New Plymouth to Whangamata: Through the Awakino Gorge & Waikato

Getting from New Plymouth to Whangamata

The drive from New Plymouth to Whangamata is approximately 350 kilometres and takes 4 to 4.5 hours. The route follows SH3 north through some of the North Island’s most rugged and spectacular coastal scenery, including the dramatic Awakino Gorge, before crossing the Waikato to reach the Coromandel Peninsula. With stops at Waitomo Caves and Hamilton Gardens along the way, this drive can easily become a memorable day trip.

Distance & Drive Time

• Distance: approximately 350 km
• Drive time: 4 to 4.5 hours (without stops)
• Realistic with stops: 5.5 to 6 hours
• Route: SH3 to Hamilton, then SH26/SH2/SH25 to Whangamata

The Route

1. New Plymouth to Urenui (32 km, 25 min) — Head north on SH3 along the Taranaki coast. On a clear day, Mt Taranaki dominates the rear-view mirror. Urenui is the last easy fuel stop before the gorge — fill up here if you are not full from New Plymouth.
2. Urenui to Mokau via Awakino Gorge (65 km, 55 min) — This is the defining feature of the drive. SH3 enters the Awakino Gorge, a narrow, winding road that follows the Awakino River through limestone country and dense native bush. There is a one-lane tunnel, tight bends, and river crossings. The road demands attention but the scenery is extraordinary — towering limestone bluffs, cascading bush, and the river below. Drive carefully and be prepared for slower vehicles.
3. Mokau — A tiny coastal settlement where the Mokau River meets the Tasman Sea. Famous for whitebait fritters in season (September-November). A brief but atmospheric stop.
4. Mokau to Te Kuiti (55 km, 45 min) — Continue north through rolling hill country. The road opens up as you leave the gorge. Te Kuiti bills itself as the Shearing Capital of the World and hosts the Great New Zealand Muster every April.
5. Te Kuiti to Otorohanga (16 km, 15 min) — A short run to Otorohanga, the gateway to Waitomo. The Otorohanga Kiwi House is a good place to see a kiwi bird up close.
6. Otorohanga to Hamilton via Te Awamutu (60 km, 50 min) — SH3 continues through Te Awamutu (rose gardens, Finn Brothers/Crowded House heritage) to Hamilton, the Waikato’s largest city.
7. Hamilton to Whangamata (150 km, 2 hours) — From Hamilton, take SH26 through Morrinsville to Paeroa, then SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge to Waihi, and SH25 over the Hikuai Hill to Whangamata.

Don’t Miss: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Just 15 minutes off SH3 at Otorohanga, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions. A boat ride through an underground cave lit by thousands of glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa) is genuinely magical. Several cave experiences are available:

• Glowworm Cave Tour — The classic 45-minute guided tour finishing with a boat ride under the glowworms. Suitable for all ages.
• Ruakuri Cave — A longer, more dramatic cave with an underground waterfall and spiral entrance.
• Black Water Rafting — For adventure seekers. Tubing through the caves in the dark, jumping off underground waterfalls.

Book in advance during peak season. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the visit.

Best Stops Along the Way

• Mokau (1 hour) — Whitebait fritters (in season) at the roadside. Wild Tasman Sea coast.
• Waitomo (2.5 hours, 15 min detour) — Glowworm caves as described above.
• Te Awamutu (3 hours) — Rose gardens and the Te Awamutu Museum, which has a significant collection of Finn Brothers (Split Enz/Crowded House) memorabilia.
• Hamilton Gardens (3.5 hours) — Internationally recognised themed gardens, free entry. The Italian Renaissance, Japanese, and Chinese Scholar’s Gardens are highlights. Allow 1-2 hours.
• Paeroa (5 hours) — Giant L&P bottle photo opportunity.
• Karangahake Gorge (5.5 hours) — Windows Walk through gold mining tunnels if you have time.
• Waihi (5.5 hours) — Martha Mine lookout. Last fuel stop.

Road Conditions & Warnings

• Awakino Gorge: The most challenging section of the drive. Narrow, winding, one-lane tunnel. Prone to rockfalls and slips after heavy rain. Speed advisory signs should be followed carefully. If towing a caravan, boat, or trailer, this section requires particular care.
• Fuel stations are sparse between New Plymouth and Te Kuiti (approximately 150 km). Fill up in New Plymouth or Urenui before entering the gorge.
• Check NZTA road conditions before departure, especially after periods of heavy rain.

Fly and Drive Option

New Plymouth Airport has Air New Zealand flights to Auckland (approximately 45 minutes). From Auckland, Whangamata is a 2.5-hour drive. This is a practical option if you want to avoid the Awakino Gorge drive or are short on time. There are no direct flights from New Plymouth to Tauranga or Hamilton.

Tips for the Drive

• The Awakino Gorge is spectacular but demanding. If you are not comfortable with winding roads, consider flying to Auckland instead.
• If visiting Waitomo, book your cave tour in advance during December-February.
• Hamilton Gardens is genuinely one of the best free attractions in New Zealand and is right on the route — do not skip it.
• Stock up on groceries in Hamilton or New Plymouth before heading to Whangamata.
• The drive from New Plymouth makes a fantastic road trip if you allow a full day with stops.