A Small Town with Big Charm

With only about 1,800 residents, Coromandel Town—often simply called Coromandel—packs a cozy punch well above its weight. The town is small, but it acts as a service center for the northern Coromandel Peninsula and a popular summer holiday destination for New Zealanders. After spending time here, we can easily understand why.

A Harbor Shaped by History

In 1820, the British naval ship HMS Coromandel anchored in the harbor to collect kauri timber for shipbuilding. The town eventually took its name from this ship.

The harbor later became an important port for the kauri logging industry and played a key role during the 19th-century gold rush on the peninsula, shaping the rugged frontier character that still lingers in the surrounding hills.

Artists, Seafood, and a Laid-Back Vibe

Today, Coromandel is known for its artists, craftspeople, and alternative lifestyle communities. It’s also a hub for mussel farming and local seafood.

The main street is a cool mix of restaurants, shops, craft breweries, bars, and cozy coffee houses, giving the town an easygoing but lively atmosphere.

Where We Stayed

We spent two nights in town at the charming Olive Motel, a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area.

Where We Ate

We enjoyed two delicious meals at what might be the best restaurant in town, Pepper Tree Restaurant. It features a stylish interior and a lovely garden patio outside.

We highly recommend trying the local green-lipped mussels and the lamb shank—both were outstanding.

Drinks and Craft Beer

For our evening libations, we had several great drinks at the historic Star and Garter Hotel.

Meanwhile, Coromandel Town Supply offered a fantastic selection of craft beer, along with a very enjoyable tasting option.

Coffee and Local Crafts

Our caffeine fix came courtesy of the excellent hole-in-the-wall café Naughty Bean Coffee.

Right next door, we popped into the very cool artisan shop Copperworx, the perfect place to pick up a unique handmade copper souvenir.

A Perfect Base for Exploring

Coromandel Town proved to be an excellent base for exploring the peninsula—whether discovering hidden green groves, driving epic gravel roads zig-zagging through the countryside, or exploring the rich gold-mining history of the surrounding hills.