Recently we had the pleasure of welcoming a group from Sidetracks Women, a New Zealand company that specialises in guided walking and cycling adventures for women who love exploring the outdoors in great company.

Sidetracks Women has been introducing travellers to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes for many years. Their trips are thoughtfully designed, with a strong emphasis on camaraderie, comfort and the joy of discovering places at a relaxed pace.

You can learn more about Sidetracks Women and their tours here.

When the Sidetracks Women group visited the Coromandel, they chose to experience the White Star Trail — three days of walking through bush, farmland and coastal landscapes on the eastern side of the Peninsula.

Their visit reminded us that the Coromandel offers extraordinary scenery and experiences without the crowds.

Over three days the group walked ridge lines with wide ocean views, followed the quiet farm tracks, crossed streams and spent their evenings at the Eco Bush Cabins enjoying good food, warm hospitality and time together.

The photos from their visit capture exactly what the trail is about — shared meals, laughter, and the simple pleasure of walking through beautiful country with like-minded people.

A Guide’s Perspective

After the walk, Belinda — one of the Sidetracks Women guides — shared her reflections on the experience:

“Experience the Coromandel in a unique way! Everyone wants to go to the South Island but up in the Coromandel there aren’t the crowds. There’s that laid-back beach feeling, stunning views of both sides of the Peninsula and three fantastic, varied days of hiking in bush, across farmland, beside a stream, along ridge lines with ocean views and more.

We had a fantastic time on the White Star Trail. The hospitality and care of those running it was outstanding. You felt so welcome and warmly cared for — each morning and evening Nick came to see how we were going and if we needed anything, and he communicated with us regularly while we were hiking.

The food was wholesome and delicious and you certainly never went hungry! The accommodation was wonderful — comfortable with great facilities and each one was unique.

Don’t just do the three days of hiking but spend some extra time exploring the Coromandel as well. There’s so much to see and do — boat trips in Whitianga, great eateries, Driving Creek Railway, historic Coromandel and Thames townships and lots more. I would highly recommend it.”

Belinda – Guide, Sidetracks Women

A Trail That Rewards Taking Your Time

Many visitors arrive expecting the White Star Trail to be simply a walking track. What they discover instead is a small journey through the landscape and culture of the Coromandel.

The trail moves through working farmland, regenerating native bush, streams and ridge lines with views across both sides of the Peninsula. Along the way walkers enjoy the comfort of the Eco Bush Cabins and the simple pleasure of shared meals at the end of each day.

For groups like Sidetracks Women, that combination — great walking, welcoming hospitality, and time to slow down — is what makes the experience memorable.

Exploring More of the Coromandel

As Belinda suggested, many walkers choose to extend their stay.

The Coromandel Peninsula offers plenty to discover nearby, including:

• Whitianga boat trips and harbour cruises
• Driving Creek Railway and native forest reserve
• Historic Coromandel Town and Thames
• Local cafes, restaurants and coastal walks

It’s a region that rewards taking your time.

Thinking About Walking the White Star Trail?

If you enjoy walking through beautiful landscapes, comfortable accommodation, good food and the company of fellow travellers, the White Star Trail offers a memorable way to experience the Coromandel.
We loved hosting the Sidetracks Women group and hope to welcome them back again. If their experience has inspired you, perhaps we’ll see you on the trail soon.