The Coromandel Peninsula is famous for its gorgeous beaches. Many of these beaches are also wonderful for running, in that they’re wide, not crowded, and feature reliably firm sand. We have several routes that include beach runs, but we figured it would be fun to have one post that lists the best beaches for running on the Coromandel Peninsula. As always, check the tide times — the best running is usually near low tide. The list below is from south to north, and the distances are one-way. Pro tip: these beaches can be especially nice for running around sunrises.
Whangamatā Beach. 3.4 km. Located along the southeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, and just south of Opoutere Beach. Good beach for running. Backed by sand dunes — not the most scenic of the beaches.
Opoutere Beach. 4.8 km. Just south of the official start of the Peninsula.
Pauanui Beach.
3 km. One of our favorites for running on Coromandel.
Tairua Beach.
1 km. Just across from Pauanui. Can combine with 4.5 km waterfront run.
Hot Water Beach:
1.8 km. Famous for the hot springs that bubble up through the sand — a unique post-run experience!
Cooks Beach.
3 km. Nice beach for running. Just north is 1.5 Buffalo Beach in Whitianga, which is best for running at low tide.
Simpson Beach.
1.8 km. Just north of Whitianga in Wharekaho, this wide beach is wonderful for running. A top-rated beach for its golden lighting.
Otama Beach & Reserve. 2 km. Scenic beach in Opito Bay. Be sure to enjoy the famous beach swing!
Matarangi Beach. 4 km. Just west of Otama Beach. This beach is especially wide, and has wonderful firm sand. Up to 4 km long, depending on tides.
Waikawau Beach. 2 km. Toward the northern end of the Peninsula. This fairly remote beach overlooking Waikawau Bay is wide, uncrowded, and has reliable firm sand.
The Coromandel Peninsula is famous for its gorgeous beaches. Many of these beaches are also wonderful for running, in that they’re wide, not crowded, and feature reliably firm sand. We have several routes that include beach runs, but we figured it would be fun to have one post that lists the best beaches for running on the Coromandel Peninsula. As always, check the tide times — the best running is usually near low tide. The list below is from south to north, and the distances are one-way. Pro tip: these beaches can be especially nice for running around sunrises.
Whangamatā Beach. 3.4 km. Located along the southeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, and just south of Opoutere Beach. Good beach for running. Backed by sand dunes — not the most scenic of the beaches.
Opoutere Beach. 4.8 km. Just south of the official start of the Peninsula.
Pauanui Beach.
3 km. One of our favorites for running on Coromandel.
Tairua Beach.
1 km. Just across from Pauanui. Can combine with 4.5 km waterfront run.
Hot Water Beach:
1.8 km. Famous for the hot springs that bubble up through the sand — a unique post-run experience!
Cooks Beach.
3 km. Nice beach for running. Just north is 1.5 Buffalo Beach in Whitianga, which is best for running at low tide.
Simpson Beach.
1.8 km. Just north of Whitianga in Wharekaho, this wide beach is wonderful for running. A top-rated beach for its golden lighting.
Otama Beach & Reserve. 2 km. Scenic beach in Opito Bay. Be sure to enjoy the famous beach swing!
Matarangi Beach. 4 km. Just west of Otama Beach. This beach is especially wide, and has wonderful firm sand. Up to 4 km long, depending on tides.
Waikawau Beach. 2 km. Toward the northern end of the Peninsula. This fairly remote beach overlooking Waikawau Bay is wide, uncrowded, and has reliable firm sand.
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