The cottage sits on Driving Creek Road, just outside Coromandel Town on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. Here’s what’s close by, from a short walk to full-day trips. Travel times are approximate; check road and track conditions before you go.
Within walking distance
- Driving Creek Railway. A short walk up the road. The narrow-gauge mountain railway was built by the potter Barry Brickell and climbs through regenerating native forest to the Eyefull Tower lookout, with views across the Hauraki Gulf. There’s pottery and art on site too. Book ahead in summer.
- The Whangarahi Stream. Right beside the cottage. Listen for tūī and kererū in the mornings.
Coromandel Town (a few minutes’ drive)
- Cafés, galleries and shops along the main street of this historic gold-mining town.
- The harbour and wharf. Fishing and harbour trips leave from here; local seafood, including smoked fish and mussels, is a Coromandel speciality.
- Coromandel School of Mines and Historical Museum for the town’s gold-rush history. Check opening days before you go.
Walks, waterfalls and beaches
- Long Bay Scenic Reserve. A sheltered beach a short drive west of town, with a bush walk through native forest.
- Waiau Falls and the Kauri Grove on the 309 Road (a winding gravel road east of town, about 20–30 minutes’ drive). Short walks to a waterfall and to large kauri trees. Stay on the tracks and clean your shoes at the stations to protect the kauri.
- Castle Rock. A steep walk to the top of an old volcanic plug, with views over both coasts. Allow about 1.5 hours return.
Day trips
- The far north of the peninsula and the Coromandel Coastal Walkway (between Fletcher Bay and Stony Bay). A long drive north on gravel roads, with remote beaches and coastal views. Allow a full day.
- The east coast: Whitianga, Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Around an hour or more by road. Check the Department of Conservation website for current access to Cathedral Cove, and time Hot Water Beach for two hours either side of low tide.
Getting here
Coromandel Town is about two and a half hours’ drive from Auckland, along the scenic Thames coast road (State Highway 25). We send the exact address and arrival instructions before you arrive.
Before you go
- Tracks and parks: check doc.govt.nz for track closures and alerts.
- Roads: Coromandel roads can close in heavy weather; check NZTA Journey Planner before travelling.
- Emergencies: call 111. More safety information is in the house rules and safety page.
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