Tucked away in the Coromandel is the secluded and stunning New Chums Beach.
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There are many beautiful beaches in NZ but I do have to say that New Chums is up there as one of the best and most beautiful. And with it only being accessible via on foot, it makes it that little more charming.
LOCATION AND PARKING
To get to New Chums beach it’s a scenic 25 minute drive (20km) from Coromandel town, or roughly a 3 hour journey (186km) from Auckland.
Keep in mind, New Chums is nestled away in a fairly isolated spot. I believe the simplest way to get there is by driving your own vehicle. However, if it’s not an option, you can also consider hopping on the Coromandel Adventures shuttle service.
Once you’ve set your course on Google Maps, aim for the end of Whangapoua Beach. This is where the majority of available parking is. This is also the last place you will find a toilet if you are in need of the loo.
Especially during the summer, parking fills up quickly. The earlier to plan to arrive is best otherwise you may need to make a couple of loops. And if you do park along the road leading to the carpark, just be mindful that those areas belong to private properties.
THE TRACK TO NEW CHUMS BEACH
The ‘track’ (not really but for arguments sake) to get to New Chums beach will take you roughly 30 minutes.
Firstly, you’ll need to cross the stream, which means kicking off shoes. You’ll enjoy the sand between your toes for a bit as you stroll down the beach but before long you’ll reach the rocky section of the trail. Most likely you’ll need your shoes to return for this part. After navigating over the boulders, you’ll wind your way through the headland until you finally emerge at New Chums Beach.
The trail is pretty clear all the way through and relatively easy. It’s also a stunning one as you’ll be looking out along the surrounding coastline.
NEW CHUMS BEACH
If you visit New Chums, you’ll easily understand why it earned a spot among the world’s top 10 beaches. Its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand are framed by dense native forest overlooking Wainuiototo Bay. There’s also no buildings or roads in sight. Be wary, this also means there are no lifeguards, so make sure to swim responsibly.
With the beach spanning roughly 1.5km there are plenty of spaces to park up and enjoy the sunshine. Additionally this beach is just as good for the shade as the amount of trees are abundant.
NEW CHUMS LOOKOUT
If you want to take in even more stunning views, follow the trail up to the New Chums lookout. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the beach and the Bay, even across to Mercury Islands and Wangapoua, where the walk starts. Just make sure you do this is in a decent pair of shoes as you will be climbing up and down tree roots to get to the top.
THE COROMANDEL
The Coromandel is one of my favourite places to explore in the North Island. It offers so much variety and brims with natural beauty. From pristine beaches to stunning hiking trails, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring this little corner of the world.
Undoubtedly, I’ve been lucky enough to explore a substantial part of this area and these destinations would be some of my favourites. Tie a couple in with New Chums beach and you’ll be in for a real treat.
ACCOMMODATION
With many coastal towns at your fingertips you have a plenty of choices for accommodation in Coromandel. Options that are close to New Chums beach, too. Some of these towns I would suggest are Coromandel, Whitianga, Pauanui, Tairua and Whangamata.
I would highly recommend exploring options on booking.com. From family batches to boutique hotels there is something for everyone.
For camping enthusiasts, there are a range of different campsites that are available as well as huts.
In this post we have explored why New Chums beach is categoried as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Its secluded location, with crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands, and lush native forest framing the bay makes it a haven for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. I hope this post has encouraged you to add this onto your list for when you next visit the Coromandel.