The Thames Coast and Coromandel Town by Campervan: The Northern Loop to Cathedral Cove

Quick summary: For campervan travellers with time to spare, the scenic way to Cathedral Cove loops around the northern Coromandel. The road follows the Thames coast past pōhutukawa-lined bays to Coromandel Town, a charming former gold town, then climbs over the hills to the white-sand beaches of the north-east coast and down to Whitianga and Hahei. It’s around 250 km from Auckland, slower and more winding than the direct route, and best enjoyed over two days in a campervan or motorhome.

At a glance
Distance from Auckland	Around 250 km to Hahei
Thames to Coromandel Town	Around 55 km on the coast road
Coromandel Town to Whitianga	Around 45 km over the hills on SH25
Highlights	The Thames coast, Coromandel Town, Kūaotunu and Matarangi beaches
Suggested time	2 days
Avoid	The unsealed 309 Road in a large vehicle

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What is the Thames coast like?

The road north from Thames hugs the shore of the Firth of Thames, with small bays, rocky points and pōhutukawa trees leaning over the water. It’s narrow and winding, so drive slowly and enjoy the views. Small settlements along the way have campgrounds and spots to stop for a swim.

What is there in Coromandel Town?

A historic gold-mining town with a relaxed, artistic character, cafés, galleries and fresh mussels from the nearby farms. A narrow-gauge mountain railway, built by a local potter, climbs into the hills above town to a lookout. The town is also the gateway to the remote northern tip of the peninsula.

Should you take the RV on the 309 Road or SH25?

Take State Highway 25. The 309 Road is a shorter route across the range to Whitianga, with a waterfall and kauri grove, but much of it is unsealed and narrow, and rental agreements may exclude it. State Highway 25 climbs over the hills to the north-east coast, passing the beaches of Kūaotunu, Otama and Matarangi before descending to Whitianga. See Coromandel roads by campervan.

What about the far north of the peninsula?

North of Coromandel Town, roads to Port Jackson, Fletcher Bay and the Coromandel Coastal Walkway become unsealed, narrow and remote. Rental agreements may exclude them, so check before you go. DOC campsites at the northern bays are simple and beautiful.

How should you split the drive?

Day	Route	Distance
1	Auckland to Coromandel Town via Thames	Around 170 km
2	Coromandel Town to Hahei via Whitianga	Around 85 km

Spend the night in Coromandel Town, then explore the north-east beaches on day two before arriving in Mercury Bay. See Whitianga and Mercury Bay.

For the wider route around the peninsula, see our sister site’s Coromandel by campervan.

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Frequently Asked Questions