Taste of the Coromandel Peninsula Guided Walk

Admiring the view along the Coastal Walkway on the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula | Kylie Rae

Enjoying a break from the walk and some local fare | Nature & Nosh

Azure waters of the Coromandel Coast

When a walk leads you to discover nature's blend

Admiring the view along the Coastal Walkway on the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula | Kylie Rae

Enjoying a break from the walk and some local fare | Nature & Nosh

Azure waters of the Coromandel Coast

When a walk leads you to discover nature's blend

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

Guided walk

Accommodation

2 nights hotel, 2 nights boutique lodge

Meals

2 Dinners
3 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Price

5 daysfrom

$3250NZD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: GCC

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Trip highlights

Explore a combination of spectacular Forest, Coastal, and River walks at your own pace, with an experienced local guide
Enjoy sampling a diverse range of local and seasonal produce from Wine and cheeses, to coffee and Gin. All locally produced.
Indulge in gourmet two and three course meals (in Waihi)
Award-winning gin tasting at a micro-distillery
Relax in the comfort of a boutique lodge at the foot of the Coromandel ranges
Experience a real kiwi pub dinner at the Historic Waikino Hotel

Embark on a journey of coastal and forest based guided walks, and a unique mixture of tastings with some of our finest gourmet artisans. There are many local treasures to discover in The Coromandel Peninsula, a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The best way to find the most secret of these is by harnessing the local knowledge of your guide. Walk scenic coastal paths to quiet coves with white sand beaches and magnificent views over sparkling turquoise bays, discover historical River Gorge and forest trails that meander through ancient native Kauri tree stands. Fuel your taste buds with delectable three course evening meals packed with seasonal produce matched with local wines. Visit an award-winning gin micro-distillery and sample tasty treats from the region at every opportunity. Staying in boutique Lodge accommodation and carrying only a day pack, this is the ideal way to experience the Coromandel Peninsula and its stunning surrounds. One of New Zealand's favourite holiday spots!

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Auckland

Make your own way to Auckland and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. The city is New Zealand's largest, both in area and population and hence is often mistakenly thought of as the country's capital. Spend some time exploring the gardens and open spaces of The Domain, wander through the fascinating War Memorial Museum for a glimpse into Maori history and culture, visit the Sky Tower for spectacular 360 degree views, visit an art gallery, cruise the harbour, wander the foreshore or explore the shops. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all budgets and tastes.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Auckland to Waihi Beach via Waiomu and Matatoki (Walk 5km, 2.5 hours)

After being collected from the meeting point in Auckland, stop for morning tea at a quaint country cafe and art Gallery, before arriving at our first trail at Waiomu. A gentle walk in this diverse ecological area containing regenerating forest allows a glimpse into the past with some of the most impressive Kauri stands that remain in the country. Here, we bath in the serenity and share a picnic lunch before the return walk out. Then onward to Matatoki for a tasting with an award winning organic cheese-maker. Finally we set out north, to the coastal settlement of Waihi Beach where your Luxury Lodge retreat awaits. Unpack and unwind here, for two nights. Take the chance to relax with nibbles and a drink this evening, while the local chef prepares your meal with the freshest local produce of the season.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Walk Homunga Bay to Waihi Beach (Walk 9km, 4-5 hrs)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while admiring the view, before travelling a short distance to the coast where the Homunga Bay Track begins. Stunning views are a theme today as you follow the coast alongside three different bays to Waihi Beach. With turquoise-coloured water, white sand beaches and magnificent Pohutakawa trees (especially if they are blooming with their red flowers) the contrast is superbly picturesque. A picnic lunch by the beach along the way allows time to absorb the beauty of Nature's canvas. On completion of the walk at Waihi Beach, return to the lodge to freshen up before dinner out and the first of our tour's two gin tastings at the historic Kiwi pub, the Waikano Hotel.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Waihi Beach to Auckland via Waitawheta Gorge walk (Walk 19km, 6 - 8 hours)

With an earlier start this morning, we take a short drive to a hidden valley that leads to the Waitawheta River. Meander along the banks and follow the footsteps of pioneers of the old logging trail as it passes through the spectacular cliffs and bluffs of the gorge. We stop to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch with locally roasted Pinnacles coffee. During the walk, historical landmarks are dotted throughout with a suspension bridge, waterfall and old logging site along the way. This is a varied track with many photographic opportunities. Take the time to kick off your boots and bathe your feet, or have a refreshing dip as there are a few fresh water swimming pools along the way. We arrive back to our transport on the same track for the return trip to Auckland, for the last night of your stay. Choose from the many and varied dining options in the central city, at your leisure.

Meals: B,L

Day 5
Depart Auckland

After a buffet breakfast this morning, your arrangements conclude.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

2 nights hotel accommodation in Auckland (twinshare) with private bathroom
2 nights boutique lodge accommodation (twin share) with ensuite bathroom
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Return transfers from Auckland
Private transport in comfortable air-conditioned vehicle throughout the Coromandel
Professional local guide
Two or three course evening meals every night (except in Auckland)
A glass of New Zealand wine, beer or non-alcoholic drink of choice each evening (except in Auckland)
Group food and wine tastings mentioned in the itinerary
Group first aid kit

What's not included

Travel to Auckland on Day 1 and onward travel from Auckland on Day 5
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Beverages other than drinking water and those included with evening meals
Optional activities, extras and upgrades (such as single supplement, massage, purchases of specialty food items to take home)
Items of a personal nature (eg. laundry, shopping, internet)
Daypack (large enough to fit a lunch box and water bottle); a limited number of daypacks are available for hire if required (must be requested in advance)
Personal hiking gear and walking poles; a limited number of walking poles are available for hire if required (must be requested in advance)
Single supplement if you prefer to have your own room
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

Trail Surface

Bush Track

A narrow formed trail that is approximately a single person width. These are usually smooth, compacted earth surfaces which can be pleasant underfoot in dry weather but muddy and slippery in places after rain. The surface can also be fine shingle/ gravel in places or grassland. This type of path can also include wooden bridges, stone or timber steps, uneven surfaces with tree roots, small rocks, and sometimes large boulders to scramble around or over.

Beach

Some sections of coastal track follow the beach where tides permit. Beaches are mostly sandy and this can be either soft or firm and compact underfoot depending on the tide level. Shallow estuary crossings may be necessary at low tide and some rock-hopping around headlands may also be required.

Accommodation

Hotel - Auckland

Accommodation is on a twinshare basis in modern rooms with tea and coffee facilities. All linen is provided and bathrooms are ensuite. Laundry facilities are available. The property has an inhouse restaurant and is also conveniently located for dining out options, shops, local walks, points of interest and the ferry terminal. There is mobile phone reception and wifi available.

Boutique-style lodges

These private properties are either lodge, bed & breakfast or cabin style and are generally in secluded, picturesque locations with personable local hosts who offer warm hospitality. Staying two nights at each location means there is less packing and unpacking of bags. Rooms are twinshare and most have ensuite bathrooms, with some rooms sharing a bathroom depending on the size and layout of the property. Meals are often taken where ocean or bushland views are optimised.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 4 These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking from 2 - 8 hours a day at a slow but steady pace with elevation gains of up to 550m on the hard day. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Track surfaces each day will vary, but most are on very well maintained paths of either gravel, dirt, or rocks. You will get the most out of this tour if you have a good base level of fitness and hiking experience. Our guides allow plenty of time for short breaks for water, refreshments, photos and interesting pointers on the way. For us, its about the journey! Your fitness preparation should include climbing and descending stairs, hills or sand dunes on uneven terrain. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise - swimming, cycling, jogging, stair or hill walking - three times a week for three months prior to your journey. Training with a daypack of about 7kg is recommended as you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items during the walking stages of the trip.

Departure dates

Notes

This trip needs a minimum of 4 confirmed passengers for guaranteed departure

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$3250NZD

Options & Supplements*

Single supplement (own room)NZD$590

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Taste of the Coromandel Peninsula Guided Walk trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Trip reviews

Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.

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