Whangamata, Coromandel Peninsula — As the summer season approaches, residents and visitors to Whangamata are grappling with a familiar set of challenges on the region’s key arterial routes, State Highways 25 and 25A. While Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency pushes ahead with significant road improvement projects, local business owners and the Thames-Coromandel District Council are voicing concerns about the cumulative impact on access to the coastal town, particularly during peak holiday periods.
The road network serving Whangamata has been under strain since the devastating 2023 storms that caused widespread slips and damage across the Coromandel. The closure of SH25A near the Kōpū-Hikuai junction last year forced traffic onto alternative routes, and while that section has since reopened, drivers continue to face delays and disruptions on SH25, the primary corridor linking Whangamata to the rest of the peninsula and beyond.
Current road conditions and closures
As of late November, SH25 remains open in both directions between Whangamata and Thames, but motorists are advised to expect delays due to ongoing roadworks. Waka Kotahi has confirmed that a major stabilisation project on a slip-prone section of SH25, approximately 5 kilometres south of the Whangamata turnoff, is scheduled to continue through to mid-December. This work involves rock scaling, drainage improvements, and the installation of a new retaining wall. Temporary traffic management, including stop-go signals and reduced speed limits of 30 km/h, is in place during daylight hours.
On SH25A, which provides an alternative route via the Kaimai Range, conditions are generally good following a $12 million repair programme completed earlier this year. However, Waka Kotahi warns that heavy rain events could trigger further slips, and motorists are urged to check the latest travel alerts before departing.
“We are seeing a steady increase in traffic volumes as the holiday season ramps up, and the roadworks on SH25 are causing frustration for locals and tourists alike,” said John Harkness, a Whangamata resident and former Thames-Coromandel District councillor. “The delays can add 20 to 30 minutes to a journey that should take less than an hour from Thames. It’s putting pressure on everyone, especially businesses that rely on a steady flow of visitors.”
Waka Kotahi projects and future plans
Waka Kotahi has several long-term projects in the pipeline aimed at improving the resilience of the Coromandel road network. The most significant is the SH25 Coromandel Peninsula Resilience Programme, which includes the construction of a new 1.5-kilometre bypass around the slip-prone section south of Whangamata. This project, estimated to cost $45 million, is currently in the detailed design phase, with construction expected to begin in late 2025 and completion targeted for 2027.
Another key initiative is the Whangamata Intersection Safety Upgrade, which will see improvements at the junction of SH25 and Beach Road, a notorious bottleneck during summer weekends. The upgrade, budgeted at $3.2 million, includes the installation of a roundabout, new pedestrian crossings, and improved signage. Waka Kotahi says public consultation on the design will open in early December, with construction slated for mid-2025.
“Our priority is to make the Coromandel road network safer and more reliable for everyone,” said Waka Kotahi regional maintenance manager, Sarah Mitchell. “We understand the frustration caused by current delays, but these projects are essential for long-term resilience. We are working closely with the Thames-Coromandel District Council and local stakeholders to minimise disruption during construction.”
Local impact and community response
For Whangamata’s business community, the road conditions are a double-edged sword. While the summer influx of tourists is vital for the local economy, the prospect of prolonged delays and potential road closures is causing anxiety.
“We rely on visitors coming to Whangamata for the beach, the harbour, and everything else we offer,” said Lisa Thompson, owner of the Beach Road Café and a member of the Whangamata Business Association. “When the roads are bad, people think twice about making the trip. We’ve already seen a dip in bookings for the December holidays compared to last year. It’s a real worry.”
The Thames-Coromandel District Council has been lobbying central government for additional funding to improve local roads that serve as alternative routes during SH25 closures. Mayor Len Salt said the council is also exploring the possibility of a dedicated shuttle service from Thames to Whangamata during peak periods, but acknowledged that such a service would require significant investment.
“We are acutely aware of the impact that road conditions have on our communities,” Salt said. “Whangamata is a jewel of the Coromandel, and it must remain accessible. We are pushing for a coordinated approach that balances the need for essential road repairs with the economic realities of our local businesses.”
Looking ahead: what’s next for Whangamata’s transport network
In the short term, Waka Kotahi advises drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check the NZTA Journey Planner for real-time updates. The agency has also announced that it will deploy additional traffic management staff during the Christmas and New Year period to manage congestion at key points, including the SH25 and Beach Road intersection.
Longer term, the completion of the SH25 bypass and the intersection upgrade are expected to significantly improve travel times and safety. However, local leaders caution that these projects are years away, and in the meantime, the community must adapt.
“We can’t just wait for the bypass,” said Harkness. “We need practical solutions now, like better signage, more frequent updates from Waka Kotahi, and maybe even a temporary park-and-ride system from the Williamson Park area. Every little bit helps.”
For now, Whangamata residents and visitors alike are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast and the road cones, hoping for a smooth summer season ahead.
FAQ: Whangamata road conditions
Q: Are there any current closures on SH25 or SH25A?
A: As of late November, both SH25 and SH25A are open. However, there are roadworks on SH25 south of Whangamata with stop-go traffic management. No full closures are in place, but delays are possible, especially during peak hours.
Q: When will the roadworks on SH25 be completed?
A: The current stabilisation project is expected to finish by mid-December. However, the larger bypass project south of Whangamata is not expected to begin construction until late 2025, with completion targeted for 2027.
Q: What should I do if I’m planning to travel to Whangamata during the holidays?
A: Check the NZTA Journey Planner app or website for real-time updates. Allow extra travel time, especially on weekends and public holidays. Consider alternative routes via SH25A if SH25 is congested, but be aware that weather conditions can affect both routes.
