A 2–3 Day Itinerary Through Coromandel Town, The Far North, And Beyond

DAY 1: WELCOME TO COROMANDEL TOWN – NATURE, ART, & ALES

Morning: Driving Creek Adventures

• Start your day at Driving Creek:
  • Ride the narrow-gauge railway through regenerated native forest.
  • Explore the pottery gallery, workshop and sculpture trail.
  • Take a guided zipline tour through the canopy, a fun and eco-conscious adventure supporting their conservation work.

Lunch in Coromandel Town

• Grab lunch at a local favourite, there is plenty to choose from.
• Take a slow wander through the town’s artisan shops, galleries, and heritage buildings.

Afternoon: Local Craft & Scenic Lookouts

• Head to the Coromandel Town Supply Brewery for an afternoon tasting paddle and stories with locals.
• Option: take a short drive or walk to Waiomu Kauri Grove or the Waiau Falls / Kauri Grove track for a peaceful late afternoon nature fix.

Stay Overnight: Coromandel Town or at Aota Lodge or Shelly Beach TOP 10.

DAY 2: COASTAL WILDERNESS – NORTHERN TIP ADVENTURES

Early Start + Drive to Fletcher Bay (2 hrs from Coromandel Town).

• Set off early for the scenic coastal drive north to Fletcher Bay – the northernmost tip of the peninsula, where the Coastal Walkway
• Expect a mix of sealed and gravel roads, dramatic coastlines, and remote beauty.

Day Activity: Coastal Walkway

• Start the walkway at either Stony Bay or Fletcher Bay. 
• Hike and Bike offer transport to and from the walk, with bike hire options also available.
• Walk as far as the elevated lookout point for sweeping views over Great Barrier Island and the Pacific Ocean.
• The trail follows farm and coastal tracks with grazing sheep, rocky outcrops, and native bush – a perfect taster of the far north’s raw beauty.

Stay Overnight: Coromandel Town / Colville area.

DAY 3 (OPTIONAL/SEASONAL): WHITIANGA AND MERCURY BAY MAGIC

Morning Drive: Coromandel Town to Whitianga via 309 Road

• Take the winding 309 Road for a scenic cross-peninsula drive.
• Stop at:
  • Waiau Kauri Grove and The Waterworks, if you didn’t get there in day 2.

Late Morning: Whitianga Wander

• Explore the relaxed coastal town:
  • Grab coffee at the many local café’s and dining establishments.
  • Browse galleries and boutiques along the Esplanade.

Optional Activities:

• Take a boat tour or kayak trip to explore Cathedral Cove and the volcanic coastline.
• Soak at The Lost Spring thermal pools for one last indulgence.
• Ferry across to Cooks Beach for a stroll or lunch at Mercury Bay Estate.

Lunch & Departure:

• Enjoy lunch in Whitianga before heading onward or back.