WHANGAMATA, New Zealand — As the summer tourism season looms, Whangamata residents and visitors are bracing for another season of disrupted travel, with State Highway 25 and the critical SH25A link both facing ongoing repairs, lane closures, and new safety projects that threaten to slow access to the Coromandel Peninsula’s eastern jewel.
The latest update from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, released this week, confirms that the SH25A bridge replacement at the Kopu-Hikuai junction—a key artery connecting the peninsula’s eastern and western coasts—remains on track for completion by mid-2025. However, motorists will face intermittent single-lane closures through November and December as crews install new steel girders and pour concrete decking.
“We’re making solid progress, but there’s no sugar-coating it: this is going to be a frustrating few weeks for anyone trying to get in or out of Whangamata,” says Mark Petersen, Thames-Coromandel District Council’s transportation manager. “The work is essential to future-proof the route against the kind of storm damage we saw in early 2023, but it does mean delays of up to 20 minutes during peak hours.”
SH25 slip repairs and roadworks
Meanwhile, SH25—the main coastal route linking Whangamata to Thames and Tauranga—is undergoing a series of staggered roadworks that have already begun to snarl traffic. A major slip repair project near the Williamson Park turnoff, approximately 3 kilometres south of the town centre, has reduced the highway to one lane controlled by temporary traffic lights. Waka Kotahi says the work, which involves stabilising a 50-metre section of hillside, is expected to last until late December.
“It’s a nightmare for locals trying to get to work or school,” says Sarah Mitchell, owner of the Beach Road Fish Supply. “We’re seeing customers cancelling orders because they can’t guarantee they’ll make it through the lights in time. It’s hurting business just as we’re heading into our busiest time of year.”
Further north, near the intersection with Port Road, crews are resurfacing a 2-kilometre stretch of SH25 that was damaged by heavy rain in August. This work will require overnight closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weeknights through the first two weeks of November, with detours via Hikuai and the old coach road.
Harbour access and local road upgrades
The Thames-Coromandel District Council has also announced a $1.2 million upgrade to the Whangamata Harbour’s boat ramp and parking area at the end of Port Road. The project, funded jointly by the council and Waka Kotahi, will add 30 new parking spaces and a second lane to reduce congestion during summer weekends.
“The harbour is the heart of our community, and the current setup just can’t cope with the demand,” says Councillor James Hargreaves, who represents the Whangamata ward. “We’ve had near-misses between trailers and cyclists on Port Road, and the new layout will separate traffic flows and improve safety for everyone.”
Construction is set to begin on 1 December and is expected to take eight weeks, with the ramp remaining open but restricted to single-lane use during that time. Local fishing charter operator Dave Rangi of Whangamata Charters says the upgrade is overdue. “Last summer, we had queues of 20 boats waiting to launch on a Saturday morning. It’s a good problem to have, but it’s dangerous. This will make a real difference.”
Beach Road and town centre improvements
In the town centre, the council has confirmed that the long-awaited Beach Road safety upgrade will begin in February 2025. The project includes raised pedestrian crossings, new cycle lanes, and a reduced speed limit of 30 km/h from the Whangamata Surf Club to the Williamson Park entrance. Local business owners have mixed feelings.
“Anything that makes Beach Road safer for families is welcome,” says Emma Thompson, owner of the Surf Shack café on Beach Road. “But I worry about construction noise and disruption during the peak season. We rely on summer trade to carry us through the winter, and any road closure could be devastating.”
The council says it will phase the work to minimise disruption, with no full closures planned between Boxing Day and Waitangi Day.
Context: A region still recovering
Whangamata’s transport challenges are part of a broader story of recovery on the Coromandel Peninsula. The devastating floods and slips of January and February 2023—which triggered a state of emergency and cut off several communities—left a legacy of weakened roading infrastructure. SH25A, which collapsed near the summit of the Coromandel Range, required a complete rebuild costing $45 million. That route reopened to one lane in March 2024, but full two-lane capacity remains months away.
“We’re still paying the price for those storms,” says Petersen. “Every dollar we spend on resilience now is an investment in making sure Whangamata stays connected in the future.”
What’s next
Waka Kotahi is expected to release a full summer travel plan for the Coromandel in mid-November, including advice on alternative routes and expected peak congestion times. The Thames-Coromandel District Council will also host a public information evening at the Whangamata Community Centre on 28 November to discuss the harbour upgrade and Beach Road project.
For now, residents are advised to allow extra travel time, check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner app, and consider using the Hikuai route as an alternative when SH25 is closed overnight.
FAQ: Whangamata road and transport update
Q: When will the SH25A bridge replacement be finished?
A: Waka Kotahi expects the full two-lane bridge to be open by mid-2025. Until then, single-lane closures will continue, especially during November and December.
Q: Will Beach Road be closed during the summer holidays?
A: No full closures are planned between Boxing Day (26 December) and Waitangi Day (6 February). The upgrade will begin in February 2025, with phased work to minimise disruption.
Q: How can I stay updated on road closures?
A: Use the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner app or website, and follow the Thames-Coromandel District Council’s Facebook page for local alerts. The council will also host a public meeting on 28 November at the Whangamata Community Centre.
