THINGS TO DO IN COROMANDEL, NEW ZEALAND

The Coromandel Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most iconic holiday destinations, famous for its beautiful beaches, native forests, scenic walks, historic attractions, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic escapes, fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the sea, there's something for everyone.

Looking for the perfect place to stay while exploring the region? Coromandel Seaview Motel offers comfortable sea-view accommodation just minutes from Coromandel Town and many of the area's most popular attractions.

Explore our Studios, learn more About Us, or Contact us for bookings and enquiries.

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

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.
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.

🚂 Driving Creek Railway & Eyeful Tower

Located just 6.2 km from Coromandel Seaview Motel, Driving Creek Railway is one of the Coromandel's most popular attractions and New Zealand's only narrow-gauge mountain railway.

This unforgettable one-hour return journey winds through regenerating native forest, pottery sculptures, tunnels, spirals, and impressive viaducts before reaching the famous Eyeful Tower lookout.

Why Visit Driving Creek Railway

  • New Zealand's only narrow-gauge mountain railway

  • Scenic journey through native bush

  • Fascinating engineering features

  • Spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf

  • Suitable for families, couples, and photographers

Gail & Kim's Tip: Book ahead during busy holiday periods. The views from the Eyeful Tower are best enjoyed on a clear day.

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

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.

💦 The Waterworks

Located on the famous 309 Road, The Waterworks is one of the Coromandel Peninsula's most unique attractions.

Set amongst native bush, this quirky eco-friendly park features more than 70 interactive water-powered inventions and hands-on exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages.

Why Visit The Waterworks

  • Over 70 interactive attractions

  • Beautiful native bush setting

  • Fun for kids and adults alike

  • Award-winning visitor experience

Gail & Kim's Tip: Bring a towel and a change of clothes. Getting wet is part of the fun!

🌿 Kauri Block Walk – Scenic Bush Walk Near Coromandel Town

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.

🌳 Kauri Block Walk

Just 1.3 km from the motel, the Kauri Block Walk is a peaceful bush walk featuring regenerating kauri forest and stunning harbour views.

Why Walk the Kauri Block Track

  • Beautiful native forest

  • Hundreds of young kauri trees

  • Scenic harbour and bay views

  • Historic Māori pā site

  • Suitable for most fitness levels

Local Tip: Walk into Coromandel Town afterward and enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the local cafés.

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

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.

♨️ Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is one of New Zealand's most famous natural attractions and is well worth the drive from Coromandel Town.

Natural geothermal springs rise beneath the sand, allowing visitors to create their own hot pools during low tide.

Why Visit Hot Water Beach

  • Dig your own natural spa pool

  • Unique geothermal experience

  • Beautiful coastal scenery

  • Great for couples and families

Helpful Tips

  • Visit within two hours of low tide.

  • Guests can borrow spades free of charge when returning the same day.

🌳Kauri Walk – Long Bay

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.

🌲 Kauri Walk, Long Bay

Only a short stroll from the motel, this easy loop track passes through native bush and features an impressive 1,200-year-old kauri tree.

Track Details

  • Easy grade walk

  • 2.3 km loop

  • Up to 1 hour return

  • Starts from Long Bay Motor Camp

Important Information

  • Use footwear cleaning stations to help prevent kauri dieback disease.

  • Public toilet facilities are available near the campground entrance.

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.

Why Stay at Coromandel Seaview Motel?

Coromandel Seaview Motel offers peaceful sea-view accommodation just 1.5 km from Coromandel Town and close to many of the Coromandel Peninsula's most popular attractions. Whether you're visiting Driving Creek Railway, exploring Cathedral Cove, fishing local waters, or enjoying the beaches and walking tracks nearby, our comfortable accommodation provides the perfect base for your Coromandel holiday.

Looking for the right place to stay in the Coromandel? Explore our Studios, learn more About Us, or Contact us for bookings and enquiries.

🏖️ BEACHES & NATURE EXPERIENCES

New Chums Beach (Wainuiototo Bay)

Often listed among the world’s most beautiful beaches. A short bush walk leads to pristine white sand and turquoise water.

Hot Water Beach & Cathedral Cove

Dig your own natural spa at Hot Water Beach and explore the world‑famous rock arch at Cathedral Cove.

🌱 TOP FREE THINGS TO DO IN COROMANDEL

Waiau Falls

A short, easy walk to a picturesque waterfall — perfect for a refreshing swim.

Kauri Grove Walk

Experience towering kauri trees on this peaceful forest track.

Long Bay & Tucks Bay

Sheltered beaches ideal for swimming, picnics, and sunset views.

Coromandel Town Heritage Walk

Explore historic buildings, gold‑mining sites, and charming local streets.

👨‍👩‍👧 BEST FAMILY ACTIVITIES

  • The Waterworks

  • Driving Creek Railway

  • New Chums Beach adventure

  • Fishing & boat trips with local operators

❤️ ROMANTIC SPOTS IN COROMANDEL

Sunset at Wyuna Bay

One of the best sunset locations near Coromandel Town.

Cathedral Cove

A world‑famous natural archway — perfect for couples.

Hot Water Beach

Dig your own natural hot pool in the sand.

Coromandel Coastal Walkway

A breathtaking full‑day adventure for couples who love hiking.