Coromandel Road Trip: 12 Best Stops Around the Coromandel Peninsula

If you love beaches and coastal scenery, it’s hard to beat a Coromandel road trip.

The Coromandel Peninsula is home to white-sand beaches, swimmable turquoise water, surf spots, rainforest walks, and tropical island vibes. 

This is one of my favourite destinations in New Zealand, and a place I return to often for weekend getaways and longer holidays. The Coromandel draws me back again and again, and I think you’ll see why once you visit, too!

To help you plan your visit to the Coromandel, I’m sharing my favourite stops on a road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula, starting on the west coast of the peninsula and looping around to the east coast.

I’ve included my top walks, beaches, spots for good food, and places to stay overnight, plus some itinerary suggestions depending on how many days you have. 

So let’s get to it. Read on to discover the best things to do on a Coromandel road trip!

A heads-up: this blog is reader-supported, and this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping me continue to write, take photos, and share my favourite places in New Zealand!

Coromandel Road Trip Map

Getting Around the Coromandel

If you need to rent a car or campervan for your road trip, these are the companies I recommend.

🚗 Car rentals: I use Discover Cars to find the best deals on car rentals in New Zealand, and I’m also a big fan of Apex Rentals and Snap Rentals.

🚐 Campervan rentals: Campervanning is a great way to experience the Coromandel, with an abundance of great campgrounds to choose from all around the peninsula.

I like using Motorhome Republic to compare prices and ratings for campervan rentals in New Zealand. 

Best Stops on a Coromandel Road Trip

For a highlights loop around the Coromandel Peninsula, these are my recommended stops, organised from the west side of the peninsula to the east side.

1. Coromandel Town

Coromandel Town is a charming coastal town on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. 

Its rich gold-mining history, bohemian atmosphere, and surrounding natural beauty make Coromandel Town a great first stop on your Coromandel road trip.

To get to Coromandel Town, you’ll drive up the coastline from Thames for about one hour. 

The drive is absolutely stunning, hugging the seashore and offering sweeping views over the Hauraki Gulf, offshore islands, and tidal mudflat beaches framed by pohutukawa trees.

There’s a lot to do around Coromandel Town, so I recommend staying here for a night or two if you can. 

Things to do around Coromandel Town

• Waiau Kauri Grove & Waiau Falls: Just south of Coromandel Town, a short detour on the 309 Road takes you to Waiau Falls and the nearby Waiau Kauri Grove, two easy yet gorgeous walks in native bush.
  
  
• Driving Creek Railway: Coromandel Town’s star attraction is Driving Creek Railway, a charming mountain railway hand-built by the late potter Barry Brickell. A ride on the train takes you through regenerating bush to a nice lookout over the coastline, and the whole experience is quirky, fun, and well worth it.
  
  
• Long Bay Kauri Walk: Starting from the day-use parking area at Long Bay Motor Camp, the Long Bay Kauri Walk is one of the best easy walks in the Coromandel. The walk takes about one hour on a loop through a gorgeous kauri forest, dropping down to Tuck’s Bay before hugging the coastline on the way back to Long Bay.
  
  
• Cafes & pubs: The historic Star and Garter Hotel is a good spot for a drink and a bite to eat, with a cosy, rustic atmosphere and hearty pub food. For breakfast, head to Weta Cafe. And if you’re a craft beer lover, Coromandel Town Supply is a lovely little microbrewery that won’t disappoint.
  
  
• Eat fresh seafood: If you love fresh seafood like I do, Coromandel Oyster Company is a good stop on the drive up to Coromandel Town.

Where to stay in Coromandel Town

• Hush Boutique Accommodation for cosy cabins nestled in native bush.
  
  
• Buffalo Lodge for a special boutique stay surrounded by lush greenery.
  
  
• Long Bay Motor Camp for a campsite or camping cabin.

2. New Chums Beach

New Chums Beach is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the Coromandel.

To get to New Chums Beach, you’ll need to walk for about 30 minutes along a coastal path that starts at the northern end of Whangapoua Beach. 

It’s best to time your walk around low tide, as there’s a tidal stream you need to cross to access the trail.

There’s a bit of rock-hopping involved in the walk, but it’s a fairly straightforward trail, and soon enough you’ll enter a gorgeous nikau palm-filled forest before reaching the beach.

Your walking efforts will be well-rewarded when you reach the beach: this crescent of white sand is fringed by native bush, and there’s not a house or development in sight.

Pack a lunch, drinking water, a beach towel, and your swimwear—once you get to the beach, you won’t want to leave!

Note that there are no toilets at New Chums Beach, so plan accordingly. There are toilets at Whangapoua Beach.

3. Kuaotunu & Luke’s Kitchen

Kuaotunu is a lovely little seaside village on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.

It’s home to a nice white-sand beach that’s a great swimming spot in summer. 

For such a small place, it also has some great places to eat. 

Luke’s Kitchen is a fantastic spot for lunch, with delicious wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood (I love their calamari), and fun cocktails. It’s a popular spot, so you might need to wait for a table, but it’s worth it!

Next to Luke’s Kitchen is Kua Kawhe, a cute cafe with good coffee, breakfast, and lunch items. 

Or if you’re just after a treat, head to the Kuaotunu Store for one of their massive ice cream cones.

4. Otama Beach & Opito Bay

If you love secluded beaches, I highly recommend detouring from Kuaotunu to Otama Beach and Opito Bay.

From Kuaotunu, you’ll drive over the hill via Black Jack Road, which feels like a bit of an adventure, as it’s partly unpaved, steep, and winding. You’ll get gorgeous ocean views along much of the drive before dropping back down to the coastline.

First up is Otama Beach, a 2 km stretch of pristine, squeaky-white sand. The beach is backed by a protected wetland area and sand dunes, which are home to endangered dotterels. Go for a swim and beach stroll, and maybe find the scenic beach swing.

Another 6 km down the road is Opito Bay, an equally gorgeous beach. The sand is often peppered with scallop shells, and there’s an excellent short walk here: the Opito Bay Pa walk.

5. Whitianga

Whitianga is the largest town on the east coast of the Coromandel.

This is a good place to stop for fuel and groceries on your Coromandel road trip, or to stay for a night or two if you want a base with supermarkets, shops, and restaurants close by.

Things to do in Whitianga

• Soak in the Lost Spring. This adults-only hot spring experience is set amidst a lush, tropical backdrop, and it’s a worthy splurge for couples or friends looking to indulge in some pampering. I recommend booking ahead, as it’s a popular spot.
  
  
• Grab a bite to eat. For breakfast, head to Hula or Coro Club, which both serve up good coffee and brunch items. Blue Ginger is a nice spot for Asian fusion food, and Cooked is great for Mexican food and margaritas.
  
  
• Go shopping. Gathered Collab is a wonderful shop for beautiful housewares and gifts. Or, if you’re an op shopping fiend like I am, it’s always fun to peek at the op shops in town.
  
  
• Hop on a Cathedral Cove cruise. There are several cruise options that depart from the Whitianga Wharf and whisk you across the marine reserve to see Cathedral Cove from the water. The Ocean Leopard and Glass Bottom Boat are both popular options.

Where to stay in Whitianga

• Crow’s Nest Apartments for spacious apartment-style accommodation close to Buffalo Beach.

6. Lonely Bay

Getting to Lonely Bay requires a bit of a detour, but it’s so worth it if you’re a fan of beautiful beaches.

Lonely Bay is actually my favourite beach in all of the Coromandel, which is saying a lot. This small, stunning beach is located near Cooks Beach, sitting beneath the bush-clad Shakespeare Cliff. 

After parking in the small parking area, you’ll need to walk down a step-lined path through the bush for about 5-10 minutes to reach the beach. 

At Lonely Bay, you’ll find a picturesque beach cove with crushed-shell sand. The beach is fringed by pohutukawa trees, with turquoise water to swim in and neat rock formations to explore. 

On a nice day in the Coromandel, I love nothing more than packing my beach chair, an umbrella, a good book, and a picnic to enjoy a relaxed day at one of the best beaches in New Zealand.

7. Hahei

Hahei is one of the best beach towns in New Zealand, and it makes the perfect base for exploring the Coromandel’s two top attractions: Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

Not only is Hahei’s location super convenient, but it’s also just a nice place in and of itself. The town is small and charming (I’d call it more of a village, actually), and you’re never far from the beach here—and it’s a stunning beach at that!

Things to do in Hahei

• Hang out at Hahei Beach. This beach is generally quite gentle and lovely for swimming. You can also take off on a Cathedral Cove boat ride or kayak tour right from the beach.
  
  
• Get a wood-fired pizza and drinks at the Pour House, a craft brewery located right in town. I love their spiced cider, which always goes down a treat while sitting outside in their garden seating area.
  
  
• Shop at the Cove, a cute boutique store selling beach essentials and locally sourced pantry items. I love picking up a bag of Opito Bay Salt from here, or a spice mix from Cathedral Cove Macadamias.
  
  
• Walk up to the Hereheretaura Pa for 360-degree views over the sea and surrounding land. It’s easily one of the best short walks in the Coromandel.
  
  
• Visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach—more on these below!

Where to stay in Hahei

• The Church: This gorgeous property is built around a reconstructed early-1900s church. Their private cottages are set amidst lush gardens. It’s a little slice of paradise, and easily one of the best places to stay in the Coromandel.
  
  
• Tasman Holiday Park Hahei Beach: Whether you’re campervanning, tent camping, or opting for a cabin, this spacious holiday park is a great choice. It’s located just steps away from Hahei Beach and has a seasonal bar and eatery onsite, too.

Tip: Accommodation in Hahei is extremely limited and books out early, especially in the summer. I’d get your accommodation booked well in advance to avoid missing out.

8. Cathedral Cove

For most visitors, Cathedral Cove is the main draw to the Coromandel—and it’s not hard to see why. 

Known for its rock formations, clear waters, and white sand, Cathedral Cove is easily one of the best beaches in New Zealand. 

Getting to Cathedral Cove

To get to Cathedral Cove, you’ll either need to walk there via the Cathedral Cove Walkway, or take a boat. 

Unfortunately, you can no longer park at the trailhead for the walkway, located at the top of Grange Road. Further, while there used to be a trail leading from Hahei Beach, it’s no longer safe to use due to major slips and land instability. 

The beach itself is free to visit, but you’ll need to either pay for parking, a shuttle, or a boat ride, unless you walk all the way from Hahei (which is long, but doable).

Further reading: how to get to Cathedral Cove

9. Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is a picturesque beach with golden-white sand. 

The main attraction here, though, is the hot geothermal mineral water that lies beneath the beach. What this means is that you can dig your own beachside spa tub at low tide!

Understandably, this unique attraction is a must-do on many travellers’ itineraries, so expect to see other people here (often en masse). 

Even if you don’t want to join in on the fun, you’ve got to go see Hot Water Beach on your Coromandel road trip—it’s such a unique place.

Tips for visiting Hot Water Beach

• Check a tide chart and plan your visit accordingly—you’ll only be able to access the hot water within 2 hours each side of low tide.
  
  
• There is a relatively small portion of the beach that contains the hot water. The prime area is where the most prominent rocks stick out of the sand, about 200 metres down the beach from the main car park. 
  
  
• Bring a couple of spades (shovels). You’ll need them to dig your spa pool. You can hire spades from Hotties Cafe or the Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Or use my favourite trick, which is waiting for someone to leave their hot pool and then taking it over once they’ve left, haha!
  
  
• Watch out, as the water can get really hot. It’s best to dig a small section in a hot part, then continue to dig in a cooler section and allow the hot water to seep into your tub.
  
  
• The ocean is super inviting, especially after a hot water soak, but be careful at this beach, as there are a lot of rip currents here.
  
  
• For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning (if tides allow) or in winter.

Where to stay near Hot Water Beach

• The Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is easily one of the best camping spots in the Coromandel, located a short walk from Hot Water Beach with awesome facilities onsite. In addition to campsites, they have a great selection of cosy camping cabins here.

10. Mt Paku, Tairua

If you’re looking for a nice little hike along your Coromandel road trip, I recommend hiking up Mount Paku in Tairua.

The summit of this dormant volcano offers a stunning view over the estuary, Tairua Beach (a popular surf spot), and nearby Pauanui. It’s a steep climb to the top, but only takes about 15 minutes each way, and the views are worth the effort.

11. Whangamata 

In Whangamata, you’ll find a cute beach town right next to one of New Zealand’s most popular surf beaches. 

While Whangamata is somewhat sleepy during much of the year, its population swells in the summertime when Aucklanders head to their baches for summer holidays.

It’s often overlooked by overseas visitors, but I think Whangamata is an underrated stop along a Coromandel road trip.

Things to do in Whangamata

• Hit the beach. Whangamata Beach is home to a popular surf spot when the conditions are right. Even if you don’t surf, it’s fun to watch the action on a big surf day. Or simply go for a nice swim or long, leisurely beach walk.
  
  
• On a calm-weather day, go kayaking to Whenuakura (Donut) Island. It’s a magical experience involving paddling into a turquoise lagoon within a hollowed-out island cave. Make sure to follow the rules and don’t actually step foot on the island; it’s a fragile and sacred place. For kayak rentals, check Peddle and Paddle.
  
  
• Shop local. Whangamata Surf Shop is a wonderful family-run shop with the best customer service and lots of beachy goodies to choose from. And if you’re a chocolate lover, you won’t want to miss Coromandel Chocolate, a bean-to-bar, small-batch chocolate shop run by the nicest owner.
  
  
• Hike to Wentworth Falls (6 km / around 2.5-3 hours return)
  
  
• Grab a bite to eat at Port Road Project, which serves up Scandi-inspired fare in a chic, airy space. Their “Pytti Panna” (Swedish bubble & squeak) is next-level good, as are their waffle fries. Actually, everything is amazing here—just go and you’ll see!
  
  
• If a burger is calling your name, head to Soul Burger. They have hearty, yum burgers for carnivores and plant-based eaters alike, and their kumara fries are so good, too.

Where to stay in Whangamata

• South Pacific Motel is a laid-back motel right in town with a hot tub for guests to use.
• Breakers Motel has a nice pool and the option to book a room with a private spa tub on your balcony.

12. Waihi Beach

Waihi Beach is a seaside town with a long stretch of sandy beach and a sweet little town centre with cafes and shops. 

It sits on the cusp of the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty region, and is a great final stop on a Coromandel road trip.

Things to do in Waihi Beach

• Go for a beach stroll. You can walk for ages along Waihi Beach at low tide—if you don’t get distracted by admiring all of the gorgeous shells, that is!
  
  
• Hike into Orokawa Bay, a beautiful, hidden beach cove that’s only accessible by foot. The trailhead starts at the northern end of Waihi Beach and the walk takes about 45 minutes each way. It’s one of my favourite day hikes in the North Island. Pack a picnic to enjoy at Orokawa Bay!
  
  
• If it’s a bit chilly out, head to Athenree Hot Springs for a soak in thermal mineral water.
  
  
• Grab a bite to eat at Flatwhite Cafe, the Surf Shack, or the Secret Garden.
  
  
• Pop into Sunday Homestore, a lovely local shop with a beautiful selection of housewares (many of which are New Zealand-made).

Have more time? Here are some extra stops to consider for your Coromandel road trip

Coromandel Coastal Walkway

Located at the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, the Coromandel Coastal Walkway is a fantastic day hike.

This is a real edge-of-the-world kind of place, with sweeping coastal views as you walk over a rolling green headland. You’ll see dramatic cliffsides that drop into the crashing sea below, walk through native bush filled with birdsong, and spot Great Barrier Island in the distance.

You can either start this walk from Fletcher Bay or Stony Bay, which are both DOC campgrounds. 

The entire return walk covers 20 km, but personally, I recommend doing just part of the trail rather than the whole thing. Fletcher Bay is my favourite starting point.

From Fletcher Bay, you can walk for about 5.5 km to a scenic lookout before turning around. This section of the walk takes about 3 hours return.

If you’re planning to camp on your Coromandel road trip, you could consider camping at Port Jackson or Fletcher Bay before doing this walk. Or you could venture here as a long but very doable day trip from Coromandel Town.

I should also mention that the drive to get to Fletcher Bay is mostly unpaved, quite narrow, and not ideal during a rainstorm. Some car and campervan rental companies don’t allow you to drive their vehicles up here, so it’s not an adventure for everyone.

Waikawau Bay

Waikawau Bay is a secluded beach on the northeastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Getting to Waikawau Bay is a journey on unpaved roads for much of the way. That said, if you’re keen for an adventure and want to get off-the-beaten-path, I think you’ll love it up here.

There’s a beautiful DOC campsite at Waikawau Bay, so if you’re keen to camp, it’s a great destination. Otherwise, you can day trip here from Coromandel Town (I’d take the road via Colville).

Just a word of warning: the roads past Colville are fairly rough and unpaved. Some car and campervan rental companies don’t allow their vehicles to be driven past Colville, so if you’re renting a vehicle, check the terms and conditions before heading up this way.

Opoutere Beach

Opoutere Beach is located just a 20-minute drive north of Whangamata. 

It’s home to a pristine white-sand beach backed by a dense pine forest, and is an absolutely stunning place for a beach walk or swim.

If you’re planning to camp on your road trip, I highly recommend camping at Opoutere Coastal Camping, one of my all-time favourite camping spots in the North Island!

Pinnacles Walk

If you’re fit, up for a full day of hiking (or an overnight tramp), and want to experience one of the Coromandel’s best hikes, then the Pinnacles Walk might be just the adventure for you.

The Pinnacles Walk takes you through the beautiful Kauaeranga Valley, past regenerating kauri forest and cascading waterfalls, and up to a popular hut and stunning viewpoint.

The Pinnacles Hut is one of New Zealand’s largest and (nicest) mountain huts—it has 80 bunks, plus amenities like cold showers and solar lighting. If you plan to stay at the hut, make sure to book ahead on the DOC website—bookings are required at all times, and there’s an on-site warden who will check your booking on arrival.

Whether or not you choose to stay in the hut, however, you’ll want to make your way up to the pinnacles viewpoint. The viewpoint is about another 40 minutes past the hut. At the viewpoint, you’ll see jagged rock formations and amazing views over the Coromandel Peninsula.

How Many Days Do You Need in the Coromandel? 

2 days

Head straight to Hahei and visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

3-4 days

Focus on the highlights. Stay one night in Coromandel Town and one or two nights in Hahei.

5-7 days

Lucky you! With 5-7 days, you could visit most of the spots on this list, add in an extra stop or two, or spend slow days in a couple of places hanging out at the beach.

Coromandel Road Trip Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit the Coromandel

• The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most popular summer destinations in New Zealand. If you’re planning to do a Coromandel road trip in summer (Dec-Feb), make sure you book your campsites or accommodation in advance. In summer, also expect popular Coromandel activities (like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach) to be crowded.
  
  
• Personally, I think the best time to visit the Coromandel is the off-season. Go to the Coromandel anytime outside of summer, and you’ll find way fewer crowds and better deals on accommodation. Do note that some campgrounds and businesses close during winter, so make sure to do some research beforehand if you want to road trip in winter.

Tips for your Coromandel road trip

• You’ll find supermarkets in some of the bigger towns in the Coromandel, but a lot of places will only have small dairies (convenience stores) or Four Square supermarkets. These can be limited and quite expensive. For the best selection, go to a supermarket in Thames, Whitianga, or Whangamata, or stock up in Auckland before heading down to the Coromandel.
  
  
• Since the Coromandel is a peninsula, it has two different oceanfront sides. The west coast of the Coromandel tends to have more pebbly, tidal beaches, whereas the east coast has white-sand beaches. You’re probably going to want to spend most of your time on the east coast if you’re after beaches.
  
  
• Keep an eye on the tides. Some Coromandel beaches (like Hot Water Beach) are best visited at low tide. You can check the tides for Hot Water Beach in advance and plan out your days accordingly.
  
  
• If you like fresh, local produce, make sure to keep some cash on hand. There are heaps of honesty stands in the Coromandel. You can pick up manuka honey, citrus, avocados, and other homegrown fruit and veggies for great prices.

Driving in the Coromandel

• The roads in the Coromandel are quite winding and narrow. Make sure you’re a confident driver before hitting the road, especially if you’re driving a campervan. Use turnouts whenever possible to let speedy locals go past you. 
  
  
• Check for any road closure alerts before you set out. The roads in the Coromandel sometimes get washed out during big rainstorms, and you might need to alter your plans accordingly.
  
  
• You may not get cell service in parts of the Coromandel. You’ll want to download your maps (and any playlists, podcasts, etc.) prior to hitting the road. 
  
  
• Download the Campermate app before your Coromandel road trip. The app will help you find campsites, toilets, water refill spots, petrol stations, etc. It’s a handy resource for any New Zealand road trip.

Thanks for reading my Coromandel road trip guide!

I truly hope this has helped you plan your visit to the Coromandel Peninsula.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me. I really love hearing from you!

Further reading

Planning some North Island adventures? Here are some guides to help get you started.

• Best road trips from Auckland
• 10-day North Island itinerary
• 2-week North Island itinerary