When we moved our family of four from Australia to New Zealand to live in a motorhome, we honestly arrived with no plan at all. We’d done plenty of research on logistics, but not on itineraries. That first month of chasing the sun around the North Island gave us freedom to explore — and one place completely stole our hearts: The Coromandel Peninsula.

We went in with zero expectations and came away absolutely blown away. If you’re looking for a 7-day North Island itinerary with kids, you cannot miss the Coromandel.

Here’s exactly what we did, where we stayed, and how to spread it out into 7 unforgettable days.

🗓 Day 1–2: Coromandel Town

Stay: Top 10 Holiday Park Coromandel – only a 5 minute walk to the heart of town.

What to do:

• Hike the Kauri Block Walk – short, family-friendly, with amazing harbour views.
• Drive 10 minutes to Tokatea Hill Lookout for sweeping views (you don’t even need to leave the carpark, but the short 10 minute track takes you higher for an even better outlook).
• Grab lunch or dinner at the Star and Garter Hotel – relaxed and family-friendly.
• Treat yourself at the Coromandel Bakery. We went back three times in 2 days… they were that good!
• Finish at Waitete Bay for a peaceful beach stop or try your luck at fishing. Shaun caught a salmon off the rocks when we were there – that’s dinner sorted.

🗓 Day 3–4: Port Jackson

Stay: Port Jackson DOC Campground – absolute beachfront camping with grass sites right on the sand. This off-grid campground is hands-down one of our favourite stays in the North Island.

What to do:

• Watch the sunset over the ocean with a drink in hand.
• Hike around Frasers Campground over to Fletcher Bay Campground – winding hills with epic coastal views along the way.
• Try your luck fishing off the beach, or just relax while the kids play.

🗓 Day 5–6: Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach

Stay: Hahei Holiday Resort (Cathedral Cove) OR Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.

What to do:

• Cathedral Cove: From Hahei, either walk the 8 km return track from the caravan park or take the shuttle bus ($7 per adult, kids under 10 free) which saves the steepest section. From the drop-off, it’s about a 1.5 km walk to the cove. The scale of the rock formations blew us away.

• Hot Water Beach: Just 2 minutes from the Top 10 park. Dig your own natural spa pool in the sand with a $5 hired shovel from the caravan park. The water is heated by old volcanic magma 2 km underground, and in places the water reaches 65°C.

Tip: Visit 2 hours either side of low tide to access the small section of the beach with hot water.

Safety note: The water temperature can change suddenly — one step it’s cool, the next it’s scalding. Keep your little ones close!

🗓 Day 7: Slow Down & Explore Locally

Depending on where you stay, use your last day to slow the pace:

Wander Hahei township and enjoy a relaxed brunch by the beach at the local cafe.

Revisit your favourite spot (our pick: another soak at Hot Water Beach).

Or just spend a final morning letting the kids run free on the beach before packing up.

✨ 7 Day Coromandel Itinerary at a Glance

Final Thoughts

The Coromandel Peninsula was a highlight of our North Island travels. Rugged coastlines, hidden beaches, world-famous attractions, and small-town charm — it’s got it all.

We went in with no expectations, but came away saying: you cannot skip the Coromandel.

For more itineraries and information about travelling New Zealand and Australia with kids, check out our other blogs! And please let me know if you have any questions, id be happy to help!

❤ Britt
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