The Coromandel peninsula is arguably one of the most beautiful peninsulas on earth.
Our ultimate guide will navigate you through its charming towns, remarkable natural beauty, and the best spots for dining and staying. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or a beach lover, there’s something here for everyone.
Remember, the roads are windy, and the hills are steep around the Coromandel, take extra care when driving.
How to get to the Coromandel from Auckland
Travellers heading from Auckland to the Coromandel have several straightforward route options depending on where they plan to explore first. The most direct drive follows State Highway 2 toward the Hauraki Plains before joining State Highway 25, a smooth route for reaching Thames or the western side of the peninsula. Those continuing toward the eastern coastline can stay on State Highway 25A or take the detour via the Karangahake Gorge. People visiting Whitianga, Hahei, or Hot Water Beach should plan extra time, especially during summer when traffic builds near popular turnoffs. Checking road updates before leaving Auckland helps avoid delays caused by weather or maintenance on coastal sections. Travellers renting a vehicle in the city often stop in Thames or Paeroa to refuel, buy supplies, or break up the journey before continuing deeper into the peninsula.
What to Do in the Coromandel Peninsula
Visitors who explore the Coromandel Peninsula often feel drawn toward its mix of calm shores, beach forests, and lively towns. The Coromandel is home to many stunning beach towns, road trip stops, and unique villages, so there are many great options to choose from to add to your Coromandel road trip. With so many places to explore and things to do in the summer, you can tailor your trip to your travel style. From the beach village of Coromandel Town to the famous rock formations of Cathedral Cove and the relaxed beach town of Whangamata, you’ll find the perfect stop to suit your trip, each just as beautiful as the other.
Thames
Thames, an old mining town steeped in history, located 1.5 hours from Auckland is an ideal stop to replenish supplies for your road trip. This quaint town is renowned for its Saturday Street market, running from 8 am to Midday, offering everything from fresh produce to neat little trinkets.
For those craving adventure, The Pinnacles, also known as the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, are nearby and offer an ideal day trip. Spend approximately 6 hours (return) exploring or opt for an overnight stay at the Pinnacles Hut, just a 3-hour hike from the car park, to witness stunning views and perhaps even catch the sunrise or sunset.
If you do plan to stay at the Pinnacle Hut remember to book in advance as there is a fee.
After enjoying some local culture and heritage, we recommend indulging in good coffee and delicious food. The town has a fantastic range of eateries, Café Melbourne and Chequers Café are our top choices.
Thames is home to Awilfidan Cell Door, an award-winning gin distillery. We recommend to stop here to learn about their process and enjoy a free tasting.
Manaia
Travelling north along the Coastal Highway will eventually bring you to Manaia, showcasing uninterrupted views of the Firth of Thames, making it a peaceful place to pause during a summer road trip in the Coromandel. Manaia, named after the mythological Māori creature with the head of a bird and the tail of a fish, is a little-known town right on the coast. People planning what to do in Coromandel often include a stop here because the coastal road provides steady views across the water and easy access to nearby short walks. This is a stop for nature lovers out there. While access to the Manaia Scientific Reserve is restricted, you can visit the Kauri Grove, home to hundreds of ancient trees.
*Make sure you clean your gear going in, and coming out, to prevent the spread of fungal diseases*
Coromandel Town
Named after the ship H.M.S Coromandel, the town exudes old-town charm from its gold-mining days. Beautiful day walks around the coastal walkway, offering serene views that effortlessly ease the mind. Coromandel Town gives travellers an inviting starting point for exploring the wider Coromandel Peninsula.
For nature enthusiasts, a journey through the native forest aboard the Driving Creek Railway is a must. Just outside Coromandel town, this experience unveils insights into pre-European times while revealing the hidden treasures of the Coromandel, regardless of the weather.
Craving more excitement? The Coromandel Zipline tour promises a thrilling adventure! Glide through the breathtaking native forest on an 8-zipline canopy tour, experiencing its beauty from every angle as you zip above the trees and stroll beneath lush ferns. Discover Driving Creek’s remarkable transformation from kauri logging to a flourishing hand-planted native forest, now a sanctuary for regenerating kauri trees and kiwi.
Whitianga
This tiny town nestled in the middle of nowhere is the ideal stop for a bit of rest and relaxation. Travellers who arrive in Whitianga find a lively harbour setting that is a great place to relax throughout the day. The pace of Whitianga is exactly what you need to escape from the high-energy circus of the city. The highlights of this hidden gem? The Lost Spring. A geothermal pool and day spa. Catching a fish, bush walks, or horse trekking, you are spoilt for options that will keep you entertained all day! It’s impossible to be stressed in Whitianga. Many visitors start near the marina, where boats move through calm water while groups enjoy short strolls along boardwalk areas. You’ll also find a bunch of cafes, galleries and ice cream stops for hot days, making it a lovely place to add to your Coromandel road trip.
Cooks Beach
Cooks Beach sits close to many favourite spots on the Coromandel Peninsula, making it a handy place to pause while heading over to other spots. En route to the renowned Cathedral Cove from Whitianga, make a pit stop at Cooks Beach for a leisurely stroll. Named in honour of Captain Cook’s visit aboard the HMS Endeavour in 1769, it boasts historical significance and picturesque charm. Kayakers enjoy launching from Cooks Beach because the water stays calm and the shoreline curves over towards hidden bays that can be explored easily. If the beach isn’t your thing, or you want to get a bit more active, the Shakespeare scenic and historic reserve offers a walk with one of the best views New Zealand has to offer. You can also explore Purangi Reserve for picnics, swimming areas, and slow riverside strolls.
Hahei
Home to Cathedral Cove, the legendary setting for Insta-famous pictures, Hahei is a beach paradise. Visitors often spend time on Hahei Beach itself, where calm water suits swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxed family downtime. The Hahei Explorer boat tour gives travellers a close look at sea caves, arches, and rocky points that sit just offshore. Hahei also provides easy access to exploring the famous Cathedral Cove. Clear water, towering rock walls, and bright light through the opening make it one of the most recognisable spots on the Coromandel Peninsula. If you’re stopping in here, try to rent a kayak or boat ride and take off through the waves and capture the iconic pic, or snorkel in the clear New Zealand waters at Gemstone Bay.
Hot Water Beach
It’s on everyone’s New Zealand bucket list. Literally, dig into the sand and watch as it fills with hot water straight from the underground thermal springs. The beach is packed during summer, but we recommend going in winter for a quieter day. There is nothing better than a crispy, cold day than digging a little and being warmed up by the earth itself. Located only 30 minutes from Whitianga, it’s essential to remember your togs and a spade or shovel! If you don’t have a shovel or spade, some of the local cafes have them to hire for the day.
Whangamatā
Whangamatā is the perfect little surf town, offering the perfect blend of wave-catching and fishing opportunities, this picturesque town is a popular destination. With numerous delicious cafes, surf shops, and arts and crafts shops, you could spend hours wandering the streets. People often spend a full day here or more, as it's the perfect balance of a lively beachside town and relaxing time by the ocean. Walkers can also enjoy strolling around the estuary or wandering out to Clark Island for great coastal views.
Hire a board and learn how to surf, or for those seeking a bigger adventure, join a guided tour to Whenuakura, also known as Donut Island on a kayak. Enter a cove 40 feet high and listen to your voice echo as you observe this beautiful emerald lagoon.
Accommodation in the Coromandel
Throughout the Coromandel region, you’ll discover a range of fantastic accommodation options. Treat yourself to a luxury glamping experience, cosy up in charming lodges, or book an Air BnB or Bach that has stunning sea views. For more budget-friendly options, Holiday Parks and Backpackers offer comfortable and affordable stays. Many travellers choose waterfront spots for easy access to morning swims or late-evening beach walks. Town centres like Whitianga, Whangamatā, Coromandel Town, and Pauanui offer motels, baches and accommodation options close to cafés, walking tracks, and general stores, making them practical bases for summer road trips.
Useful Driving Advice For Coromandel Road Trips
Many roads across the Coromandel can be narrow around cliff edges, so it's important to stay focused and take things slow, especially through winding and busy summertime roads. If you’re visiting from overseas, make sure you’ve refreshed yourself on the New Zealand road rules. Make sure you take plenty of breaks to avoid fatigue. A short pause at viewpoints is a great way to get some fresh air, have a break and see some beautiful scenery too. If you’re travelling in a group, share the driving load where possible. Break up stops on your Coromandel road trip so you aren't driving for too many hours in one day. The great thing about the Coromandel is that there are so many stunning places to stop for the night that taking your time to explore the area safely is easy.
Ready to plan your visit to the Coromandel?
The Coromandel has so much to offer, with its beautiful beaches and stunning native forests, it has something for every traveller. With our guide highlighting where to visit, eat and dine, this is an easy road trip for you to plan.
If time is tight, don't worry—our tailor-made 3-day itinerary from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula ensures you won't miss out on the Coromandel's top sights. Exploring the Coromandel is best done with a car. Hiring a rental car straight from Auckland Airport or Auckland City makes getting to the Coromandel and exploring at your own pace extremely easy and comfortable. With rental options from SUVs to compact cars, Mode Rentals has a vehicle to perfectly suit your travel preferences and group. Book your rental car, map out your route and start planning today and discover the wonders of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Coromandel Peninsula FAQs
What is special about the Coromandel Peninsula?
Travellers love the Coromandel Peninsula for its mix of beaches, forest, and relaxed community settings. Coastal tracks, bays, and sheltered beaches sit close to town centres, giving visitors easy access to varied experiences without long drives. The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect mix of scenery, outdoor activities and relaxation.
Is the Coromandel Peninsula worth visiting?
Many travellers choose the Coromandel Peninsula because it offers beaches, walking routes, and warm community areas that suit different trip styles. Families enjoy calm bays, swimmers the beautiful beaches, and walkers can enjoy coastal tracks and inland hikes. Towns across the region provide cafés, galleries, and relaxed spaces. This blend of scenery, comfort, and accessibility makes the Coromandel one of the best places to visit in New Zealand.
Where to stay on the Coromandel Peninsula?
There are a range of places to stay on the Coromandel Peninsula, each with its own beautiful scenery and things to do. Whitinaga is a popular destination to stay with easy beach access and family-friendly activities. Tairua offers calm harbour views and quick links to eastern beaches. Coromandel Town suits those who want to explore the town and have easy access to many of the main beaches. Hahei is also a popular option, close to famous spots like Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.
