Off the Beaten Track in the Coromandel: Hiking New Chums Beach

In this piece, Kimberly, an Auckland local, takes us to the Coromandel where she went off the beaten track hiking New Chums Beach and facing her fear of heights. She shares her tips and extensive knowledge of things to do and places to eat in the Coromandel far from the madding crowd to all her favourite secret spots. Enjoy!

When I tell people we’re heading up to our secret spot in the Coromandel, they always ask where that is.

Whangamata? Hot Water Beach? Cathedral Cove?

Nope. It’s somewhere much quieter, secluded, and precious to the locals. Here’s a retelling of going off the beaten track in the Coromandel and hiking to the summit at New Chums Beach.

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Matarangi: our secret spot in the Coromandel

Matarangi, up on the north end of the Coromandel, is where time stands still and you can get away from it all. It’s a 3.5 hr drive from Auckland and offers the quaintest small-town vibes.

The local Four Square carries everything you might need. A wee library sits between the Liquor Store and Pipers Café, operated with an honesty box. A General Store has an array of necessities and eclectic gifts, and also serves as a go-to place for fishing supplies. And it doesn’t take long to strike up a conversation with the locals.

The best homemade pizza in the Coromandel

So what do you do in a humble little beach town? First stop should be the Dunes Restaurant for the best homemade wood-fire pizza with views over the golf course. The restaurant is proud owner of a massive pizza oven that most city restaurants dream of having. It’s a highlight to watch them spin and twist the pizza.

It was there that I met a Coromandel local who gave me some adventurous tips on hiking New Chums Beach.

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Hiking New Chums Beach in the Coromandel

Hiking New Chums Beach is one of the secret gems in the Coromandel. It’s one town over from Matarangi in Whangapoua. And it’s been on my to-do list for years.

You can start the trek from the centre of Whangapoa. Here you’ll find Whangapoa Beach Store where you can grab a cold drink and some amazing pastries before heading out.

Or drive down to the end of Tangiora Avenue until you reach a car park. If you’re lucky, Whangapoa Catering will be there, where Di makes the best frozen yogurt cones and sundaes. It’s the perfect treat on a hot day.

If you plan to hike here, note that dotterel nest over at New Chums Beach, so dogs are not permitted. Also do check the tides to cross river streams and ensure you have enough time to return.

Wander past the traditional kiwi bach’s on the beach toward the rocky boulders. Stay close to the tree line and follow the meandering path out to the peninsula. Overall, the hike is 30-40 min.

The Adventurous Trek to the Lookout

Per the local’s tips, when you come over the saddle of the ridge, you’ll find stairs that lead down to the beach. But there’s also a rougher path to the right that leads up to the lookout. It’s steeper and not for the faint of heart, nor is it recommended after rain.

This no-so-worn path leads up towards the lookout ridge of Motuto Point and gets very narrow. The boulders are helpful to clasp and lift yourself up. I was focused along the way didn’t realize how high we were climbing.

After grabbing tree roots and ensuring each step was secured, we came to the first lookout. This was where I caught my first glimpse of New Chums Beach and I was awe-struck.

The rolling waves landed on the curved beach like a postcard. We stood there to catch our breath and take in the vast views.

Facing my fear of heights at the summit

Remembering the local’s tips, we ventured further up the rocks to reach the summit.

I have a fear of heights and encountered a couple who had turned around out of fear of going further. I had a moment when negative thoughts crept in. Should I push forward or retreat? Knowing your limitations is important.

Most mentors will tell you that when you get to the other side of your fear, you’ll wonder what you were afraid of. This for me was one of those moments.

Once we got up there… we found heaven. There were 360 views of brilliant turquoise ocean pumping out the waves. And the islands floated in the middle of the ocean looking like they do in your dreams.

With an outcropping of large boulders, we climbed up for that dream shot. Down below, people the size of ants enjoyed a day at the beach.

I took a few moments to enjoy the view with the wind blowing slightly over the ridge and the smell of sea salt deep in my lungs. This day will always remind me to step through my comfort zone and enjoy the moment of accomplishment.

Lessons learned from that place beyond your fears

Here’s what I learned from the top of the summit.

When you hear negative voices in your head, harness memories of strength to push them out. Moments when you pushed through the discomfort and rediscovered joy.

These memories help us push through our daily challenges. Knowing how to anchor the feelings of success and confidence enables us to tap into our potential.

Back down to New Chums Beach

Climbing back down to the beach wasn’t hard. Walking through the Pohutukawa forest and Nikau palms was a much more tropical walk. Within 15 min the path opened to the beach.

The white sugar sand stretches 1.5 km and is flanked by two headlands. This sets the beach up for strong swells and secluded privacy.

As you walk, searching for that perfect spot for your towel, you’ll notice pink colours in the sand and rock. Native Pohutukawa trees cover the cliff faces with no houses or human in sight… for now. It’s that one beach you’ll never forget visiting.

Nowadays with quarantine and border closures, we are all locals. It’s by far the best time to visit New Chums and all the other quaint towns like Whangapoua, Matarangi, Kuaotunu, and Opito Bay.

5 other secret spots in the Coromandel:

• Whangapoua: Follow Te Punga Road until you can’t go any further. There’s a gate across the road and on the right, you’ll find a smooth creek. Walk down to a rope hanging from an overhanging pohutukawa tree, calling your name for a plunge.

• Walk along the headland in Matarangi past the Dunes Golf Club. You’ll see dotterels and oyster catchers nesting and the sand below your feet is like cotton candy.

• Matarangi Bluff Walk: this winding old road has some great lookouts, perfect for a bike ride, a walk, or some fishing. It’s a perfect spot for photographers to catch the sunset on Matarangi Beach.

• Luke’s Kitchen is the last restaurant on your way to Opito Bay; both are worth the trip. It overlooks the bay, has a chill vibe, great food, drinks, and more wood-fired pizza. 

• Drive out to Opito Bay: this is a road to nowhere and at the very end is a seaside village becoming a hot spot for million dollar homes. It’s a winding road to numerous bays, beaches, and coves that overlook Mercury Island, a classic Kiwi summer spot.

I hope you’ll save these secret spots for your next adventure.

Kimberly Schick-Puddicombe grew up in Canada and is currently based in Auckland, New Zealand with her family, dog, and cats. After years of running a Freelance Marketing Agency, she turned 55 mid-pandemic and life became clearer. She decided it was time to focus on the things she loves: photography, animals, traveling, experiencing the culture, inspiring and connecting with other families in a world that can feel so disconnected and that’s when @55Adventures blossomed.