If you have searched “Coromandel zipline” you are almost certainly looking for one place: Coromandel Zipline Tours at Driving Creek, just north of Coromandel Town. It is the only flying-fox canopy tour on the whole peninsula, and it pairs eight ziplines through regenerating native forest with a ride on New Zealand’s only purpose-built mountain railway. This guide covers exactly what to expect, what it costs, how long it takes, who can do it, how to get there from around the Coromandel, and whether it is worth booking.
⏱️ Time: ~2.5–3 hours total • 💲 Cost: typically ~$147 adult / ~$107 child / ~$419 family • 🥾 Effort: easy–moderate (short forest walks between platforms) • 📍 Near: 5 min north of Coromandel Town
Where it is and how to get there
The tour runs from Driving Creek, 380 Driving Creek Road, Coromandel Town — about a 5-minute drive north of the town centre on a sealed road, with free on-site parking. It is the same site as the well-known Driving Creek Railway and Potteries, so the zipline and the train share a base.
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Typical drive times to Coromandel Town:
| From | Approx. distance | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Whangamata | ~120 km | ~2 hours |
| Whitianga | ~45 km (over the 309 Road or via SH25) | ~50–60 min |
| Thames | ~55 km | ~1 hour |
| Auckland | ~190 km | ~3–3.5 hours |
The drive up the western coast from Thames to Coromandel Town is winding but spectacular, hugging the Firth of Thames. Allow extra time if you are towing or prone to motion sickness. If you are basing yourself further south, see our Coromandel Peninsula local’s guide for the best loop routes.
What the zipline tour is actually like
The experience is part scenic railway, part canopy adventure. After checking in and being fitted with a harness and helmet, you ride the Driving Creek mountain railway uphill — a roughly 18-minute climb through hand-planted, regenerating forest — to reach the start of the zipline circuit. From there a guide leads you across eight ziplines linked by short forest walkways and platforms. Some platforms sit high in the treetops; others run along forested ridgelines with long views over Coromandel Town, the harbour and out toward the Hauraki Gulf.
Guides are part of the appeal: if you are feeling brave you can usually try going upside down or doing a “cannonball” tuck on the longer spans. The whole outing, including the train ride, safety briefing, gear-up and walking sections, takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, so it is a genuine half-day activity rather than a quick photo stop.
There is a strong conservation angle. Driving Creek is a not-for-profit, and the forest you fly through was once logged farmland that has been replanted with native species, including kauri, with kiwi now living on the land. Your ticket helps fund that restoration work — a nice point of difference from a purely commercial thrill ride.
Tickets and what to book
Prices vary by season and should always be confirmed at the time of booking, but the following are the typical published fares:
| Ticket | Typical price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Adult zipline tour | ~$147 | Solo travellers, couples, teens |
| Child zipline tour | ~$107 | Ages 6–13 (must be with an adult) |
| Family pass (2 adults + 2 children) | ~$419 | Best value for families of four |
Booking tip: the zipline is timed and capacity-limited, so book ahead online, especially in summer (December–February) and over public holidays. If you also want to do the standalone railway ride or visit the potteries, you can combine them into a longer day at the same site. Check the operator’s official page for live availability, current pricing and any combo deals before you drive up.
Who can do it — age, weight and fitness
- Minimum age: 6 years. Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult 17 or older.
- Weight limit: everyone in the group must be 120 kg or under, for harness safety.
- Fitness: easy to moderate. You need to be able to walk short forest sections and climb steps to platforms, but you do not need to be especially fit. The ziplines do the hard work.
- Footwear: closed-toe shoes are required — no jandals or sandals. Sneakers or hiking shoes are ideal.
What to wear and bring
Dress for the forest and the weather, not for a beach day. Wear comfortable activewear, closed-toe shoes and tie back long hair. The Coromandel canopy is cooler and can be damp even on a fine day, so bring a light layer. Tours generally run rain or shine, but in heavy weather or high wind they may be paused or rescheduled for safety — if the forecast looks rough, call ahead. Keep an eye on conditions via our Coromandel weather page. Leave loose items (phones, sunglasses) secured; many people regret losing a phone on a zipline.
Is it worth it? An honest take
For a half-day, the combination of a unique mountain railway, eight ziplines, big coastal views and a real conservation story makes this one of the more memorable paid activities on the peninsula — particularly for families with school-aged kids or visitors wanting one “wow” adventure. It is not a cheap quick thrill: at roughly 2.5–3 hours and family pricing over $400, treat it as the centrepiece of your day in Coromandel Town rather than a five-minute add-on.
Make a day of it nearby
Since the zipline only runs near Coromandel Town, pair it with the western coast’s other highlights: browse the galleries and grab green-lipped mussels in town, or loop across to the east coast for Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach (check our tide times before you dig). Keen hikers can add the Pinnacles. For more ideas, see our things to do in the Coromandel guide, and sort a bed at our Whangamata accommodation page if you are staying south.
Frequently asked questions
How many ziplines are there on the Coromandel zipline tour?
There are eight ziplines on the tour at Driving Creek, linked by short forest walks and platforms, with a scenic mountain-railway ride to reach the start. Some lines run high through the canopy and others along forested ridgelines with views over Coromandel Town and the harbour.
Is there more than one zipline on the Coromandel Peninsula?
No — Coromandel Zipline Tours at Driving Creek is the only dedicated zipline / canopy tour on the peninsula. Other New Zealand ziplines (such as Waiheke Island near Auckland or Waitomo) are well outside the Coromandel, so if you want to zipline during your Coromandel trip, Driving Creek is the one to book.
How much does the Coromandel zipline cost?
Published fares are typically around $147 per adult, $107 per child (ages 6–13) and about $419 for a family pass of two adults and two children. Prices change with season and demand, so confirm the current rate when you book online.
Can young kids and beginners do it?
Yes. The minimum age is 6, and children 13 and under must be with an adult. No experience is needed — guides fit your harness, brief you and lead the whole circuit. You just need closed-toe shoes, basic mobility to walk short forest sections, and to be under the 120 kg weight limit.
