The Coromandel Peninsula road trip ideas

The Pacific Coast Highway hugs the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula closely. For most of the way you're never far from the sea, perhaps a few pohutukawa trees and grassy dunes separating you from the pounding surf.

Grab an AA Map to discover the secluded townships around the peninsula.

Thames to Coromandel Town

See towering trees and beautiful bays:

1. Leaving north on the Pacific Coast Highway, SH 25, cruise through the sleepy seaside resorts of Thornton Bay, Te Puru and Wiaomu - be sure to explore the Waiomu Kauri Grove
2. Take a right turn at Tapu towards Coroglen - a 10-minute walk will lead you to a giant kauri tree, which is about 1200 years old
3. Return to SH 25, head north through breathtaking coastal scenery, small bays and spectacular views across the Firth of Thames. Take a swim at the seaside township of Te Kouma
4. From Te Kouma, the trip to Coromandel Town is around 10km
5. Head north through Oamaru Bay, Papaaroha, Waitete Bay and Colville - you can drive on the unsealed road another 15km to the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to Port Jackson at Cape Colville

Time & distance guideline

Coromandel Town to Whitianga

Explore beach resorts and old gold mines:

1. After Coromandel Town, cut across the peninsula to picturesque Whangapoua
2. Check out the Castle Rock hiking track (two-hour hike) for fantastic views of the Whangapoua Peninsula and Mercury Islands
3. Back on SH 26 east, you'll soon come to the rapidly developing beach resort of Matarangi with its pristine beach and golf course
4. The next township is Kuaotunu, which used to be a thriving gold mining town. The beach is a great place for swimming and snorkelling. If you feel like a hike, watch out for the tracks off Waitaia Road, which lead to an abandoned gold mine, glowworms and a kiwi sanctuary
5. Leave Kuaotunu south on SH 25 past the breathtaking views over Mercury Bay. After about 15km you will arrive at the bustling port town of Whitianga. This is a great place to take a fishing charter to catch anything from snapper to marlin
6. Another option for a day trip is to explore the nearby beaches of Hahei, Cooks Beach and Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa pool (tides permitting)

Whitianga to Whangamata

A journey past great fishing and forests:

1. As you leave Whitianga, the Pacific Coast Highway hugs the shore in a sweeping arc around through Coroglen and Whenuakite. The road turns south and winds through spectacular native forest and coastline to Tairua
2. Just north of Tairua you'll find the Twin Kauri Scenic Reserve, which is a good place to stretch the legs and go exploring
3. The seaside town of Tairua has a harbour and a surf beach. You can walk to the summit of Paku, the volcanic peak that dominates the landscape
4. Further on from Tairua, turn left to the popular seaside resort of Pauanui. This tranquil town has been extensively developed, and artificial waterways support many stunning holiday homes with private boats moored in the backyard!
5. As you pass through Hikuai there's a turn off on the right, which leads to the Kauaeranga Valley. You'll soon come to an information centre, which can point out the many nature walks and mountain trails in the area
6. Turning back onto SH 25 south, you'll pass the turn offs to Opoutere and Onemana, surfie towns that are well worth a side trip
7. From there it's just a short drive to Whangamata. This is a bustling seaside township with a population that swells dramatically during the summer as Kiwis fill holiday homes, motels and camping grounds. Take a charter boat out to the Mayor Island marine reserve for snorkelling and diving over one of the richest reserves of marine life in New Zealand.

More information

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