The Coromandel Peninsula is a must-see destination on the North Island of New Zealand. While it’s possible to explore the major attractions in just three days, you may find it tempting to stay longer. This guide provides a concise driving itinerary from Auckland to Tauranga, making it an easy and fulfilling side trip or an enriching addition to a more extensive North Island tour.
Ideally, your journey should be undertaken in a private vehicle, whether it’s a car or a motorhome. Although bus services like Naked Bus reach some towns, opting for personal transportation allows you to immerse yourself in the sights fully.
There are also organized tours available, including a day tour from Auckland. It’s important to note that while it’s feasible to cover the distance in less than three days, the often narrow and winding roads can be exhausting. Therefore, taking your time to soak in the ambiance of this stunning region is advisable.
Day 1: Auckland to Whitianga
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Distance: 210 kilometers/130 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 55 minutes
Begin your journey by departing Auckland via the Southern Motorway. As you traverse the Bombay Hills, take the exit on the left signposted for Tauranga and Coromandel.
As you travel through the flat farmland of Waikato and the Hauraki Plains, you’ll reach Thames, the largest town in the Coromandel. Here, you can gather supplies before continuing on.
The road leads you north to Coromandel town, where the scenic beauty and rich gold mining history from the 1850s converge. Following this, venture on the overland route to Whitianga. If time permits, explore the coastal road north of Coromandel town, leading to stunning remote beaches, including Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay. Keep in mind that the route here is narrow and gravel at points, offering a chance to enjoy a beautifully situated campsite at Fletcher Bay, recognized as one of the top ten beaches in the Coromandel.
The remaining drive to Whitianga takes you through the Coromandel Range with picturesque views. Along the way, consider stopping for a refreshment at the delightful Matarangi beach before arriving at Whitianga for the night. The waterfront area is bustling with various dining options, accommodating a range of budgets and preferences.
Day 2: Whitianga to Whangamata
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Distance: 120 kilometers/75 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
This day features shorter travel distances with numerous appealing detours. Begin by taking a side road after leaving Whitianga to reach Hahei, home to the breathtaking Cathedral Cove—a notable gem of the Coromandel, accessible via a short walk.
Your next destination should be Hot Water Beach, where you can dig in the sand to reveal steaming water—an experience only possible at low tide. After enjoying this unique setting, stop for lunch in Tairua. This charming small town is slightly inland but only a brief drive to the ocean beach.
En route to Whangamata, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Opoutere, a hidden paradise and one of New Zealand’s most picturesque beaches, renowned for its unspoiled beauty.
Arrive in Whangamata, a lively holiday town celebrated for its superb beach and world-class surfing breaks. It is an ideal locale to unwind and bask in the sun’s rays.
Day 3: Whangamata to Tauranga
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Distance: 100 kilometers/62 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
If you plan on returning to Auckland, take the scenic route through the stunning Karangahake Gorge for a memorable experience.
Although today’s distance isn’t extensive, there are numerous fascinating stops to make along the way. Departing Whangamata, consider a short detour to Whiritoa, another wonderful beach along the Coromandel east coast. Next, continue to the town of Waihi, historically crucial for gold mining and home to a sizable open-cast mine still operational today.
After lunch in Waihi, head toward Waihi Beach, known for its exceptional surfing conditions and coastal walking trails that offer stunning views.
Your final leg will have you tracking along Tauranga Harbor, concluding your journey in Tauranga, a vibrant center with numerous attractions and activities. This spot serves as an excellent starting point for additional explorations along the eastern coastline of New Zealand’s North Island.
