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Routes · Oceania

Kuala Lumpur to New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula

Kuala Lumpur → Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel Peninsula
"00 23 1006 Coromandel Peninsula, NZ - Coromandel, McGregor Bay.jpg" by W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Auckland skyline - May 2024 (2) (Auckland)
Photo: elpinto007, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hot Water Beach & Cathedral Cove Best season (general guide): Dec–Mar

The Coromandel Peninsula, east of Auckland, has beaches, forest and small towns. This route spends six nights on the peninsula. From Kuala Lumpur you'll fly to Auckland. At Hot Water Beach, hot water rises through the sand near low tide, and visitors dig their own pools. Cathedral Cove has a rock arch between two beaches.

Whitianga is a base for boat trips. The Driving Creek Railway climbs through native forest. Kauri forest grows in the hills. December to March is summer.

Good to know: Roads are winding. Check tide times for Hot Water Beach.

Auckland airport is the gateway, and the drive to the Coromandel takes a few hours. A car is essential, as public transport on the peninsula is limited. The roads are narrow and winding, with many one-lane bridges, so drive carefully. Hot Water Beach is busy around low tide, so arrive early, and bring a spade or hire one locally. Cathedral Cove is reached by a walk or boat trip, and access may change after storm damage, so check the latest status. Whitianga has the most services, with restaurants and accommodation. Kayaking and boat trips explore the coast. Accommodation books up in summer, especially around holidays. Bring sun protection, as the sun is strong. Evenings can be cool, so pack a warm layer. Swim at patrolled beaches, as rips are common.

The peninsula's west coast is quieter, with small settlements and views across the gulf. Walks in the forest park near Thames lead to old gold mining sites and kauri trees. Follow hygiene rules at forest entrances to protect the trees. Arts and crafts studios dot the peninsula, and some open to visitors. Plan a slow last day near Auckland before the flight home. In clear weather the peninsula can be seen from Auckland, 55 kilometres away across the Hauraki Gulf, and almost all of its people live on the narrow coastal strips.

Suggested outline

  1. Kuala Lumpur

    Start

  2. Coromandel Peninsula

    By air · 6 nights suggested

    Beaches, forest and a coastal road.

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Coromandel Peninsula — Arrive in Auckland; drive to Coromandel· Kuala Lumpur → Auckland (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day, then Auckland → Coromandel Peninsula (overland)
  2. Day 2 · Coromandel Peninsula — Driving Creek
  3. Day 3 · Coromandel Peninsula — Whitianga
  4. Day 4 · Coromandel Peninsula — Cathedral Cove
  5. Day 5 · Coromandel Peninsula — Hot Water Beach
  6. Day 6 · Coromandel Peninsula — Rest day
  7. Day 7 · Coromandel Peninsula — Travel home from Coromandel Peninsula· Coromandel Peninsula → Auckland (overland), then Auckland → Kuala Lumpur (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Coromandel Peninsula

Nearest airport: Auckland Search fares · Auckland ↗

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