Getting to Cathedral Cove by Campervan: Routes from Auckland, Tauranga and Thames

Quick summary: Cathedral Cove is within a few hours’ campervan drive of Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. The quickest route from Auckland crosses the Coromandel Range on the Kopu–Hikuai road, around 175 km to Hahei. From the Bay of Plenty, the road runs up the east coast through Waihi and Whangamatā. The slower, scenic option loops around the northern peninsula via the Thames coast and Coromandel Town. These guides cover each route for campervan and motorhome drivers.

From	To Hahei	Route	Guide
Auckland	Around 175 km	Thames, the Kopu–Hikuai road	From Auckland
Tauranga	Around 160 km	Waihi, Whangamatā, Tairua	From Tauranga and Rotorua
Rotorua	Around 220 km	Tauranga, or Matamata and the Karangahake Gorge, then Waihi	From Tauranga and Rotorua
Auckland, the long way	Around 250 km	The Thames coast and Coromandel Town	Thames coast and Coromandel Town

Which route is best for an RV?

The Kopu–Hikuai road from Auckland is the most direct, with a climb and descent over the range that’s sealed and well graded. The Thames coast and the road over the hills from Coromandel Town are narrower and more winding, so allow extra time. See Coromandel roads by campervan.

Can you make a loop?

Yes. Drive in on one route and out on another, such as up the Thames coast to Coromandel Town and across to Whitianga, then back to Auckland via the Kopu–Hikuai road. See our 5-day Coromandel loop.

For the full overview, see our Cathedral Cove by campervan hub.

Frequently Asked Questions