Coromandel Town

With its relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, Coromandel attracts talented artists and craftspeople from around the country - inspired not only by the tranquil atmosphere, but also by the spectacular natural surrounds. The discovery of gold at Driving Creek in 1852 brought a boom to Coromandel Town, and the area has continued to flourish while retaining much of its history from those times. Colville Town, once the centre of the Kauri milling industry, is now a quiet country town serving the arts and farming communities.

COROMANDEL TOWN’S special character with restored heritage architecture stems from the pioneering days of timber and gold. Enjoy our modern shops with friendly service.

DRIVING CREEK RAILWAY

A remarkable 1-hour+ train ride on a world-class narrowgauge mountain railway, passing through kauri forest and great engineering marvels. The line climbs to the new terminus, the Eyefull Tower, with its stunning panoramic views. Ph: 07 866 8703.

DRIVING CREEK POTTERIES & CRAFT SHOP At the railway station see our wide range of handcrafted clay products, working potteries, innovatively designed kilns. Sculpture garden, book & craft shop, literature on ecology & local history

GOLD STAMPER BATTERY
(2km north)

See the huge 104-year-old quartz stamper driven by NZ’s largest working water wheel & get some gold.

FISHING & HARBOUR CRUISES Several choices for day and shorter excursions. Information Centre: Ph 07 866 8598 for details.

WAITATI GARDENS Right next to the Stamper Battery. This garden is the winner of a NZ Garden of Distinction Award with its beautiful layout. Just 0.5km up the road visit the Tairaire gardens with lake and picnic areas.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Several of NZ’s finest artists live around Coromandel Town district. Visit their studios or the several craft shops and galleries for which the town is becoming recognised.

The Coromandel Peninsula Craft Trail brochure has more information.

Further North

Coromandel Discovery Tours offers a range of tours that explore the quirky Coromandel township and the remote Northern Coromandel. Coromandel Coastal Walkway:  Combining a coastal drive with self-guided walk. The walk itself is an easy 3-4 hour self-guided walk crossing farmland, weaving along ridges with coastal views and through native NZ bush finishing at picturesque Stony Bay. BOOKINGS: 0800 668 175