The eastern coast provides the iconic experiences: dig your own geothermal hot pool at Hot Water Beach, walk or kayak to Cathedral Cove, and swim in clear Pacific water at beaches largely uncrowded outside the summer holidays.
The Driving Creek Railway at Coromandel Town is obligatory — there is nothing quite like it anywhere in New Zealand. The heritage gold-mining history in Thames and surrounds rewards a morning.
Walking tracks in the Coromandel Forest Park range from half-day valley strolls to multi-day ridge traverses. The Pinnacles, accessed from Kauaeranga Valley, are the most popular overnight walk.