“This can’t be real! Someone stole the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ props and left them here to fool people!”. These are only some of the thoughts going through my head as we slowly paddle through a cave tunnel into the collapsed volcano Whenuakura.

Thinking of Coromandel, people automatically think of Hot Water Beach and ‘Narnia’s’ Cathedral Cove. They’re famous for a good reason but there’s so much more to see on the peninsula. And the absolute Coromandel must-do, in my opinion, is to kayak Donut Island (also known under the Maori name Whenuakura Island). 

Never heard of Donut Island Whangamata (Whenuakura Island) before? Well, that’s because it’s one of Coromandel New Zealand’s hidden gem.

We visited Whangamata as part of a 3-day mini-road trip to Coromandel and Mt Maunganui. The town on the southeastern part of the Coromandel is most famous for its annual Beach Hop where hundreds of classic car and caravan owners show off their beloved vehicles. The rest of the year Whangamata is a charming but quiet coastal town with great surf beaches.

And Whenuakura / Donut Island.

Kayak Donut Island Whangamata with SurfSUP

It’s a calm bluebird morning when we meet the guys from SurfSUP on the beach section that’s closest to the island. They equip us with a double kayak, paddles and life vests. Chris and I have kayaked many times before which is why we decided not to go on the tour but paddle to Whenuakura the two of us. 

Whenuakura Island is about 600 - 700 metres from the beach. On a calm morning like today, it doesn’t take us long to get there. The water’s flat as a pancake and a promise of Summer lies in the air (which isn’t a matter of course in October). 

From outside, Donut Island Whangamata doesn’t look any more special than the other islands nearby. The SurfSUP guys told us if we approached the island from the right we’d soon see the cave entrance to the island. The cave really is a tunnel that leads to the most fantastic place I’ve seen so far in New Zealand.

Inside the fantastic Whenuakura Island

Entering the cave, Chris in the seat behind me has to do all of the paddling. I’m too busy being in awe. Being low tide, I can spot crabs and starfish on the cave wall. The water is a dark blue, suggesting I could see al the way to the ground if it wasn’t so deep. And the cave ceiling! Stalactites hang from the ceiling like giant teeth! That’s where I feel like in a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Movie, it’s just too mind-blowing and mystical to be a real place! 

And it’s getting even better! The cave opens up onto a bay IN the island! Steep walls circle around us (hence the “Donut” in the island’s name), lush green bush dangles from the walls. The colour of the water changed into the most amazing turquoise.

For a long time, we just sit in our kayak and take in this outer-worldly beauty. Then we decide to take a dip. Despite its Caribbean colours, the water temperature is far from tropic in the very early Springtime (probably around 15°C). We hop in anyway, the water just looks too inviting! 

Looking for a warm and sunny beach, we leave Whenuakura Island behind, paddle past the Maukaha Rocks to a lovely beach on Hauturu Island before returning to Whangamata Beach.

A little Donut Island Whangamata FAQ

Where is Donut Island?

Donut Island lies off the shores of Whangamata, a charming coastal town in the Southeastern part of the Coromandel Peninsula (New Zealand North Island).

What is Donut Island?

For one, as the name suggests, it’s an island off the shores of Whangamata Beach. It’s an ancient volcano that eroded over time and then collapsed, leaving behind a ring-shaped mystical wonderland every pirate would love.

Its English name is Donut Island (for the shape) where Maori call the island Whenuakura.

How to get to Whenuakura Island?

You’ll need a kayak or SUP board with a life vest. If you don’t have your own, you can rent them at SurfSUP Whangamata. However, you’ll need to have experience to be able to rent a kayak and go on your own. Else you can join their regular guided Donut Island tours.

The island is about 600 meters off the shore of Whangamata Beach.

The island is best accessible as close to high tide as possible. Don’t attempt to get into the island when the water’s too choppy. You wouldn’t be the first person who gets stuck.

Can you swim at Donut Island?

You sure can. The water might just not be as warm as it looks.

Can you step on the island? 

Whenuakura Island is tapu, which is the Maori word for sacred. You should not set foot on the island, not only because it’s sacred but Whenuakura’s also a wildlife sanctuary.

Read more about Coromandel New Zealand

• Click here to see all articles about the Coromandel Peninsula

• Here’s an overview of the best things to do in Coromandel

• Do you love a good hike? Then you must climb the Pinnacles!