Whangapoua – New Chums Beach
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Whangapoua
New Chum Beach

Whangapoua – New Chums Beach

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Location

Whangapoua
Coromandel Waikato
New Zealand 3582

Quick Facts

Māori Meaning:
The bay of the poua (a shellfish)
Proximity:
45 min (37 km) from Whitianga
2 hr 40 min (186 km) from Auckland
Whangapoua

Famous for New Chums Beach,
a world class haven.

Whangapoua and adjacent New Chums Beach (Wainuiototo Bay) have some serious and well deserved beach pulling power for domestic and international visitors alike.

New Chums Beach has been voted in the top 10 beaches to visit in the world, and Whangapoua Beach certainly has its own significant merits.

Whanagapoua Beach is a safe long sandy beach that stretches 1.5km. The northern end of Whangapoua Beach is the starting point for access to New Chums Beach. Whangapoua has a rich heritage that dates back to the 13th century when local Maori are recorded as occupying the area.

Much later from 1860 the area attracted European settlers involved in the kauri and gold mining industries. Today Whangapoua has a resident population of under 200 which grows to over 1000 as holiday makers and summer residents share the delights of this beach destination from December to February.

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Map

Swap Start/End
Walking trek to New Chums Beach

HOW TO GET TO NEW CHUMS BEACH (WAINUIOTOTO BAY)

If you want to experience a stunning beach that is adjacent to a native forest packed full of spectacular pohutukawa and nikau New Chums is the place to be.

To get there head to the North end of Whangapoua beach. Cross the stream and follow the shoreline until you see the Mangakahi Drive track, which will lead you briefly inland to New Chums beach.

There are no facilities at New Chums beach so be prepared and take all your rubbish with you when you leave.

Note some of the track is partly unformed and rocky so watch your step and check the tides for the stream crossing. It is advised that people do not access New Chums Beach two hours either side of high tide.

The walk takes approximately 30 minutes either way.

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1.5 km
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1 hr return
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Easy
Useful Visitor Information

Local Tips — Whangapoua

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Getting to Whangapoua

Situated 25 minutes south of Coromandel township and approximately 40 minutes from Whitianga township. Travel along State Highway 25 to Whangapoua Road and drive to Te Punga Road in Whangapoua.
View in map.

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Must Do's

  • Pack a picnic, sunscreen and your togs and head to New Chums beach for a sublime beach experience. It's voted as one of the 101 Must Do's for Kiwis!
  • The remains of Raukawa pa are located at Opera Point Reserve which is between the harbour and the beach, providing harbour views and a bush walk.
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Whangapoua free boat ramp

Opera Point, Whangapoua.
Note: there are toilets, lights and information about the bar crossing.

Where to stay

Check out a range of options in our Accommodation Guide.

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Things to do with kids

Whangapoua beach is a beautiful white sandy beach, safe for all the family to swim. For children who are not so confident in the surf the lagoon at the northern end of the beach is a great option as it is away from the waves.

Tides

Download and print our Tides PDF file for local tide times.

Shopping

Whangapoua has a store that sells petrol, diesel, beer and wine, fresh vegetables, meat, lovely cheeses and general supplies.

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Public Toilets (restrooms)

  • Whangapoua Wharf
    Whangapoua Road.
  • Main Beach
    Tangiora Avenue.
  • North End
    Mangakahia Drive.

RUBBISH AND RECYCLING

  • Collections are normally on Tuesdays. 
    Note: Christmas holiday collection times may differ.
  • Drop-off facilities
    384 Tangiora Avenue, Whangapoua.
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