🚂 Driving Creek Railway & Potteries – Coromandel’s Iconic Narrow‑Gauge Train Ride

Just 6.2 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel, Driving Creek Railway is one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions — and the country’s only narrow‑gauge mountain railway. This unforgettable one‑hour return journey winds through regenerating native forest, past whimsical pottery sculptures, and up a series of engineering marvels.

As the train climbs the hillside, you’ll travel through two spirals, three short tunnels, five reversing points, and across several large viaducts before reaching the famous Eyeful Tower, where panoramic views stretch across the island‑studded Hauraki Gulf.

Why Visit Driving Creek Railway

  • New Zealand’s only narrow‑gauge mountain railway

  • Scenic journey through native bush and pottery art installations

  • Unique engineering features including spirals, tunnels, and viaducts

  • Stunning views from the Eyeful Tower lookout

  • Great for families, couples, photographers, and railway enthusiasts

Gail & Kim’s Tip

Book ahead during summer weekends — it’s a local favourite and fills quickly. Best enjoyed: On a clear day when the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.

Just minutes from the motel, Driving Creek Railway offers a unique narrow‑gauge train journey through native bush, art sculptures, and stunning hilltop views — a must‑do Coromandel experience.
View from a trolley ride showing a wooden platform and railway tracks overlooking rolling hills and a bay in the distance.
Just minutes from the motel, Driving Creek Railway offers a unique narrow‑gauge train journey through native bush, art sculptures, and stunning hilltop views — a must‑do Coromandel experience.

💦 The Waterworks – Coromandel’s Quirkiest Eco‑Friendly Theme Park

Located just 11.5 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel, The Waterworks is one of the most unique attractions on the Coromandel Peninsula. This fun, eco‑friendly theme park is packed with over 70 water‑powered inventions, interactive gadgets, and laugh‑out‑loud contraptions — making it a must‑do for families, couples, and anyone who loves a good Kiwi adventure.

Spread across five acres of native bush, The Waterworks blends creativity, sustainability, and pure fun. It’s no surprise it has been voted a Top Kiwi Experience by AA Tourism and earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Why Visit The Waterworks

  • Over 70 interactive water features and quirky inventions

  • Beautiful native bush setting on the famous 309 Road

  • Perfect for families, groups, and playful adults

  • Award‑winning and consistently top‑rated by visitors

Gail & Kim’s Tip

Bring a towel and a change of clothes — chances are you’ll get splashed. Best enjoyed: On a warm day when you’re ready to laugh, explore, and get a little wet.

Waterworks — a fun, quirky adventure park filled with creative water‑powered inventions, bush walks, and hands‑on activities for all ages.
Waterworks — a fun, quirky adventure park filled with creative water‑powered inventions, bush walks, and hands‑on activities for all ages.
Waterworks — a fun, quirky adventure park filled with creative water‑powered inventions, bush walks, and hands‑on activities for all ages.

🌿 Kauri Block Walk – Scenic Bush Walk Near Coromandel Town

Located just 1.3 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel, the Kauri Block Walk is a beautiful 1.6 km return trail that takes around 1.5 hours to complete. This peaceful track winds through regenerating native bush filled with hundreds of young kauri trees, making it one of the most accessible kauri experiences in the region.

Why Walk the Kauri Block Track

  • Regenerating native forest with thriving young kauri

  • Gentle climb with stunning views over McGregor Bay and the mussel farms

  • Historic Pā site accessible via a short sidetrack, offering panoramic harbour vistas

  • Perfect for all fitness levels and ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and families

Local Tip from Gail & Kim

It’s a lovely way to walk into town — and the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a coffee, a meal, or something a little stronger once you arrive.

The Kauri Block Walk— an easy, scenic track leading to stunning town and harbour views.
Scenic view of a coastal landscape with water, islands, hills, and greenery.
The Tuck Bay Kauri Walk offers a peaceful forest track with lush native bush and gentle pathways — a beautiful nature walk just moments from the motel.

♨️ Hot Water Beach – Natural Hot Pools on the Coromandel Peninsula

Hot Water Beach is one of the Coromandel Peninsula’s most iconic attractions, located just 54 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel. Famous for its naturally heated springs beneath the sand, this unique beach lets visitors dig their own hot pool and relax in warm geothermal water while enjoying stunning coastal views.

Why Visit Hot Water Beach

  • Create your own natural spa pool within two hours either side of low tide

  • Thermal water up to 64 °C / 147 °F rises from two underground springs

  • Beautiful east‑coast scenery perfect for photos and relaxing

  • Great for families, couples, and nature lovers

Helpful Tips for Guests

  • Spade tip: Guests staying at Coromandel Seaview Motel can borrow spades free of charge when returning the same day. Otherwise, spades are available for hire at the nearby surf shop.

  • Best time to visit: Low tide — always check tide times before you go for the best experience.

Hot Water Beach — dig your own natural hot pool in the sand and relax as warm geothermal water rises beneath you, all set against a stunning sunrise coastline.
Hot Water Beach — dig your own natural hot pool in the sand and unwind as warm geothermal water rises beneath you, all set against a stunning Coromandel coastline.
Hot Water Beach — dig your own hot pool in the sand and soak in naturally heated water as the waves roll in and the sky lights up with colour.

🌳Kauri Walk – Long Bay

Just a 3‑minute stroll from Coromandel Seaview Motel, this easy 2.3 km loop track (up to 1 hour return) winds through peaceful native bush and showcases a magnificent 1,200‑year‑old kauri tree along with many younger kauri regenerating in the forest. The walk also offers sweeping views above Tuck’s Bay and out to sea — a perfect blend of nature, history, and scenery.

Track Details

  • 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 Information

  • Kauri Protection: Please clean your footwear at the shoe‑cleaning station on arrival and departure to help protect our precious kauri from dieback disease.

  • Toilets: Visitors are kindly asked to use the toilet located just outside the main entrance to the campground.

The Long Bay–Tucks Bay Kauri Walk starts right at the reserve entrance — a beautiful forest track winding through native bush with peaceful coastal views along the way.
ALong Bay–Tucks Bay Kauri Walk — an easy boardwalk through native forest with peaceful bush scenery and coastal glimpses along the way.
Long Bay–Tucks Bay Kauri Walk — an easy boardwalk through native forest with peaceful bush scenery and coastal glimpses along the way.

Waiau Falls – A Beautiful Stop on the 309 Road

Tucked along the remote and scenic 309 Road, Waiau Falls is a charming little waterfall that’s well worth the stop. It’s one of those classic Coromandel spots — peaceful, photogenic, and easy to reach.

What to Expect

  • Short Walk: Just an easy 80‑metre track (about 3 minutes) from the roadside.

  • Scenic & Relaxing: A picturesque cascade surrounded by lush native bush.

  • Great Photo Opportunity: Perfect for a quick nature break or a tranquil moment by the water.

  • Dog Access: No dogs allowed.

Make a Day of It

Waiau Falls pairs perfectly with nearby attractions on the 309 Road, including:

  • The Kauri Grove – a short walk through impressive mature kauri

  • The Waterworks – a quirky, family‑friendly adventure park

Together, they make for a memorable Coromandel nature outing.

Waiau Falls — a beautiful waterfall just off the 309 Road, perfect for a quick stop to enjoy clear pools, lush forest, and a peaceful Coromandel nature moment.
Sign for Wiaiu Falls showing a distance of 80 meters, a 3-minute walk, with icons for walking, swimming, no fires, no dogs, and a park symbol, indicating conservation area in New Zealand.
Waiau Falls — a beautiful waterfall just off the 309 Road, perfect for a quick stop to enjoy clear pools, lush forest, and a peaceful Coromandel nature moment.

Long Bay Motor Camp – Just a 5‑Minute Walk Away

Long Bay Motor Camp is one of Coromandel’s favourite coastal spots, and it’s right around the corner from Coromandel Seaview Motel. It’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors without needing to drive.

What You Can Do at Long Bay

  • Kayak & Paddle Board Hire Explore the calm, sheltered waters of Long Bay at your own pace.

  • On‑Site Boat Ramp Easy access for launching small boats, kayaks, and water toys.

  • Safe Swimming The bay’s gentle, shallow water makes it ideal for a relaxing swim.

  • Playground for the Kids A great spot for families to unwind while the little ones burn off energy.

  • Fishing & Water Sports Try your luck fishing from the shore or head out for a day on the water.

  • Direct Access to the Kauri Walk – Long Bay A beautiful coastal and bush track leading through regenerating kauri forest with lovely viewpoints.

Why Guests Love It

Whether you’re after a peaceful paddle, a family beach day, or a scenic bush walk, Long Bay offers something for everyone — and it’s all just a short stroll from your room.

Kayak hire is available at Long Bay Motor Camp — a great way to explore the calm waters and beautiful coastline.
Long Bay Motor Camp — a relaxed beachfront spot just around the bay, offering kayak hire, safe swimming, and easy access to the scenic coastal tracks.
Long Bay Motor Camp — a relaxed beachfront spot just around the bay, offering kayak hire, safe swimming, and easy access to the scenic coastal tracks.
Colorful kayaks on a sandy beach beside a blue body of water, with trees and hills in the background, under a clear sky.
Colorful playground equipment with a yellow slide, yellow kayaks in the foreground, and a pink-roofed play structure in the background, surrounded by trees and pink flowering bushes.