Coromandel Forest Park
Coromandel, New Zealand
The Coromandel Peninsula is a popular destination, but away from the beautiful beaches, the Coromandel Forest Park covers large parts of the peninsula’s interior. At the park’s center are the rugged Pinnacles, volcanic peaks with a range of long- and short-distance hikes available. Waterfalls, rivers, and relics from the Coromandel’s gold-mining and kauri-logging days are other park highlights.
The basics
Coromandel Forest Park is divided into three general zones—the Kauaeranga Valley, Broken Hills area, and Wentworth Valley—each with its own access points, sights, and hiking trails. Travelers typically come to the park to hike, as there are many scenic and challenging options throughout. Guided tours of the Coromandel Peninsula typically include sites like Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, but you’ll need to visit the Forest Park independently.
Things to know before you go
Hiking in the park is a backcountry experience, so come well-prepared with everything you’ll need. Campsites, cottages, and huts provide overnight accommodations, and most should be booked in advance.
The Kauaeranga Valley, accessible from Thames, has the most hiking options.
Whether you’re taking a short or long hike, avoid leaving valuables in your car. Remote parking lots are prone to car break-ins.
How to get there
State Highway 25 encircles the Coromandel Forest Park, but there are limited roads within the park itself. Access roads into the park tend to be gravel, so take care when driving. Otherwise, the park is a hiking destination. Thames, at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula and near the southern edges of the park, is about a 1.5-hour drive southeast of Auckland.
When to get there
Summer (December–February) is a very busy time on the Coromandel Peninsula, as it’s a favorite vacation destination among Aucklanders. However, summers here are hot, so not everyone will enjoy hiking then. Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) offer good conditions, though fall still tends to be quite busy in the park. Book huts or campsites in advance, especially in the summer.
Ride the Driving Creek Railway
If you’d like to experience the forests of the Coromandel but can’t (or won’t) hike in the Forest Park, check out Driving Creek Railway instead. A narrow-gauge railway in the mountains north of the Forest Park, accessible from Coromandel town, it winds through the bush up to a platform with great views. There’s also a pottery workshop on the same property, and zipline tours.
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