This tour of Coromandel takes in Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove and Paku Hill. We usually drive just over 2 hours to Hot Water Beach where we dig a hole in the sand in the middle of the beach. This hole fills up with hot water from under the sand and in a very short time, we have a small hot water pool which we can soak in.
As the hot water under the sand is only accessible 2 hours before and after low tide, we have to time our visit for this time, so sometimes we go to Cathedral Cove first. We usually have a picnic (bring your picnic lunch) on the grass area near the carpark and then drive a short distance (about 15 minutes) to Cathedral Cove carpark. A 45 minute walk takes us to the beach and archway at the cove. This walk requires a moderate level of fitness. Cathedral Cove is a stunning area with the iconic archway and interesting rock formations. It was a setting in the Narnia movies, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian.
Finally, we go to Paku Hill in Tairua where a short walk takes us to the top which offers spectacular views over beaches and islands in the area. We stop for dinner on the way back to Auckland and if it is dark and there are no clouds, we often stop to view the stars, including the Milky Way on the return journey.
- $80 – minimum 2 passengers – maximum 7 passengers
- Depart 8.30 am
- Just over 2 hours to Hot Water Beach / Cathedral Cove
- About 2 hours return journey
- Return about 9.30 pm
- Pick up at your hotel / home (Auckland central area*)
- Bring swimsuit and towel
- Bring your picnic lunch or contact me to arrange one for you ($10)
- Bring some cash / card for dinner
- Advance bookings advised
*If outside this area, contact me to see if pick up is possible