Which is the better remote beach on the Coromandel? Which takes a bit more effort to get to? New Chums / Wainuiototo, Orokawa or Cathedral Cove? New Chums has the advantage (or disadvantage) of being a bit more remote. But it also has the shortest and easiest walk.
All three are lined with native bush and forest, cliffs and mature pohutukawa trees. We love them all, but (at the time of writing) only New Chums / Wainuiototo has the honour of being voted in the top 10 in the world. With no surf patrol, it is not the safest swimming beach, though people swim anyway.
To access the beach, drive to the car park at the north end of Mangakahia Road in Whangapoua. Cross the stream and walk around the coast at the beach's edge. You will see a path in the forest. Follow this through a mostly nikau grove across the point to New Chums / Wainuiototo. You may also notice the right-side track that goes up to the top of the point. This is a popular Instagram shot, but take extra care.
