Where to stay on the Coromandel Peninsula – Best accommodation in the Coromandel

The Coromandel Peninsula is a summer favorite for many Kiwis, travelers, and also for me! I love coming back here and discovering the stunning bays, beaches, and forests. This part of new Zealand packs in a punch and offers anything from relaxing beach getaways to fantastic hikes and rich heritage.

But the Coromandel Peninsula is deceivingly big and there is no shortage of places to stay so sometimes it might be hard to decide where to stay. Lucky for you, I can help! Over my many trips to the peninsula I’ve explored the Coromandel wide and large and have come to know this area really well.

The first thing you’ll need to decide is if you want to spend the whole time in one place or if you’ll be moving around (I suggest the latter). Then you need to pick what town(s) you’ll be staying in as well as your lodging of choice, and that’s where this guide really comes in handy.

This guide to accommodation in the Coromandel will give you:

1. All the information you need to make an informed decision
2. A geographical breakdown to help you pick the best area/town to stay in the Coromandel Peninsula
3. A selection of the best accommodation options for each town, budget, and type of accommodation

Where to stay on the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is quite big and there are many towns where you can choose to stay at, each one with its own charm and attractions nearby.

If it’s your first time in the Coromandel Peninsula, then I recommend you stay in Whitianga and/or Whangamata. They both offer a stunning beach as well as a great selection of accommodation, bars restaurants and shops. If you can split your time between both you’ll be able to explore most of the peninsula on day trips.

Where to stay in Whitianga

Best for: Town amenities, beach, easy access to tours
Known for: Mercury Bay, Lost Springs, boat tours
Read next: Coromandel Road Trip – best things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula
See deals: Whitianga accommodation

Whitianga is the next town over from Coromandel and a great hub to base yourself if you’d like to do some of the boat tours from Whitianga, like a Glass Bottom tour to Cathedral Cove.

This is the biggest city on the peninsula with the most accommodation options and a big choice of things to do, including the fabulous Lost Springs Spa. There are many tours and activities that start from Whitianga and here you’ll find all the stores and amenities you need.

Best things to do in Whitianga:

1. Visit the Mercury Bay Museum to explore local history and exhibits about early navigators and kauri logging.
2. Take a glass-bottom boat trip or a sailing tour to explore the famous Cathedral Cove and Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.
3. Discover The Lost Spring Spa, a tropical-themed spa retreat with multiple temperature pools and poolside food and cocktails.

Where to stay in Hahei

Best for: A quiet beach holiday and visiting Cathedral Cove
Known for: The beach, Cathedral Cove
Read next: Your guide to visiting Cathedral Cove
See deals: Hahei accommodation

Hahei is a picturesque seaside village located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.

The village provides easy access to a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking, while also offering tranquil settings and breathtaking views for a peaceful retreat.

Hahei Beach is a highlight of the area, featuring soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.

Explore the nearby marine reserve and take the scenic walk (set to reopen this summer) or boat tour to the iconic Cathedral Cove, a must-see destination with its beautiful rock formations.

Best things to do in Hahei:

1. Visit the beautiful Cathedral Cove, renowned for its breathtaking archway and cliffs.
2. Explore the local marine life and coastal beauty with a kayak tour around Hahei and to Cathedral Cove.
3. Relax and swim at the stunning Hahei Beach.

Where to stay in Whangamata

Best for: Surfing and chill vibes
Known for: The surf, Donut Island, summer events
Read next: Paddling to Donut Island
See deals: Whangamata accommodation

Whangamata is by far my favorite town on the Coromandel. While smaller than Whitianga it is much more vibrant and has that surfer’s town kinda vibe.

In the summer months, the whole town comes alive with loads of cool bars, eateries (try Soul Burger!), and of course the surf shops, not to mention the surf beach and perfect baby waves for learning.

Whangamata is also home to Donut Island and kayaking there is definitely a highlight of any Coromandel trip.

Best things to do in Whangamata:

1. Learn to surf at the popular Whangamata Beach.
2. Kayak to Whenuakura Island (Donut Island) to see its unique lagoon.
3. Enjoy a walk through the Wentworth Valley for a panoramic waterfall view.

Where to stay in Thames

Best for: A quick stop-over or if you have an early start the next day
Known for: Hauraki Rail Trail, vicinity of The Pinnacles and God Canyon
Read next: Coromandel Road Trip – best things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula
See deals: Thames accommodation

If you’re driving down from Auckland then Thames, located at the southwestern edge of the Coromandel Peninsula, will most likely be your entry point onto the Coromandel Peninsula.

Thames is a sleepy town known for its gold mining heritage. If the mining history interests you, Thames is home the Thames School of Mines and Coromandel Goldfields Centre, that delve into its fascinating past.

The town serves as the gateway to the Coromandel and offers close proximity to spectacular nature walks, such as the famed Pinnacles Walk in the nearby Kauaeranga Valley.

Thames is a small town with a few pubs and restaurants and limited accommodation options. To be perfectly honest, there isn’t much to do or see but you might consider spending the night here if you’re planning on hiking the Pinnacles or doing this Canyoning tour the next morning.

Best things to do in Thames:

1. Go canyoning to slide down 10 waterfalls and swim through natural pools with stunning views.
2. Drive the scenic Thames Coastal Road to Coromandel town.
3. Explore the Thames Historical Museum for insights into local history.

Where to stay in Coromandel Town

Best for: A laid back holiday, walks and nature lovers
Known for: Arts & crafts, Driving Creek Railway
Read next: Coromandel Road Trip – best things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula
See deals: Coromandel town accommodation

Coromandel town is the Northernmost town on the peninsula. If you took the ferry from Auckland this is where you’ll get off.

Coromandel Town is known for its artistic atmosphere and historic charm. In this quaint town, with its colonial architecture and lush rainforest surrounds, you can indulge in fresh seafood, explore local galleries, and even join a pottery class.

Staying in Coromandel Town allows you to immerse themselves in a slower pace of life while enjoying easy access to beautiful beaches and walking trails. This is also a great place to stay if you’d like to drive up to Port Jackson or do the Coastal Walkway.

Best things to do in Coromandel Town:

1. Ride on the Driving Creek Railway for scenic views of the native forest and creative pottery.
2. Glide through the native forest on this Zip Line Adventure (includes a railway ride)
3. Enjoy fresh local seafood at one of the town’s restaurants.

Where to stay in Waihi Beach

Best for: Beach holiday
Known for: Beautiful sandy beach
Read next: Coromandel Road Trip – best things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula
See deals: Waihi Beach accommodation

Waihi is located at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, in the southern part of the peninsula, towards Tauranga.

Waihi Beach is renowned for its long, sandy shores and friendly beach town vibe. With nine kilometers of pristine coastline, it’s a paradise for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike.

The town is conveniently positioned near the Karangahake Gorge, offering magnificent hikes and historic walks and biking paths through stunning scenery.

Waihi Beach is a popular holiday destination and can get quite busy, but there is plenty of accommodation options to go around.

Choosing to stay at Waihi Beach provides the perfect backdrop for a classic Kiwi beach holiday, complete with vibrant local cafes, charming shops, and the opportunity for both relaxation and adventure.

Best things to do in Waihi Beach:

1. Swim or surf at the beautiful Waihi Beach.
2. Take a walk or cycle along the scenic Karangahake Gorge.
3. Explore Orokawa Bay for a secluded beach experience.

Where to stay in off-beat Coromandel

Best for: Unplugging, nature lovers
Read next: Coromandel Road Trip – best things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula
See deals: Coromandel accommodation

The Coromandel Peninsula offers some incredible views, almost tropical-looking beaches, and dense forests. It is perfect for all nature lovers who’d like to get away from it all and there are plenty of unique and remote accommodation options for you to choose from.

This is the kind of accommodation you choose for the ultimate retreat. The kind where time is irrelevant and the stress tension in your neck and shoulders magically disappears, and you rediscover the small joys of life.

The below suggestions are a collection of the most unique places to stay in Hvar that range from opulent villas to simple cabins and tents. What they all have in common is that they’re remote, beautiful, and give you easy access to some of the most breathtaking beaches on Hvar island.

I would highly recommend having your own wheels if staying at the below places, this way you’ll be able to get to a groceries store and explore the rest of the peninsula.

Off-beat Coromandel:

1. Explore New Chums Beach, a beautiful and less crowded spot accessible only by foot or boat.
2. Take the 309 Road for quirky attractions and breathtaking natural scenery like Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove.
3. Discover the art installations and interesting innovations at The Waterworks on 309 Road.

Camping in the Coromandel

Freedom camping is strictly prohibited in the Coromandel and heavily patrolled. There are some free campsites (well, more like car parks) for Self Contained vehicles only and they fill up early in the afternoon during the summer months so you need to be quick.

If you are not traveling in a Self Contained van you will have to stay at DOC campsites, Holiday Parks or Hostels (most have a few spots for campers).

What you need to know before choosing your Coromandel accommodation

The Coromandel Peninsula is big

The Coromandel Peninsula isn’t as small as it might look on the map. Getting from one side to the other can take hours so make sure to plan accordingly. If you’d like to explore the whole peninsula I’d recommend staying in a few different places as opposed to doing day trips.

The roads are narrow and windy

Not only the distances aren’t as small as they might appear on the map, but the roads aren’t that great either. Most roads are quite narrow and windy. Always account for some extra time to get from A to B as the google maps estimate isn’t always reliable and it will take you quite a bit longer if you’re not used to the roads.

Also, keep in mind that route 306 and the roads north of Coromandel town are all gravel roads and there is no tarmac.

Book well in advance

The Coromandel is a popular summer retreat for kiwis and tourists alike. During the summer months (Dec-Feb) everyone rushes to this beach destination and the best accommodation gets booked out quickly. If you’re visiting in the high season it’s recommended you book your lodging well in advance to get a good deal. On top of that you must keep in mind that most private hosts will only rent out for stays of 2 or more nights so your picks will be slimmer for one night stays.

Getting to the Coromandel Peninsula

You can either drive to the Coromandel or take the ferry from Auckland. It is definitely recommended to rent your own wheels to be able to better explore the peninsula.

Auckland to Thames: It is 114 km from Auckland to Thames and the drive takes 1.5 hours.

Auckland to Coromandel town: It is 168 km from Auckland to Thames and the drive takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. The ferry across the gulf takes about 2 hours.

Tauranga to Waihi Beach: It is 58.8 km from Tauranga to Waihi Beach and takes 50 minutes.

Rotorua to Waihi Beach: It is 111 km from Rotorua to Waihi Beach and takes 1.5 hours

Best time to visit the Coromandel

Coromandel is definitely a popular beach destination and if swimming and sunbathing is your jam, then you should visit in Summer when the weather is hot and dry. But keep in mind that the Coromandel is very busy in the summer and you will need to book everything in advance.

The best time to visit the Coromandel is late spring and early autumn when it’s not too busy and the weather is fantastic. It might not be as hot as in the peak of summer but the days are long and the weather is still dry and sunny, perfect to explore every nook and cranny of this beautiful area of New Zealand.

From June on, the Coromandel goes into winter hibernation. A lot of the shops and restaurants close, the days are short, the crowds are gone and the beach has a completely different look and feel.

Tide times Coromandel

Some of the activities and attractions in the Coromandel can only be accessed during low tide, or a couple of hours on either side of low tide to be exact. Keep this in mind when visiting New Chums Beach, Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach (should you choose to join the pigs in the mud). During high tide access to these attractions floods and becomes dangerous. You can check Coromandel tide times here.

Planning a trip to the Coromandel?

The Coromandel Peninsula is stunning and so incredibly diverse. There is so much to do and see here, and I’m sure you’ll love this little corner of New Zealand, just as you will love the rest of the country.

To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of New Zealand travel guides and you can find out more about the Coromandel Peninsula in the articles below.