Discovering New Chums Beach / Wainuiototo
Tucked away northwest of Whangapoua on the northeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Chums Beach / Wainuiototo is renowned for its seclusion and natural beauty. This surf beach is 1.2 km of golden sand, framed by native forest and mature pōhutukawa trees. It was once named among the world’s top 10 beaches, with its charm preserved by its distance from Auckland and the 20-minute coastal and forest walk.
Walking to the Beach
To reach New Chums Beach, start at the car park at the end of Mangakāhia Road in Whangapoua. Cross the stream from two hours either side of high tide and walk along the coast at the beach's edge. A trail leads you through a predominantly nīkau grove across Motuto Point to the beach.
For those interested in photography, there is a short, steep, informal track on the right side that climbs to rocks at the top of the 75-metre point, with magnificent views of the beach. If you choose to explore this route, proceed with caution.
Once you arrive, there is plenty of room to spread out with a picnic Be aware that there is no surf patrol, though swimming is generally considered safe.
How to Get to New Chums Beach
To visit New Chums Beach, take State Highway 25 from Whitianga to the east or Coromandel Town to the southwest. At Whangapoua Harbour, turn north onto Whangapoua Road, which becomes Tangiora Avenue, then Mangakāhia Road as it runs down the main street behind Whangapoua Beach. Parking is available at the end of the road. The drive is approximately 24 minutes from Coromandel Town, 40 minutes from Whitianga, and just over 3 hours from Downtown Auckland.
While in the area, consider exploring other beautiful beaches to the east, such as Matarangi and Kūaotunu. For more remote options, head to Black Jack Road, Otama, and Opito Bay. Other famous Coromandel beaches that you need to walk to are Cathedral Cove and Orokawa Bay.
