Three days, gentle steps, and all the magic of the Coromandel Peninsula
Sometimes the best adventures start with the gentlest invitation.
That's exactly what we had in mind when we designed our Coastal Charm Taster, a three-day escape that proves you don't need to climb mountains or hike for hours to experience the absolute magic of New Zealand's outdoors.
Picture this: you're standing in an ancient Kauri grove, surrounded by trees that have been growing since before Europeans arrived in New Zealand. The forest is so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat, and the only "rush" you'll feel is the gentle breeze through the canopy above. This is walking as it should be. Mindful, beautiful, and completely accessible.
An easier walking programme
Over the last few seasons, we've had the same feedback echo back. "I'd love to try one of your tours, but I'm not sure if I'm fit enough" or "I haven't done much hiking before, is this too advanced for me?"
The truth is, some of our most magical moments happen at the slowest pace. When you're not huffing and puffing up a steep incline, you actually notice things. The way light filters through native bush, the sound of tui calling overhead, the fresh salt air as it mixes with the earthy scent of the forest floor.
So we crafted something special: a tour where the longest walk is just 7 kilometers, where every step is chosen for beauty rather than challenge, and where you finish each day feeling invigorated.
Day 1: Into the ancient forest
Your adventure begins with one of the most special places on the Coromandel Peninsula – a stunning rainforest trail that leads to the finest remaining Kauri grove in the area.
The trail itself is gentle and welcoming, winding through lush forest where every turn reveals something new. We take our time here because this grove deserves it. These Kauri have been growing for hundreds of years, and standing among them is like stepping into New Zealand's living history.
After a peaceful picnic lunch surrounded by nature's cathedral, we make our way north on one of the country's most scenic coastal drives to Buffalo Lodge in Coromandel Town. This will be your home for the next two nights. A warm, welcoming retreat perched on a hillside with views over the Hauraki Gulf, exclusively for our small group.
The evening is all about connection – with your guide, your fellow adventurers, and the stunning landscape that surrounds you. Dinner is served at the lodge with New Zealand wine, and we promise you'll sleep deeply with the sound of native birds settling in for the night.
5km (3 miles) / 2.5 hours hiking (easy grade)
Day 2: Conservation in action
Day two takes us to the eastern side of the peninsula, famous for its pristine white sandy beaches. But first, we explore a gentle loop track through regenerating native bush where a local conservation group is working tirelessly to boost kiwi numbers.
This walk is fascinating on multiple levels. You'll discover old mining tunnels that tell stories of the region's gold-rush past, cross several small streams (with perfectly placed stepping stones), and learn about the incredible conservation work happening right beneath your feet.
But here's where the day gets really special. A short drive brings us to Otama and Opito Bay, where we meet the passionate owners of award-winning Opito Salt. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of their artisan salt farm – it's hand-harvested and absolutely exquisite – followed by a tasting that will change how you think about this everyday ingredient.
Then we take you to the beach to cook lunch with a view. Yes, you read that right – we're cooking your meal right there on the sand, with the waves lapping nearby and the Coromandel Peninsula stretching out before you. There's an optional short walk to a lookout point if you're feeling energetic, or plenty of time for an ocean swim if the day is warm.
3km (1.8 miles) / 2 hours hiking - Easy grade
Day 3: Panoramic views
Our final day is our longest walk, but don't let that worry you, it's still beautifully manageable and absolutely worth every step. We pack up from Buffalo Lodge and head south to the Te Kouma Peninsula, where the James family farm becomes our private walking playground.
This is the walk that gets everyone reaching for their cameras and then struggling to put them away. A gentle climb rewards you with panoramic views that seem to go on forever – mountain ranges, sparkling harbours, and the Hauraki Gulf stretching to the horizon.
Your destination is a private sandy bay that feels like your own personal slice of paradise. We'll have morning tea here, and if you fancy it, there's nothing quite like a refreshing swim in crystal-clear water with not another soul in sight.
We finish with a picnic lunch before making our way to what might just be the perfect end to any adventure – a tasting at a boutique distillery where you'll sample what we genuinely believe is the best gin in the world. Not a bad way to round off three days of gentle exploration!
7km (4.3 miles) / 3-4 hours hiking - Easy to moderate grade
Here's what sets our Coastal Charm Taster apart
It's designed for real people. No superhuman fitness required, no previous hiking experience necessary. If you can walk for a couple of hours and enjoy beautiful places, you're perfectly qualified.
Small groups mean big experiences. With a maximum of eight people, you'll never feel rushed, lost in the crowd, or like just another tourist. Every question gets answered, every photo opportunity is noticed, and every person's pace is respected.
We carry the heavy stuff. Your day pack will contain just your personal items: water, lunch, and perhaps a rain jacket. We handle everything else, so you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
Every meal is sorted. From the moment we collect you until we drop you back in Auckland, every single meal is taken care of. Fresh evening meals at the lodge, nutritious packed lunches, and those special food experiences that make Nature & Nosh tours so unique.
The magic is in the details
What our guests consistently tell us is that it's the unexpected moments that make this tour special. The way our guide Kim stops to point out a rare orchid growing beside the track. The spontaneous singing from the Tui that seems to follow our group.
It's the salt farmer explaining how moon phases affect their harvest. It's the gin distiller sharing stories about native botanicals that grow wild on the peninsula. It's your fellow walkers becoming genuine friends over shared meals and spectacular sunsets.
This tour is perfect if
You're new to hiking and want to try something manageable
You love the idea of combining gentle exercise with fantastic food
You appreciate small groups and personal attention
You want to experience the real Coromandel Peninsula, not just the tourist highlights
You're looking for a genuine escape from digital life and daily stress
You believe the journey is more important than the destination
Ready for your gentle adventure?
The Coastal Charm Taster runs from October to May. You can check our departure dates here.
If your preferred travel dates don't match our scheduled tours, get in touch with us at hello@natureandnosh.co.nz – we're always happy to see what we can arrange.
Three days of gentle walking, exceptional food, and good company on the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. We think that sounds pretty perfect, and we'd love to share it with you.