Getting from Coromandel Town to Whangamata
The drive from Coromandel Town to Whangamata takes you down the length of the Coromandel Peninsula — approximately 94 kilometres and 1.5 to 2 hours of driving via the eastern coast through Whitianga and Tairua. But this is not a drive to rush. The road passes some of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches, including Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and the hidden gem of New Chums Beach. Allow a full day and treat it as one of the best coastal drives in the country.
Distance & Drive Time
- Via SH25 east coast (scenic, recommended): 94 km, 1.5 to 2 hours (driving only)
- Via Thames and SH25A (west coast, faster): 103 km, 1 hour 50 min
- Via 309 Road and Whitianga (shortcut): 85 km, 1.5 hours
Route 1: The Eastern Coast via Whitianga and Tairua (Recommended)
This is the route to take if you want to experience the best of the Coromandel:
- Coromandel Town to Whitianga via SH25 (46 km, 1 hour) — The road crosses the Coromandel Range through dense native bush. It is winding and narrow with blind corners, but the bush scenery is magnificent — towering pohutukawa, nikau palms, and tree ferns. The road drops down to the coast at Whitianga on Mercury Bay.
- Whitianga — A bustling beach town on Mercury Bay. Good cafes, a waterfront, and the ferry across the Whitianga Narrows to Ferry Landing (a 5-minute boat ride that saves a 40 km drive). The Lost Spring hot pools, built around natural geothermal springs in a tropical garden setting, are a unique experience.
- Whitianga to Tairua via Hahei and Hot Water Beach (40 km, 45 min) — This section passes two of the Coromandel’s biggest attractions. Hahei is the gateway to Cathedral Cove — a dramatic rock arch and white sand beach accessible by a 40-minute walk from the car park (or by boat). Hot Water Beach has underground geothermal activity that allows you to dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide — check tide times before visiting and bring a spade (available for hire at the beach).
- Tairua to Whangamata via SH25 (30 km, 30 min) — The road winds through native bush, passing Opoutere (a secluded beach and wildlife reserve worth a stop) before arriving at Whangamata.
Route 2: Via Thames and SH25A (Fastest)
If you are in a hurry, take SH25 south from Coromandel Town down the western coast to Thames (54 km, 1 hour), then SH25A east across the ranges via the Kopu-Hikuai Road (28 km, 30 min), and SH25 south to Whangamata (21 km, 20 min). Total 103 km, about 1 hour 50 minutes. This route has better roads and more services, but misses all the scenic highlights of the eastern coast.
Route 3: The 309 Road (Adventure Shortcut)
The 309 Road is a 22-kilometre road connecting Coromandel Town directly to SH25 near Whitianga, cutting across the ranges instead of going around the coast. It is partially unsealed, narrow, and winding, but passes through beautiful native bush. Highlights include:
- The Waiau Kauri Grove — A short walk through a stand of ancient kauri trees, some over 1,000 years old. The largest, the Siamese Kauri, is two trees fused together.
- The Waiau Waterfall — A small but pretty waterfall with a swimming hole at the base.
- The Castle Rock — A volcanic rock formation with a short climb to panoramic views.
The 309 Road is not suitable for campervans or cars towing trailers. Allow about 50 minutes for the 309 section alone.
Must-Stop Attractions
- Driving Creek Railway (Coromandel Town, before departure) — A narrow-gauge railway built by artist Barry Brickell through native bush to a mountain-top viewing platform called the Eyefull Tower. The 1-hour trip on a tiny train through tunnels, over bridges, and up spirals is one of the most unique experiences on the peninsula. Book in advance.
- New Chums Beach (detour from Whangapoua, 30 min north of Whitianga) — Consistently rated one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. A 30-minute walk through bush from the car park at Whangapoua leads to a pristine, wild, usually deserted beach backed by pohutukawa forest. No facilities, no development. Bring water and snacks.
- Cathedral Cove (Hahei) — The iconic rock arch framing a white sand beach. A 40-minute walk from the car park, or take a boat tour from Whitianga or Hahei. One of New Zealand’s most photographed beaches.
- Hot Water Beach — Two hours either side of low tide, you can dig a pool in the sand and sit in naturally heated geothermal water. Spades are available for hire from the surf shop. A genuinely unique experience.
- Opoutere Beach (20 min before Whangamata) — A hidden gem. Walk through the estuary reserve (home to endangered New Zealand dotterels and variable oystercatchers) to a wild, empty beach backed by bush. Perfect for a quiet swim away from the crowds.
Road Conditions
Coromandel roads are almost all single lane each way, winding, and narrow. They demand patience, particularly in summer when campervans, boats on trailers, and holiday traffic fill the roads. Speed limits are posted for each corner — follow them. The ranges sections (Coromandel to Whitianga, and Tairua to Whangamata via Hikuai Hill) are the most challenging. Allow more time than the GPS estimates.
Fuel Stops
Fill up in Coromandel Town. The next fuel is in Whitianga, then Tairua (limited), and Whangamata. On the Thames route, fill up in Thames (Pak’n’Save has the cheapest fuel on the peninsula).
Tips
- Do not rush this drive. Every bend reveals another stunning view.
- Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are two of the Coromandel’s biggest attractions and are both on this route. Allow at least half a day for both.
- Check tide times for Hot Water Beach before you go — it only works around low tide.
- Roads on the Coromandel are extremely busy during Christmas/New Year. Patience is essential. If possible, travel mid-week.
- The 309 Road is an adventure in itself but not for the faint-hearted. Avoid it if you are not comfortable on unsealed roads.
