Coromandel Explorer Walking Tour
Come and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Coromandel that most people never see!
Jagged mountain peaks, stunning coastal views, waterfalls, abandoned gold mines and glistening white sand beaches make this a uniquely “kiwi” walking holiday. The trip involves four to seven hours hiking each day with a variety of grades from easy to hard. You will carry a daypack only; your guides take care of the rest. Hike the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, “The Pinnacles” and Coastal Walkway, plus contribute to local forest regeneration by planting your own Kauri tree. Small groups staying in boutique, 3-4 star (and super friendly) lodge accommodation near Coromandel Town.
Your legendary Walking Legends guides will collect you from your accommodation in Rotorua or Thames. Transport from Auckland can also be arranged.
Call Hilary: 
Coromandel Walk Full Itinerary:
Day One: Coromandel Walks
Duration: 4-6 hours walking
Grade: easy to medium
Your Coromandel adventure departs Rotorua and cuts through lush Waikato dairy-farm country beneath the Kaimai Ranges, before joining one of NZ’s classic coastal drives, the Coromandel west coast. A variety of short walks provide a great introduction to Coromandel’s diverse landscapes, from remnants of the booming gold rush to secluded waterfalls, imposing kauri forests and stunning coastal locations, giving you a real feel for the Coromandel.
Drive further up the Coromandel Peninsula in the late afternoon to reach your cozy accommodation, and settle in with a glass of wine and delicious meal.
Day Two: The Coastal Walkway
Duration: 6-7 hours walking
Grade: medium
Relish a delicious continental breakfast on the verandah of the lodge, including homemade muesli and bread.
Head north to the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to hike one of the best coastal walks in the country. The views from the track of the Pacific Ocean, Great Barrier Island and Mt. Moehau are well worth the climb. The track passes through farmland and native bush to reach the remote and beautiful Stony Bay. This stretch of coastline offers all the dramatic views that encapsulate the Coromandel.
Return to the lodge for another relaxing dinner and drinks.
Day Three: The Pinnacles
Duration: 5-7 hours walking
Grade: medium-hard
Enter the hidden world of the Kauaeranga Valley, home to the majestic Pinnacles range. The entire length of the Coromandel Peninsula was once a chain of volcanic cones. This chain has since been eroded and weathered to form the spectacular series of outcrops you see today.
The Pinnacles trail climbs through re-generating kauri forest, passing one of NZ’s best preserved kauri dams, eventually cresting the top of the range to reach the Pinnacles Hut. From the hut, a scramble to the top of the Pinnacles rock formation rewards you with 360° views of the entire Coromandel Peninsula and beyond.
Descend back to the hut, then choose to return to the carpark via the same route as the ascent, or a slightly longer route follows the Billygoat Track.
A fabulous day of walking is topped off with a celebratory meal at one of Coromandel town’s fine restaurants.
Day Four: Eastern Highlights
Duration: 4-6 hours walking
Grade: easy - medium
Travel east around the Peninsula towards Whitianga. Hike down to the golden sand beaches and azure green waters of the world-renowned Cathedral Cove for a picnic on the beach. Relax and absorb the natural beauty that Cathedral Cove has become famous for, amidst the bird and marine life that thrive within this precious marine reserve. Enjoy superb coastal walks at the Waitaia Kiwi reserve and Opito bay. The keen adventurers can also explore the 500 metre long gold mine at Broken Hills.
Opt to dig your own “spa bath” in the sand at Hot Water Beach (tide dependent), or visit the Lost Spring; a stunning, secluded thermal hot pool complex in Whitianga. Complete the loop of the Coromandel Peninsula, and return to Rotorua by 6pm.
Trip Details
The itinerary above is a guide only. In some instances the itinerary may be adjusted to suit weather conditions and group preferences. Your Walking Legends guide will take care of this.
Price: NZ
$1490 per adult, $1000 per child (8-15 yrs). Single supplement
$160. Sorry, the Coromandel Lodge is not suitable for children under
8 years of age.
Includes:
3 nights 3-4 star lodge accommodation; return Rotorua/Thames transport;
knowledgeable & experienced guide; entry to Lost Springs hot
pools; your own 5 year old Kauri tree to plant and name; all meals,
snacks, drinks, wine with dinner, but excluding last night’s
restaurant dinner.
Excludes: dinner
& drinks in restaurant on night three.
Accommodation:
Beautiful boutique lodge just south of Coromandel town.
Relax on the wrap-around verandahs or in the cozy lounge, and enjoy
the peace of rural views and sunsets. Twin, double and single rooms
available. Share bathrooms included or extra $65 per room for an
ensuite (subject to availability).
Departure Dates:
Alternative dates can be arranged – please ask!
2012 – Jan 3, 9, 23. Feb 6, 20. Mar 6, 19.
Apr 2, 16, 30
2012 – Oct 29. Nov 12, 26. Dec 10
2013 – Jan 7, 21. Feb 4, 18. Mar 4, 18. Apr 1, 15, 29
