Things to do in Coromandel in Winter
Andrea Thackwray 
23 June 2025 
When most people think of Coromandel, they think of the sun and summer crowds. But winter reveals a quieter and magical side of this coastal gem. The cold air, fewer tourists, and dramatic landscapes make it a perfect time to explore at your own pace. Whether you're after outdoor adventures, scenic views, or cosy experiences wrapped in nature, there are many things to do in Coromandel in winter.
Cycling Adventure - The Gold Rush Tour
Interested in Gold? Ride from the historic town of Paeroa through most popular section of the Hauraki Rail Trail, the awe inspiring Karangahake Gorge to the Goldmine town of Waihi. Don't rush, you have all day to explore ...Cycling Adventure - The Gold Rush Tour
Waihi, Coromandel
If you are in Coromandel during the winter and want some adventure with the right amount of sightseeing, you need to participate in the cycling adventure. The Gold Rush Tour is a self-guided adventure from Paeroa to Waihi. You can ride through the most sought-after part of the Hauraki Rail Trail. And this is no ordinary bike trail where there are just barren fields around you. Here you will pass through various landscapes like the Owharoa waterfall, gold mining places and a railway tunnel. And we understand that winter and cycling make you hungry, so we have arranged a lunch at the Waikino Station Cafe. Do not fret, as this lunch is on us!
And if the cycling gets to you by this point, you can learn about the place’s history at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre. This is not a place where you just observe; there are many interactive activities planned for visitors. You get to work the drill, handles, and push the plunger in the centre. If you do not want to cycle your way back, don’t worry, as there is a shuttle service back to Paeroa.
StargazingTours
Explore southern night sky treasures; Milky Way, Moon and planets from our pristine dark sky site using research grade telescope in rotating dome. Handle meteorites older than Earth, sit inside giant sundial, take a jou ...Stargazing Tours
Whitianga, Coromandel
If you are spending your winter in Coromandel and want something magical once the sun goes down, you should absolutely take part in the Stargazing Tours. This isn’t your average night sky walk with just a pair of binoculars. You’ll be using a research-grade telescope inside a rotating dome at a dark sky site. From the Moon to the Southern Cross, from distant galaxies to meteorites older than Earth, everything becomes part of your evening. And because it’s winter, the skies are clearer, making the stars even more visible. Plus, you get to handle real meteorites and explore a 25-metre-long scale model of our solar system.
And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also walk through a full geological timeline, starting from the Big Bang all the way to today. With rare fossils and minerals to guide you, it’s like walking through Earth’s entire history in one evening. And the fun isn’t just for science buffs, families and kids will love the hands-on experiences like sitting inside a giant sundial or learning how Māori navigated using the stars. It’s a truly unique winter experience in Coromandel that might just change the way you see the sky forever.
Full Monty Tour- Cathedral Cove Boat Tour
Ocean Leopard Tours is based in beautiful Whitianga, Coromandel. Our scenic boat tour showcases Mercury Bay’s stunning coastal paradise, taking you from Whitianga down to Cathedral Cove and beyond. We explore beautiful ...Full Monty Tour - Cathedral Cove Boat Tour
Whitianga, Coromandel
If you're in Coromandel this chilly season and are dreaming of a sea adventure without getting soaked, the Full Monty Cathedral Cove Boat Tour is the perfect experience. You’ll cruise along 12km of volcanic coastline wrapped in the comfort of a purpose-built boat, so even in cooler weather, you stay warm and dry. The highlight? Getting up close with the iconic Cathedral Cove, yes, the very one from Narnia. But that’s just the beginning. You'll glide past coastal gems like Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Shakespeare Cliff, and Hahei. Along the way, you’ll cross through the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot all kinds of marine life and seabirds doing their winter thing.
And the geological formations are just as impressive as the wildlife. You’ll pass dramatic sea cliffs, ancient blowholes, and even explore the Orua Sea Cave, one of the largest in the country and only reachable by boat. The local guide keeps the vibe relaxed but insightful, sharing Mercury Bay’s stories while giving you space to take in the raw beauty around you. Winter might not be the traditional season for sea tours, but the calm atmosphere, smaller crowds, and crisp visibility make this one a seriously special experience.
Cycling Adventure - Easy Cheesy
Enjoy a relaxed ride through our lush countryside and have lunch at the award winning Matatoki Cheese Barn.
With fam animals throughout the property to be fed and petted, this is perfect tour for the whole family.Cycling Adventure - Easy Cheesy
Waihi, Coromandel
If you’re spending the cold season in Coromandel and want a gentle adventure that pairs great views with even better food, the Easy Cheesy cycling tour is just what you need. This half-day ride starts in Thames and takes you through peaceful farmland all the way to the award-winning Matatoki Cheese Barn. It’s perfect for everyone, from families to solo wanderers, because the trail is completely off-road and as easy as a ride gets. And yes, the cheese barn lunch is on us, so you can refuel with something delicious before heading back.
What makes this even more special in winter is the calmness of the countryside, think cool, crisp air and quiet paths lined with green fields. And if you’re travelling with little ones, they’ll love meeting the friendly farm animals at the Cheese Barn. You can feed them, pet them, and enjoy the laid-back farm vibes before cycling back to the Thames. It’s a wholesome experience that blends nature, fun, and food in just the right way for a cosy winter day out.
Sea Cave Adventures Whitianga
Covering over 25km of iconic Coromandel hotspots between Whitianga and Hot Water Beach, this trip is rich in Maori history, wildlife and photographic opportunities!
Come join us for an authentic local experience at t ...Sea Cave Adventures Whitianga
Whitianga, Coromandel
If you want something both thrilling and scenic, Sea Cave Adventures from Whitianga should be at the top of your list. This isn’t your regular boat tour; it’s a 25km coastal adventure that takes you from Whitianga to Hot Water Beach, covering the best of Coromandel's rugged beauty. You’ll explore the world-famous Cathedral Cove, cruise through the Big Bay Blowhole without leaving your seat, and twist through lava tubes beneath an ancient volcano at Waitaia Sea Cave. Don’t worry about missing the views, every seat offers a front-row experience.
Winter adds its own charm here with clearer skies, quieter seas, and fewer crowds, so you can enjoy every photo opportunity without the rush. One of the highlights is gliding into Orua Sea Cave, one of the largest in New Zealand, only accessible by boat. Along the way, you'll hear fascinating stories of Māori history and spot native marine life around the Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve. It’s the kind of tour where you feel both the power of nature and the stillness of the season, all wrapped into one unforgettable winter outing.
Final Thoughts
So don’t let the season hold you back, winter in Coromandel is anything but dull. It offers a unique charm that summer simply can’t compete with. With fewer people around, you get more space to explore, better photo sessions, and a chance to enjoy each activity without the rush. Whether you're into stargazing, sea adventures, or cheese-fueled cycling trips, there's something here for everyone.
Andrea Thackwray
