Thames to Whangamata: Quick Guide to Crossing the Ranges

Getting from Thames to Whangamata

Thames is the gateway town to the Coromandel Peninsula, and Whangamata is just over the ranges on the eastern coast. The drive is short — 57 kilometres and under an hour via the direct route across SH25A, or 80 kilometres and about 75 minutes via the southern route through Paeroa and Waihi. Thames is the best place to stock up on groceries and fuel before heading to the beach, as it has the peninsula’s largest supermarket and cheapest fuel.

Route Options

Route 1: Via SH25A — Kopu-Hikuai Road (Direct — 57 km, 50-60 min)

The most direct route crosses the Coromandel Ranges from west to east:

1. Thames to Kopu junction (4 km, 5 min) — Head south on SH25 to the Kopu intersection, the main junction on the peninsula where SH25, SH25A, and SH26 meet.
2. Kopu to Hikuai via SH25A (28 km, 30 min) — SH25A is a 28-kilometre road crossing the Coromandel Ranges. The road was significantly rebuilt after storm damage in January 2023 and reopened in December 2023 with a new bridge at Taparahi. It is fully sealed but winding and steep in sections, passing through dense native bush with occasional views across the ranges. There are no services (fuel, food, cell coverage) on this section.
3. Hikuai to Whangamata via SH25 (21 km, 20 min) — Turn south at Hikuai onto SH25 for the final stretch to Whangamata through bush-clad hills.

Route 2: Via Paeroa and Waihi — Southern Route (80 km, 75 min)

The longer but easier alternative goes south and around:

1. Thames to Paeroa via SH26 (25 km, 20 min) — Flat, straight road across the Hauraki Plains. Easy driving.
2. Paeroa to Waihi via SH2 (20 km, 20 min) — Through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge. If you have not driven this before, the cliff faces and river scenery are impressive. The Windows Walk (45 minutes, starting from the gorge car park) is one of the best short walks in the region.
3. Waihi to Whangamata via SH25 (30 km, 30 min) — Over the Hikuai Hill. Fill up in Waihi — it is the last fuel before Whangamata on this route.

Route 3: Via Tairua — Coastal Route (80 km, 1.5 hours)

If you want the scenic coastal option, take SH25A to Hikuai, then continue north on SH25 to Tairua (a pretty harbour town), and then south on SH25 back to Whangamata. This adds distance and time but includes coastal views and the option to stop at Tairua, Pauanui, or Opoutere Beach.

Which Route Should I Take?

• SH25A (Route 1) — Take this if you want the fastest, most direct route. The road is good but winding and has no services. Best for confident drivers who know the road.
• Southern via Paeroa/Waihi (Route 2) — Take this if you prefer easier driving on bigger roads, need fuel, or want to visit the Karangahake Gorge. Also the official detour if SH25A is closed.
• Coastal via Tairua (Route 3) — Take this if you want coastal scenery, have time, and want to explore Tairua or Pauanui.

Stock Up in Thames

Thames is the last big town before Whangamata and has the best facilities on the peninsula:

• Pak’n’Save Thames — The largest and cheapest supermarket on the Coromandel Peninsula. Stock up here on groceries for your holiday — Whangamata’s New World is well-stocked but more expensive and smaller.
• Fuel — Thames has multiple fuel stations with competitive prices. Fuel in Whangamata is typically more expensive. Fill up in Thames.
• Mitre 10 and other stores — If you need any holiday supplies (beach gear, hardware, etc.), Thames has more retail options than Whangamata.

Things to See in Thames Before You Leave

• The Goldmine Experience — A guided tour through a historic gold mine with working stamper batteries. Thames was one of New Zealand’s biggest gold mining towns in the 1860s-1870s.
• Thames Market — Saturday morning market on Pollen Street with local produce, crafts, and food.
• Pohutukawa Coastal Walk — A short walk along the coast south of Thames through ancient pohutukawa trees. Particularly beautiful in summer when the trees are flowering (December-January).

Road Conditions

• SH25A: Fully sealed, winding, rebuilt after 2023 storm damage. Can be closed during severe weather — check NZTA. No cell coverage through much of the crossing.
• SH26 (Thames to Paeroa): Flat, straight, easy. A relaxing drive.
• Karangahake Gorge (SH2): Winding gorge road with advisory speed signs.
• Hikuai Hill (SH25): Steep, winding, no passing lanes on both routes.
• Kopu junction: The main intersection on the peninsula can back up during holiday weekends. It has been improved in recent years but still congests during peak times.

Tips

• Thames Pak’n’Save is your friend. Buy everything you need here — it is significantly cheaper than shopping in Whangamata.
• If SH25A is closed (it can happen during severe weather), the Paeroa/Waihi route (Route 2) is the official detour.
• The Kopu junction gets congested during peak holiday periods (Christmas/New Year, Easter). Allow extra time.
• If this is your first time on Coromandel roads, take the southern route via Paeroa — it is easier driving and you can experience the Karangahake Gorge.