Itineraries

Coromandel Town to Paeroa - 199kms – 3 hours

Depart Coromandel Town and take SH25 across to Whitianga via the stunning beaches of Kuaotunu, Otama and Opito Bay. These beaches are ideal for swimming and there are numerous rock pools and interesting caves to explore.
On arrival at Whitianga, a thriving town set in the heart of Mercury Bay on the eastern side of the peninsula, you will find plenty of activities and superb eating places to indulge yourself with. You may like to take the ferry across to Ferry Landing, wander around the numerous shops along the main street or simply enjoy the view from the main beach.
If golf is your game than enjoy a round at Mercury Bay Golf Club. There is also a lovely museum and some interesting galleries. For the more adventurous there are horse treks, jet boat rides and 4WD bike safaris to name but some of the activities available.
A walk along Buffalo Beach is a perfect way to end another perfect day in the Coromandel.
Hot Water Beach is a must to visit on your way down the east coast of the peninsula. Situated just south of Whitianga it is here that you can dig your own thermal hot pool in the sand at low tide.
Cathedral Cove is just around the corner. An easy 40 minute walk takes you to a picture perfect beach set within a stunning natural rock amphitheatre.

Continue down SH25 to Tairua and Pauanui. These two towns are separated by a safe and natural harbour, dominated by the impressive landform of Paku Hill. Interesting art galleries, studios and gardens abound in the area and there is plenty of soft adventure to be had in the surrounding hills.

Overlook the ever changing Pacific Ocean from the superb vantage point of Paku Hill in Tairua or with a leisurely stroll along Pauanui's surf beach, enjoying the beauty that is the Coromandel.
Carry on down SH25 to the popular holiday spot of Whangamata. Once again, you'll find a fantastic surf beach, an idyllic harbour and plenty to do.

If you missed that game of golf in the morning or feel like a spot of game fishing, there is another world class golf course and a number of fishing charters available. The nearby Wentworth Valley is home to a series of great walks through native bush, one such walk taking you to the impressive Wentworth Valley Falls.

Time to catch up on some great shopping too as Whangamata's main street is lined with a huge range of boutiques, galleries and interesting stores.
Take advantage of Whangamata’s superb surf beach by getting up early and perhaps catching a few waves or by just enjoying a leisurely stroll whilst marvelling at the sun rise.
Depart Whangamata and head down to Waihi on SH25, an historic gold mining town and one in which there is still a working mine sourcing both gold and silver. It is from here you can take a fun and interesting journey on Goldfields Railway through the stunning Karangahake Gorge.  Or take a tour of the Martha Mine with Waihi Gold Mine Tours.  Lunch at the local Ohinemuri Estate Winery, part of the Homegrown Food Trail.
Once you depart Waihi and head inland along SH2 to Paeroa you will pass through more of the gorge, the road hugging the river with the impressive mountains covered in native rainforest towering above you.

Paeroa is one of the main service centres for the surrounding Hauraki Plains and is famous for its natural mineral water that is bottled at source and sold throughout the world. Lunch at the L&P Cafe and potter away the afternoon in the town’s many antique stores.  

Auckland to Coromandel Town -169kms – 2.5 hrs

Depart Auckland and take the one and a half hour tour through attractive farmland along the Pacific Coast Highway to the Seabird Coast (visit the Miranda Shorebird Centre to learn about this word-renowned bird watching destination) and across the Hauraki Plains before arriving in Thames.
Built on the pioneering industries of gold mining and kauri logging, Thames is the largest town in the region. Its fascinating history can be uncovered by visiting two excellent museums and taking a tour through an old gold mine.

There is a good Department of Conservation field station and information centre based nearby in the Kauaeranga Valley. A range of walks and tramps depart from the Centre taking you through interesting and diverse semi-tropical rainforest that is prevalent on the Coromandel. If you prefer to walk and play golf at the same time, then the Thames Golf Club offers a challenging course. Thames also has Goldfields Shopping Centre, the major shopping complex of The Coromandel.
Continue north along SH25. This tree-lined road hugs the coastline offering memorable views across the Firth of Thames and the Hauraki Gulf. Take a short detour inland at Tapu to visit the beautiful Rapaura Watergardens and again just before Coromandel Town for a delightful stop at Waiau Waterworks.
Arrive Coromandel Town. This town is primarily known for its vibrant arts community and colonial style architecture. The numerous galleries and studios displaying fine works by local artists, sculptors, potters and painters could keep you amused for hours.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon visiting the many other treasures Coromandel Town has to offer including Driving Creek Railway.  Alternatively, you can hire a fishing rod and try your hand at some of the best coastal fishing New Zealand has to offer or get out on one of the Mussel Barges and cast your rod for the delicious New Zealand Snapper that are abundant in the waters off the west coast of the Coromandel.