Donut Island

Donut Island is a must see while on New Zealand’s north island and makes for an easy day trip from Auckland. It is pure magic and one of my favorite things we did on our trip! With an oasis in the center, Donut Island is aptly named because it really does look like a donut! Wake up early for this excursion because there is so much to see in this area that you’ll want to do after your kayak trip (more on that later)!

Rent a car, and set your destination for Whangamata where you will rent your kayaks and paddle out from the beach. Once in Whangamata, rent kayaks from Surfsup New Zealand Donut Island Kayak Tours and they will bring the kayaks to the beach for you. We were able to walk right in and rent when we visited in late November - but if you are in the country in the high season (mid-December-February) renting in advanced is always a good idea.

Be sure to stop at Blackies Cafe and grab some sandwiches and baked goods to take with you for a picnic while you are out exploring the island! We had the sea to ourselves and paddled straight out to Donut Island. Its a little choppy getting out there but once you get close to the island you will see a little sliver in the island

Once you see the cave keep paddling through into the most magical cove! True paradise! We sat in the little cove and took it all in for some time

After getting your fill of donut island, paddle back out and pull up on the sandy beach on the island to the right (the side of the island that faces the shore). This side of the island was really calm and a great place to enjoy a picnic in the sun!

Pulling up the kayak on a beach nearby Donut Island

More to See on the Coromandel Peninsula

Hot Water Beach Now hop back in your car and head further north to another bind blowing destination - Hot Water Beach! As the name suggests, the water running beneath the sand is a natural hot spring! People bring their own shovels here (we did not) and dig their own private hot tub right in the sand. We had fun trying different holes that people dug before us and talking to people from all over the world who were also trying to find their perfect spot. Some of the water us extremely hot and some is cooler so have fun trying them all out!

Cathedral Cove I told you that you will need to get on the road early, because its time to see some of the nicest beaches in the whole country! Keep going north from Hot Water Beach and park as close to the Cathedral Cove viewing deck as you can. Once you head onto the trail you’ll see signs noting offshoot trails that lead you to different beaches in the park. It’s an easier trail heading down that is protected by trees. We chose Stingray Bay because it was less crowded and the water was perfect and clear! You can snorkel here as well and as the name suggests we did see a stingray. Once back on the trail head to Cathedral Cove which is a must do while in the area. You will approach a big cave like arch that you can walk through and admire with a gorgeous beach and rock formation on the other side. A great photo spot!