the colourful cafés and laid-back Kiwi culture.

In the evening, we’ll dine at an award-winning local restaurant, where you can indulge in some of the region’s finest food and wine.

This morning, we head to one of the world's top twenty beaches, the stunning New Chums Beach. This pristine crescent of white sand, framed by pohutukawa and nikau palms, is completely untouched by human development, offering a truly unforgettable experience. (Please note this walk is tide-dependent.)

After a refreshing café stop nearby, we’ll continue to Buffalo Beach in the lively, sun-soaked town of Whitianga, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with beautiful ocean views.

On our way back, we’ll take a peaceful 30-minute stroll along the 309 Kauri Walk, admiring a majestic grove of ancient kauri trees. We’ll then ensure you get safely back to Thames between 3-4pm, Matamata between 4-5pm, or Rotorua between 5-6pm to meet your onward travel connections.