The 5-Day Coromandel Loop by Campervan: Thames Coast to Cathedral Cove and Back

Quick summary: Five days is the ideal length for a campervan loop of the whole Coromandel Peninsula. Head up the Thames coast to Coromandel Town, cross to the north-east beaches and Whitianga, spend a full day at Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, then follow the east coast south through Tairua and Whangamatā, returning to Auckland through the Karangahake Gorge. It’s around 500 km, with short driving days and plenty of time in a campervan or motorhome by the sea.

At a glance
Length5 days
Start and finishAuckland loop
Total drivingAround 500 km
Overnight stopsCoromandel Town, Whitianga, Hahei, Whangamatā
HighlightsThe Thames coast, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Paku summit, the Karangahake Gorge
ToursSailing tours, featured tours

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Day 1: Auckland to Coromandel Town (around 170 km)

Drive to Thames, stock up, and follow the coast road north to Coromandel Town, stopping at bays along the way. Explore the town and its galleries in the evening. See the Thames coast and Coromandel Town.

Day 2: Coromandel Town to Whitianga (around 45 km)

Ride the narrow-gauge railway above Coromandel Town in the morning, then cross the hills on State Highway 25 to the beaches of Kūaotunu and Matarangi, and on to Whitianga. Take an afternoon sailing trip or boat cruise on Mercury Bay. See Whitianga and Mercury Bay.

Day 3: Whitianga to Hahei (around 38 km)

Drive around the harbour to Hahei. Visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach around the tides, with a snorkel at Gemstone Bay. Stay at Hahei. See tides and timing.

Day 4: Hahei to Whangamatā (around 70 km)

Head south along the east coast, climbing Paku summit at Tairua and stopping at Opoutere’s quiet beach, before arriving in Whangamatā for a swim or surf. See Tairua, Pauanui and the east coast.

Day 5: Whangamatā to Auckland (around 180 km)

Drive to Waihi to see the open-pit gold mine, then walk the old mining tunnels in the Karangahake Gorge before returning to Auckland via Paeroa and State Highway 2.

Is this loop easy to drive in an RV?

Mostly. The Thames coast and the hills between Coromandel Town and Whitianga are winding and narrow in places, so drive slowly and allow extra time, but the daily distances are short. Avoid the unsealed 309 Road. See Coromandel roads by campervan.

How can you change the loop?

  • Add a second night at Hahei for more flexibility with the tides and boat trips.
  • Reverse the direction, starting with the east coast.
  • Add the Kauaeranga Valley near Thames for the walk to the Pinnacles.
  • Continue south to Tauranga and Rotorua instead of returning to Auckland. See adding the Coromandel to a North Island trip.

Compare campervan and motorhome hire at Auckland Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you need to drive around the Coromandel?

Five days is ideal for a relaxed loop from Auckland, covering around 500 km.

What is the best route around the Coromandel Peninsula?

Up the Thames coast to Coromandel Town, across to Whitianga and Hahei, then south along the east coast and back via the Karangahake Gorge.

Should you go clockwise or anticlockwise around the Coromandel?

Either works. Starting with the Thames coast saves Cathedral Cove for the middle of the trip.

How far is Whangamatā from Hahei?

Around 70 km south along State Highway 25.

Can you include the Karangahake Gorge on a Coromandel loop?

Yes. It lies between Waihi and Paeroa, on the way back to Auckland.

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