Coromandel, Family Activities

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  • Waimarino Adventure Park

    Located on the bank of the Wairoa River, Waimarino Adventure Park is a haven for all things recreational. There is a range of things to see and do at the Adventure Park, sure to suit a range of ages and adventure levels. You can kayak on the river, jump off the water trampoline, get high with the climbing wall, speed down New Zealand's only kayak slide, have a go on the Tarzan Swing, run towards the slip 'n' slide or relax in the warm thermal pool to name a few. There is so much to do you can easily lose a whole day trying all of the fun and exciting activities they have available.

    The perfect destination for those looking to get outside and have some old fashion fun, Waimarino Adventure Park has it all! With this one day pass you can gain access to the park and all of its exciting attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy (even the young ones). From October to April the park is open everyday - with the exception of Christmas Day - from 10am until 6pm and during the week only, with limited activities available, between May and September from 10am until 5pm.

     

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  • Aldermen Islands Scenic Boat Tour

    Enjoy a 2 hour scenic boat tour of the amazing Aldermen Islands.  Discover the unique chain of islands also known as the ‘Vanishing Volcanoes on a scenic boat tour of Alderman Islands/Ruamaahu Nature Reserve. Regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest diving locations, you may be surprised by the array of wildlife that can be found here. While out on the water, keep your eyes on the horizon for whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and sea birds in the glistening ocean waters of the Coromandel.

    Over the course of two hours, you’ll cruise past amazing ryolite domes, sweeping cliff faces stretching hundreds of metres vertically into the air and incredible flora and fauna. This magical place is waiting to be waiting explored. Book your spot on this scenic nature cruise for an unforgettable day out in the Coromandel exploring Alderman Islands.

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  • Cathedral Cove Jet Boat

    Far from your average boat tour, this white-knuckle jet boat ride to Cathedral Cove will see you reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and that's when you're not experiencing high-speed drifting, heart-pumping power slides and full 360-degree spins. Departing from Whitianga Wharf, the activity hub of the Coromandel, you will be provided with a life jacket and a full safety briefing before you set off on the fastest journey to Cathedral Cove you will ever experience. But it's not all about speed and exhilaration.

    Along the way, your professional jet boat driver will provide local history and witty commentary to keep you informed and entertained. For a unique jet boat ride that offers you a solid rush of adrenaline whilst providing spectacular views of the volcanic coastline, this is a thrill ride like no other. The Cathedral Cove jet boat ride is approximately 45 minutes and is exclusively limited to 10 guests per ride. Tours are available from October to April only.

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  • Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

    Pay a visit to one of New Zealand's most iconic coastal locations with this 2 hour tour to Cathedral Cove, famed for its marine and coastal beauty. Departing at 2 separate times throughout the day - 10:30am and 1:30pm - Join us to discover 12km of rugged volcanic coastline visiting nearby islands and stunning beaches. From the supreme comfort of our boat we’ll get you up close and personal with the impressive Cathedral Cove where Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia) was filmed.

    Cathedral Cove is just the beginning, you’ll explore Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Shakespeare Cliff and Hahei along the way. Venture across the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve where you’ll observe an abundance of marine and bird life. Step back in time and picture the spectacular geological process that helped form towering pinnacles, giant blowholes and huge sea caves including Orua Sea Cave, one of the largest in NZ and only accessible by boat. Throughout our unforgettable tour your local guide will highlight Mercury Bay’s rich and colourful history giving a perfect balance of information and time to soak up the sights and sounds.

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  • Ages 4+

    Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours

    The Cathedral Cove Classic Tour is an all-encompassing eco-adventure that has been rated as one of the best sea kayaking trips in the country by New Zealand's leading tour companies. You will explore beaches, rock gardens, islands and sea caves within the wonderful Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. You will have the chance to interact with some of the area’s gorgeous marine life and enjoy trying your hand at a bit of kayak sailing. When you enter the amazing Cathedral Cove, a serving of world famous cappuccinos and hot chocolates will delight you!

    Minimum age 4. Child price available.

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  • Kiwi Guardian Outdoor Adventures

    Get the kids outside to have some FREE family fun connecting with nature at Toyota Kiwi Guardians sites nationwide.

    Toyota Kiwi Guardians highlights family-friendly, treasure hunt style activities at specific Department of Conservation sites that encourage kids to engage with the outdoors and, ultimately, earn themselves a medal for their efforts.

    The goal of the conservation programme is to turn Kiwi kids into guardians of the land and sea.

    A total of 50 sites are operational nationwide. Families can get started on their adventure by downloading the appropriate “treasure hunt” map from: www.kiwiguardians.co.nz

    Click on the area of New Zealand nearest to where you are to find the choices available closest to home.

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  • Hahei Explorer Tour

    The Hahei Explorer is an hour long, travels up to 14kms, and takes the visitor into coastal islands of the marine reserve, reefs, massive sea caves and bays, including the world famous Cathedral Cove. The magnificence of this natural volcanic scenery is legendary and the approach by sea, combined with an insightful yet relaxed commentary further enhances the experience. Seating only ten passengers, this personalised tour caters for all age groups.

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    • Phone: 07 866 3910
    • Location: The Hahei Explorer departs from the south end of Hahei Beach. Beach access at end of Wigmore Cres.
  • Hot Water Beach

    Within two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the sand. Families and kids can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural springs. A must see to go and visit!

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  • The Waterworks

    A unique experience where you can play with interactive contraptions which are mostly made from commonplace bits and pieces. Try pumping water by bike power or listen to a water powered music box. There are playgrounds with a flying fox, swimming holes in the river and it is all set in gardens with trees, ponds and streams. They also have a café on site where you can buy food and drink or you can bring your own food, use the free BBQs or picnic in the grounds.

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    • Phone: 07 866 7191
    • Location: near Coromandel Town on the ‘309’ Road
  • Cathedral Cove - Coromandel

    Only accessible on foot, boat or by kayak, the famous Cathedral Cove is a 'must see' day out on the Coromandel. With several scenic tracks on land the 2 hour return walk to Cathedral Cove also gives access to Gemstone Bay and Mares Leg along the way.  This magical place makes for great day out with the family!

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    • Location: Coromandel
  • Driving Creek Railway and Potteries

    This is New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway along with a working pottery and wildlife sanctuary. The one hour return trip will take you through replanted native kauri forest and includes two spirals and three short tunnels as the train climbs up to the mountain-top terminus. Watch the glassblowers, brick makers and working potteries and there is a shop where you can buy the finished products, books and souvenirs.

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    • Phone: 07 866 8703
    • Location: Driving Creek Road, Highway 5 to Coromandel
  • Bay Carving

    Produce your own bone carving! In two to three hours with the help of Maurice, the World Renowned Carver, you can make your very own personal souvenir to take home. Carving takes two to three hours and prices depend on the design.

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    • Phone: 07 866 4021
    • Location: The Esplanade, Whitianga
  • Coromandel Goldmine Experience

    A guided tour takes you through an operational, 19th century Stamper Battery & into one of the richest goldmines of the time. A self-guided tour allows you to explore the photographic museum, view a video presentation, discover mining relics, see steam-powered machines, & become acquainted with our Cave Weta colony.

    Try your luck at gold panning!

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    • Phone: 07 868 8514
    • Location: Located on the corner of Moanataiari Road and State Highway 25, at the northern end of Thames
  • Glass Bottom Boat - Whitianga

    Enjoy the marine wildlife from the safety of a glass bottom boat in this unique two hour trip. View dolphins, penguins and the amazing fish life in the first Marine Reserve to be established in the Coromandel Peninsula. You can also snorkel (equipment is supplied).

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    • Phone: 07 867 1962
    • Location: 16 Monk Street, Whitianga
  • Hauraki Rail Trail

    The Hauraki Rail Trail is the easiest riding Trail in New Zealand, with various stages allowing for comfortable trail cycle rides. Choose from just bike hire or their 1 day guided bike trails right through to multi-day options for the more adventurous of families.

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    • Phone: 07 868 5140
    • Location: 407 Mackay Street, Thames, Coromandel
  • Ages 4+

    Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel

    Situated at the base of Cathedral Cove and only 5 minutes to Hot Water Beach, Hahei offers spectacular ocean diving and snorkeling trips both within the stunning Marine Reserve plus the outer islands, pinnacles and volcanic coastline outside of the Marine Reserve boundaries.

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    • Phone: 07 866 3955
    • Location: 48 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei
  • Ngatea Water Gardens

    The picturesque 5 acre property has funny signs and scenes throughout, and is complete with café/restaurant, giftshop, play area and quiz, and picnic areas. The wheelchair friendly path through the gardens will take you over bridges, past water lily ponds, waterfalls, waterwheels and magical fountains. You will be kept entertained by friendly hand fed birds and fish, plus fascinating turtles, said to be the oldest in New Zealand.

    Also set within the gardens is New Zealands only can museum, displaying over 10,000 different beer, soft drink and unusual cans from around the world.

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  • Cave Cruzer Adventures

    Enjoy the spectacular volcanic scenery of Cathedral Cove with its abundant marine life and crystal clear turquoise coloured water. There’s a good chance to see Blue Penguins and possibly Dolphins/Orcas.

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    • Phone: 07 866 0611
    • Location: Cave Cruzer departs Daily from Whitianga Wharf
Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.