Rotorua to Whangamata: Driving Route, Stops & Travel Guide

Getting from Rotorua to Whangamata

Rotorua and Whangamata are surprisingly close — just 145 kilometres and a 2 to 2.5 hour drive separate the geothermal city from the Coromandel coast. The most common route heads northwest to Tauranga, then follows the coast north to Waihi before crossing the ranges to Whangamata. An alternative inland route avoids Tauranga traffic entirely by passing through the Hauraki Plains via Matamata and Paeroa.

Distance & Drive Time

• Via Tauranga (recommended): 145 km, 2 to 2.5 hours
• Via Matamata and Paeroa (inland): 170 km, 2.5 hours
• Road type: all sealed state highways

Route 1: Via Tauranga (Fastest)

This is the most direct and popular route:

1. Rotorua to Tauranga via SH36 — Head northwest on SH36, the direct Rotorua-Tauranga road. This 63 km stretch takes about 55 minutes and winds through the Kaimai-Mamaku ranges. It is a scenic drive through native bush and gorge country, though the road is winding with some steep sections. Locals use this route heavily.
2. Tauranga to Waihi via SH2 — From Tauranga, head north on SH2 through the avocado and kiwifruit orchards of the western Bay of Plenty. Pass through Katikati (the mural town, worth a quick stop to see the street art) and Athenree before reaching Waihi. This section is about 60 km and takes 50 minutes. Note: The Tauranga Eastern Link south of the city has a toll section (approximately $2.30).
3. Waihi to Whangamata via SH25 — The final 30 km crosses the Coromandel Range via the Hikuai Hill. Fill up with fuel in Waihi before this winding, steep section.

Route 2: Via Matamata and Paeroa (Inland — Avoids Tauranga Traffic)

If you want to avoid Tauranga city traffic, particularly during rush hours or holiday weekends, this inland alternative is a good choice:

1. Rotorua to Tirau via SH5 — Head west on SH5 to Tirau (45 minutes). The quirky corrugated iron buildings are impossible to miss.
2. Tirau to Matamata via SH27 — A straight, flat road through dairy country (25 minutes). Matamata is the gateway to Hobbiton Movie Set if you fancy a detour.
3. Matamata to Paeroa via SH26 — Drive across the flat Hauraki Plains with the Kaimai Ranges on your right. Pass through Te Aroha, a charming spa town with hot mineral springs at the base of Mount Te Aroha (40 minutes).
4. Paeroa to Waihi via SH2 — The Karangahake Gorge section is a highlight, winding through dramatic cliff-lined gorge along the Ohinemuri River. Rich gold mining history and excellent short walks (15 minutes driving).
5. Waihi to Whangamata via SH25 — The final 30 km over the Hikuai Hill.

Route 3: Via Te Puke and SH33

A third option follows SH33 north from Rotorua to Paengaroa, then joins SH2 through Te Puke (the kiwifruit capital of the world). This route is similar in time to the SH36 route but passes through the Bay of Plenty’s orchard country rather than the ranges. During the kiwifruit harvest season (April-May), the countryside is alive with activity.

Best Stops Along the Way

• Tauranga and Mount Maunganui (55 min via SH36) — If you have time, the walk to the summit of Mauao (The Mount) takes about 40 minutes and offers panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. The base track is an easier 45-minute loop along the waterfront. Downtown Tauranga has excellent cafes along The Strand.
• Katikati (25 min past Tauranga) — New Zealand’s mural town, with large-scale painted murals on buildings throughout the main street. A 15-minute walk around town covers the highlights. The Haiku Pathway is a peaceful riverside walk with haiku poems carved into boulders.
• Te Aroha (inland route, 2 hours from Rotorua) — A hidden gem at the foot of the Kaimai Ranges. The Te Aroha Mineral Spas in the domain have private hot pools filled with natural mineral water. The town is also home to the world’s only natural hot soda water geyser, the Mokena Geyser, which erupts several times daily in the domain.
• Karangahake Gorge (both routes converge here) — The Windows Walk is a 45-minute loop through an old gold mining tunnel with windows cut into the rock face looking down at the river below. One of the best short walks in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region. There is a cafe at the gorge car park.
• Waihi (last stop before Whangamata) — Look down into the massive Martha Mine open pit from the lookout on SH2. This is one of New Zealand’s largest open-cast gold mines. The Goldfields Railway runs vintage trains to Waikino Station through the gorge — a lovely 30-minute trip if you have time.

Road Conditions

• SH36 (Rotorua to Tauranga): Winding with some steep sections. Well-maintained but requires attention. Can be busy with commuter traffic during weekday peak hours.
• SH2 through Tauranga: Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities, and traffic congestion around the SH2/SH29 intersection can be significant during morning (7-9am) and evening (4-6.30pm) rush hours. If passing through at these times, allow an extra 20-30 minutes.
• Hikuai Hill (SH25): The final approach to Whangamata. Steep, winding, no passing lanes. Take it easy, especially if you are towing anything.

Fuel Stops

Fill up in Rotorua before departure. The next reliable fuel stops are in Tauranga (via SH36) or Tirau/Matamata (inland route). Waihi is the last fuel stop before Whangamata — always fill up there.

Tips for the Drive

• If travelling on a holiday weekend, expect heavy traffic on SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi — allow an extra 30-45 minutes.
• The inland route via Matamata is generally quieter and more relaxed than the Tauranga route.
• If visiting Hobbiton, book well in advance and allow a full half-day for the detour and tour.
• The SH36 gorge road has no cell phone coverage in parts — download offline maps before departing.