Coromandel — Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach

The Coromandel Peninsula is Auckland's favorite weekend getaway — a rugged coastline with ancient rainforest, hidden coves, and two of the North Island's most famous natural wonders: Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

★★★ Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei)

Cathedral Cove is a natural rock arch framing a picturesque white sand bay — known as a filming location for the Narnia movies and one of New Zealand's most photographed spots. Access is via a 45-minute walking track (2.5 km one way) through coastal rainforest with pōhutukawa trees, whose gnarled roots grow over the path. Along the way, you pass Stingray Bay (a quiet beach often deserted) and have several viewpoints over the coast.

The rock arch itself is cathedral-sized — hence the name. On both sides stretch white sandy beaches, and the water is crystal clear and calm (more sheltered than the open sea). Best visited at sunrise — then you're almost alone and the light falls golden through the arch. Alternatively by kayak from Hahei (from 110 NZD, 3 hours) — you paddle along the cliffs, through rock arches and sea caves, and reach hidden bays inaccessible on foot. On the way back, view the Te Hoho Rock, an iconic needle-shaped rock formation.

★★★ Hot Water Beach

Just 15 minutes' drive south is Hot Water Beach — one of the world's most bizarre beaches. Under the sand flows geothermally heated water from an underground spring, and at low tide (2 hours before and after low tide!), you can dig your own thermal bath in the sand with a shovel.

How it works: Arrive 1 hour before low tide (check the tide table beforehand — one is posted at the café by the parking lot!). Rent a shovel at the Hot Water Beach Store (5 NZD). Walk to the marked area of the beach (you'll feel the warmth underfoot!). Dig a hole (about 50 cm deep) and form a dam. The hot water (up to 64°C right at the source!) fills your pool. Mix with cool seawater until the temperature is bearable. Lean back and enjoy your personal thermal bath under the open sky, with the sound of the surf as a backdrop.

CAUTION: The water can be scaldingly hot in places! Always test carefully with your hand before sitting down. Never let children dig unsupervised. At high tide, the hot area is submerged and not usable — timing with the tide is absolutely crucial.

★★ More Coromandel Highlights

New Chums Beach was chosen by Lonely Planet as one of the "last unspoiled beaches in the world" — only accessible on foot (30 minutes through rainforest and across a ford, wadeable at low tide), no infrastructure, pure nature enjoyment. Golden sand, turquoise water, pōhutukawa trees to the beach — and often you're completely alone.

The Pinnacles Walk in the Kauaeranga Valley (8 km one way, 3–4 hours, including steep ladders at the end) leads through lush rainforest with giant tree ferns to the Pinnacles — pointed rock spires with a panoramic view over the entire peninsula. Overnight stay in the DOC hut possible (25 NZD/night). The Driving Creek Railway (Coromandel Town, 42 NZD) is a quirky narrow-gauge railway built by potter Barry Brickell through his rainforest garden — 1-hour ride through tunnels, over bridges, and a spiral ramp to the viewpoint. Unique and lovingly crafted.