Taupō and Coromandel have an abundance of activities for visitors and locals to
enjoy. Here are some gems in these areas you may not have been to yet or heard about through the grapevine. Summer is the perfect time to check them out.
What to do this summer in Taupō and Coromandel
Rotorua Daily Post
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A visit to Craters of the Moon is a unique experience. Photo / File - Vivian Needham
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The main walkway is a 40-minute loop, but you can add 20 minutes to the walk if you go up to the lookout.
There are numerous steps to climb to the lookout, but the view is worth it.
The unique landscape around this cratered valley, along with the steam rising, really does make it seem like you are in another world.
Once you've finished this geothermal experience you can have a browse through the shop, which is perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
It is an awesome experience for a small admission price.
2. Mine Bay Māori rock carving
The Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori rock carving is accessible by boat only and can be reached by taking a scenic cruise, sailing boat or kayaking trip from Taupō Boat Harbour.
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The giant carving, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the lake, is a breath-taking sight.
Towering 14m above the deep water of Lake Taupō, the carving has become an iconic tourist attraction in the North Island.
This is an incredible contemporary Māori artwork, so head along and let yourself appreciate and soak in the Māori heritage it represents.
3. Waipahihi Botanical Reserve
A piece of floral paradise can be discovered at Waipahihi Botanical Reserve.
Throughout the reserve there are numerous walking trails. These usually have a theme, such as rhododendron, camellia, kauri and the floral walk.
Enjoy the tranquillity of walking among native trees, and hearing the rustle of leaves and singing of birds.
You can also make the most of overlooking the Taupō township and taking in the view of Mount Tauhara and the lake with the mountains in the distance.
Many picnic tables and seats are provided, and children can have fun playing and exploring.
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Waipahihi Reserve is at the top of Shepherd Rd. It is open until dusk each day.
4. Riverside Park
If you're after a morning or afternoon relaxing in a beautiful green space, then Riverside Park might just do the trick.
Situated within the Tongariro Domain, Riverside Park is on the banks of the Waikato River.
The park is the home of the Riverside Market on Saturday mornings throughout the year, and it also houses the amphitheatre, which is used for outdoor concerts.
Take a blanket and some food and drinks along on a nice day to enjoy a tranquil picnic along the river. Or make use of the seating and tables at the park.
5. L'Arte Cafe and Gallery
Those who enjoy art or are foodies will love L'Arte Cafe and Gallery - and if you love both, then this is sure to be a haven for you.
L'Arte is described as a visual and edible feast, with a cafe and gallery set in an art-filled garden, complete with an outside mosaic living room. Attached to the gallery is the working pottery studio.
Relax as you enjoy some food and drink in the picturesque surroundings, and this visual delight is also bound to present plenty of inspiration for those keen to get out the camera and snap up some great shots for social media.
6. Luck at Last Mine
This forest track provides a scenic walk to old gold mine ruins where you can view old mining relics.
Winding through a forest landscape, the track descends to the old level carriageway bounded by native trees and the Wharekawa stream.
This walk is two hours return, and people are asked to take care as old mine workings can be dangerous.
This track is about 7km north of Whangamatā, on Taungatara Rd.
7. Driving Creek Railway and Potteries
Families can climb aboard and enjoy a scenic one-hour return train ride, travelling through regenerating and replanted native kauri forest with unique pottery sculptures and tile murals lining the track.
The railway includes two spirals, three short tunnels, five reversing points and several large bridges taking you to the top of the hill, with spectacular views.
As well as the railway excitement, there is plenty more to check out, including items and souvenirs for sale, outdoor artworks on display and a predator-free wildlife sanctuary.
8. Whiti Farm Park
Animal lovers will be able to spend hours at Whiti Farm Park, meandering through to meet and interact with its animals.
The park is home to domestic farmyard and exotic, birds, animals and reptiles in a safe, clean environment.
You can make a day of it by taking along a picnic, and children can explore the farm machinery, a train, a fire engine and more.
Whiti Farm Park is 30 minutes north of Tairua and 10 minutes south of Whitianga on the main highway (State Highway 25).
9. Broken Hills Puketui
Immerse yourself in the beautiful nature as you explore Broken Hills Puketui.
Once a thriving mining town, the regenerating bush is now inhabited only by birds and interesting creatures living in the old mine tunnels.
19km south of Tairua at Hikuai, a small road opposite the turnoff to Pauanui leads you into the Department of Conservation area of the Puketui Valley. Here there are several walks of up to two hours.
If you embark on this adventure on a hot day, you can cool off in one of the waterholes.
10. Pig Man's Farm
Coromandel's 309 Rd is one of those roads that you feel like you are driving down forever.
However, only those who have driven the length of it would know about the hidden gem somewhere in the middle of the 22km road.
As you come down a bushy straight, you will see an opening and right before your eyes hundreds of pigs and piglets fill the road.
This is when you've come across Pig Man's Farm that sits on either side of the road and in the middle of it too.
Visitors can park up and get out to play with the pigs, which are mostly friendly and open for a pat.
Pigs of all colours, shapes and sizes trot all around the new guests and are always good for an animal selfie - but don't worry, they know when to get out of the way when it's time to go!
