Seaside Tourism’s at Its Best on the
Coromandel Coastal Walkway New Zealand

Coastal tourism is at its best on the Coromandel Coastal Walkway in New Zealand. Walking, hiking, biking, birding, trout fishing, and more are premium adventure travel activities on this part of the New Zealand map. Moreover, volcanic remains, jagged mountains, scenic beaches and coves make this coastal region perfect for a vacation walkabout.

The walkway explores deserted bays, coves, inlets and bushy valleys as it overlooks turquoise waters from high bluffs perched along the coast between Fletcher and Stony Bay. Walks are generally easy, except for a few short, steep climbs which are still not too difficult.

The very top of the peninsula, at Fletcher Bay, is where the Coromandel Coastal Walkway New Zealand begins and continues to Stony Bay. The peninsula is found about 2 ½ hours away from Auckland. The walkway can be explored in either direction.

There are several ways to enjoy this prime example of New Zealand great walks, one of the most beautiful, which lends phenomenal views of coastline scenery and offshore islands. One is to do a round-trip hike (6 to 8 hours of walking time). Highlights include forested and cascading streams on the eastern Stony Bay side, and a tramp through the peninsula’s tallest mountain, Mt. Moehau.

Another option is to join Coromandel Discovery Tours. This private New Zealand tour company busses through winding pohutukawa lined coastal roadway, stopping for coffee at Colville. Participants then start their hike at Fletcher Bay on a three-hour walk through pristine bush, farmland, and coastline with Mt. Moehau in the background, to be retrieved at Stony Bay.

Cost for the full day adventure is $90, based on two people, from Coromandel town, and is dependent on coastal weather. Area roads are gravel and somewhat hazardous, but worth the effort to see spectacular scenery on Coromandel Coastal Walkway.

Another alternative is mountain biking along the coastal bay. And if camping is your idea of Coromandel accommodation, there are Department of Conservation campsites to be found along the coastline at Waikawau Bay, Fantail Bay, Stone Bay, and Fetchers Bay. Tents can be pitched within a few meters of deserted beach.

Hotel, motel, B & B’s, lodge and backpacker hostel selection is slim north of Coromandel Coastal Walkway. Clean and comfortable, though tiny, New Zealand accommodations can be found at Colville Farm Backpackers. This fun farmstay includes horse, glowworm, and cow milking encounters. It’s a popular spot for trampers who want to park their backpacks to lighten their daytime load.

Another base for walks in the woods or coastal exploration is Fletcher Bay Backpackers, next to the Coromandel Walkway trailhead. This facility is run by the Department of Conservation and has only 16 beds, so booking is essential.

Coromandel Coastal Walkway takes those who visit the top of the Coromandel Peninsula on a New Zealand vacation tour of breathtaking scenery where no cars travel. The beauty and solitude found there are not to be missed.