Hidden away in the most western point in the Coromandel sits a little, hidden gem called Crayfish Bay. Clear blue waters, exciting rock jumps and plenty of space to relax make this spot an ideal beach trip on a hot summers day.
The Coromandel is most well known for the famous beaches such as Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. But it is really the small, less know beaches such as Crayfish Bay that makes this stretch of coastline so special.
Where is Crayfish Bay?
Crayfish Bay is located on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsular in New Zealand. This whole area is known for having some of the best beaches in the whole country. Crayfish Bay is no exception to this.
Crayfish Bay is a 3 hour drive from Auckland and between 1 to 2 hours from the most popular Coromandel beach towns.
This stunning piece of coastline is accessed via a walking track connected from the small settlement of Opito Bay. Matarangi (21kms) and Whitianga (26kms) are the closest larger towns with supermarkets and other facilities.
How to get to Crayfish Bay
Getting to Crayfish Bay can bit a little bit of a mission, but the journey is all part of the fun. A drive over a long gravel road and a short walk is required to get to this magnificent spot. Having access to a car is necessary to get to there.
Driving to Opito Bay – Parking for Crayfish Bay
The first part involved in getting to Crayfish Bay is the drive to the parking spot in Opito Bay. There is only one way to get to Opito Bay and that is via Black Jack road, a windy gravel road that follows the coastline.
Black Jack road starts in a little beach town called Kūaotunu. Getting here is fairly easy as the main road goes right through the town. It is just a 20 minute drive from Whitianga or a 30 minutes from Coromandel Town.
Black Jack road is a mix of gravel and sealed road and can get quite windy. However, it is very well maintained and a 4WD or large car is not required to go on this road.
Continue on Black Jack road past Otama Bay all the way until you reach Opito bay. Drive right down alongside the beach to the end of the road where you will find a large carpark where you can park up. From here you will walk the rest of the way to Crayfish Bay.
The walk from Opito Bay to Crayfish Bay
Once you have made it to Opito Bay the walk over to Crayfish Bay is easy. From the carpark head down to the beach and start walking towards the Pa at the far end of the beach.
About 100 meters before you reach the end of the beach you will see a faint track and a sign pointing you over the fence and in the direction of Crayfish Bay.
Use the steps to climb over the small fence and follow the grassy track around the corner. In a few minutes you will arrive in Crayfish Bay.
The walk is very short, flat and in no way difficult, however due to the sand, fence and grass track it is not accessible for prams or wheelchairs.
What to do in CRayfish Bay
Spending the day in Crayfish Bay is a great way to make the most of the nice weather during the summer holidays. It may be a smaller beach but it does not fail to deliver on fun. Swim, relax or explore in this awesome spot and you will quickly discover why it is such a favourite with the locals.
Swimming and Snorkelling at Crayfish Bay
The clear water and large rock pools at Crayfish Bay fish make it an excellent spot to swim and snorkel. The bay is mostly made up of rocks rather than sand which help with the clarity of the water.
Being a horse shoe shape Crayfish bay is also sheltered from the harsh conditions of the ocean and it a great hide out for many sea creatures. Hanging out around the scattered rocks are many fish, crabs and star fish. You might also get a visit from larger sea creatures such as sting rays.
The water here is so clear that there is no need to travel overseas to get that tropical island feel. The sun reflects off the light rocks at the bottom giving the water a stunning dark turquoise colour.
Rock Ledge
One of the most unique parts about Crayfish Bay is the rocky ledge at the end of the beach. The stoney beach can often be uncomfortable to lie on, but if you climb up onto the rocks off the end you will find large flat areas perfect to lie down and relax on.
The flat area spreads right around the corner of the cliff and gives you an elevated view of the water. There are larger areas where groups will have enough space and smaller spots for one or two people.
You do have to climb up about a 5 foot ledge to get up here, but it is used so often that gaps in the rock have formed a natural ladder which makes it easier.
Crayfish Bay Rock Jump
Just around the corner on the same rocky ledge is the perfect rock jumping spot. There are are ledges at a few different heights to jump off into the water below. Once you have jumped in there is a small DIY ladder attached to the sides of the rocks to help people climb back up.
This is a great rock jumping spot because of how deep the water is here. Even though the water is known to be deep, it is always safe to swim out and check just in case before you jump in.
There is a small rock jump at Otama Beach if this one is too big for you.
Accommodation near Crayfish Bay – Opito Bay
If you are wanting to spend a bit more time in the area then there is plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Crayfish Bay is quite isolated so there is no accommodation directly there. However nearby beach towns do a few different options to choose from.
Opito Bay Holiday Homes
Opito Bay is the closest place to Crayfish Bay where you can find accomodation. As this is only a small area, the only accommodation choices are holiday homes.
There are plenty of options with something to suit many different travellers with all types of budgets. Choose anything from a small tucked away studio to a large multi bedroom place with a view.
Wanting to visit in summer when the weather is good? Make sure you book well in advance as Opito Bay can get quite busy over the summer. If there is nothing that suits you in Opito Bay, there are other nearby towns such as Kuaotunu where you can find holiday homes to hire out.
Kuaotunu Campground
If you don’t have the budget for a holiday home then staying at the local campground is another great alternative option. Bring along a tent or a camper and enjoy a more simple accommodation style close to Crayfish Bay.
Unfortunately there is no camp ground at Opito Bay. The next closest option is Kuaotunu Campground. This is a great little spot to stay that is only a 12 kilometre drive away from Crayfish Bay.
The campground is basic but has everything you need and is in a great little spot right on the beach. You will also find a play ground and common rooms for campground users to enjoy.
Things to do Near Crayfish Bay
If you have made an effort to travel a long distance to get to Crayfish Bay then it would be worth visiting some other cool spots in the area. Most of the best parts of the Coromandel are the beaches but there are some other cool things to see and do as well.
Other local beaches
The Coromandel has such a stunning coastline that it would be hard to find a beach that doesn’t look amazing. Visit another quiet bay or grab a surf board and head to the nearest surf beach. With plenty of magical spots to choose from, you are certainly spoilt for choice in the Coromandel.
Cathedral Cove is a well known favourite. The iconic archway is a great site to see and makes for excellent photos. Digging your own spa at Hot Water Beach is another popular activity and an experience not to miss.
One of my personal favourites is heading over to Whangapoua Beach and walking to New Chums Beach. This spot was voted one of the best beaches in the world. The soft sand and clear waters is a clear stand out.
Waiau Falls
Take a trip up the famous 309 road to visit Waiau Falls. This cute 6 meter waterfall is a great alternative to spending the day at the beach with the fresh water being a nice change from salty sea water.
A quick 2 minute walk down from the road and you end up right at the base of the falls. Find a rock to sit down on and enjoy the surrounding nature. The pool at the bottom of Waiau Falls is great for swimming and deep enough to jump off the rocks on the side.
Waiau Falls is closer toward the western end of the 309 road close to Coromandel town. However you can also drive through from Kaimarama on the eastern end. The whole road is gravel and can be narrow with sharp corners so be prepared to drive cautiously.
The Lost Spring – Whitianga Hot Pools
The Lost Spring is a geo-thermal hot pool and day spa located in Whitianga. It is a great escape from the busy beaches filled with holidayers and an excellent way to enjoy some down time and recharge.
Hidden in the native bush The Lost Spring has multiple hot pools, spa treatments and a nice restaurant on site. The age restriction is 14+ for the pools and 16+ for the spa ensuring a quite and peaceful environment.
Bookings are required to enter the lost spring and are allocated in 2 hour time blocks. There are different packages available to book for those wanting to combine the pools with day spa treatments.
Head to crayfish Bay this summer
Now that you know all there is to know about Crayfish bay and the surrounding areas, it is time to get out your beach gear and head to the Coromandel.
Crayfish Bay is the ultimate hidden gem and a spot you will definitely want to visit this summer.
