🚂 Driving Creek Railway & Potteries

Just 6.2 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel, Driving Creek Railway is one of New Zealand’s most popular train rides — and the country’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway.

Travel through regenerating native forest, with whimsical pottery sculptures lining the track. This 1-hour return journey features two spirals, three short tunnels, five reversing points, and several large viaducts as it climbs to the Eyeful Tower, offering panoramic views over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf.

Gail and Kim’s tip: Book ahead during summer weekends — it’s a local favourite and fills up fast! Best enjoyed: On a clear day, when the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking..

💦 The Waterworks

Just 11.5 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel, The Waterworks is New Zealand’s wackiest, quirkiest, and funniest eco-friendly theme park — a must-do Kiwi experience!

Spread across five acres of lush native Coromandel bush, this one-of-a-kind attraction features over 70 water-powered inventions, interactive contraptions, and laugh-out-loud fun around every corner.

Voted a Top Kiwi Experience by AA Tourism and awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, The Waterworks is a hit with visitors of all ages.

Gail and Kim’s tip: Bring a towel and a change of clothes — you might get wet! Best enjoyed: On a warm day when you’re ready to splash, laugh, and explore.

🌿 Kauri Block Walk

Just 1.3 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel, the Kauri Block Walk is a scenic 1.6 km return trail (about 1.5 hours) that winds through regenerating native bush filled with hundreds of young Kauri trees.

The track climbs gently above the harbour, offering spectacular views over McGregor Bay and the mussel farms below. Don’t miss the short sidetrack to the historic Pā site, where you’ll be rewarded with even more breathtaking vistas.

Gail and Kim’s tip: It’s a beautiful way to walk into town — and a great excuse to treat yourself to a coffee, a meal, or something a little stronger once you arrive..

♨️ Hot Water Beach

Just 54 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel, Hot Water Beach offers a truly unique experience — dig your own natural spa pool right in the sand!

Within two hours either side of low tide, you can dig into the beach near the offshore rocks, where hot water (up to 64 °C / 147 °F) rises from two underground springs. Relax and soak in your own thermal pool while enjoying the coastal scenery.

Spade tip: We offer spades free of charge for guests returning the same day. Otherwise, spades can be hired from the nearby surf shop..

Best enjoyed: At low tide — check tide times before heading out!

🌳 Kauri Walk – Long Bay

Just a 3-minute stroll from Coromandel Seaview Motel, this easy 2.3 km loop (up to 1 hour return) winds through beautiful native bush, including a majestic 1,200-year-old kauri tree and many younger kauri. The track also offers sweeping views above Tuck’s Bay and out to sea.

Track category: Easiest
Length: 2.3 km loop
Walking time: Up to 1 hour
Distance from town centre: 3 km

Track start: Long Bay Motor Camp Parking: Day-use parking available on the left by the sea. Cross the carpark to begin the walk.

Important:

Please clean your footwear at the shoe-cleaning station on arrival and departure to help protect our precious kauri from dieback disease.
Visitors are kindly asked to use the toilet located just outside the main entrance to the campground.

Waiau Falls

Tucked along the remote 309 Road in the northern Coromandel Peninsula, Waiau Falls is a charming little waterfall that’s well worth the stop.

Just a short 80 m walk (about 3 minutes) from the roadside, this picturesque spot is perfect for a quick nature break or a peaceful photo opportunity.