Adding the Coromandel to a North Island Campervan Trip

Quick summary: For campervan travellers heading south from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula is a short, rewarding detour before Rotorua and Taupō. Three or four days takes in Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and the east coast, and the route continues neatly down the coast to Tauranga and inland to Rotorua, adding only around 180 km compared with driving straight there. It’s one of the easiest ways to add beaches and coastline to a North Island trip in a campervan or motorhome.

At a glance
Extra days	3–4
Route	Auckland, Thames, Hahei, Tairua, Waihi, Tauranga, Rotorua
Extra driving	Around 180 km compared with Auckland to Rotorua direct
Highlights	Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Paku summit, Mount Maunganui
Continues to	Rotorua, Taupō, Tongariro and Wellington
Tours	Multi-day tours

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How does the Coromandel fit into a North Island trip?

It sits on the way from Auckland to the Bay of Plenty. Instead of driving south on State Highway 1 straight to Rotorua, you head east to the Coromandel, spend a few days in Mercury Bay, then drive down the east coast to Tauranga and inland to Rotorua. You rejoin the main North Island route without doubling back.

What does a sample route look like?

Day	Route	Distance
1	Auckland to Hahei	Around 175 km
2	Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach	Local only
3	Hahei to Mount Maunganui via the east coast	Around 170 km
4	Mount Maunganui to Rotorua	Around 70 km

From Rotorua, continue to Taupō, Tongariro National Park and Wellington. See our sister site’s North Island 14-day itinerary.

Is it worth the extra RV driving?

Yes. The extra distance is modest, and the Coromandel adds a coastline that’s quite different from the geothermal and volcanic landscapes further south. Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are among the North Island’s most memorable sights, and the east coast beaches are a perfect contrast to Rotorua’s geysers.

What can you add further south?

• Mount Maunganui, with its beach and summit walk.
• Rotorua, with geothermal parks, Māori culture and lake jet boats. See our sister site’s jet boating in Rotorua.
• Taupō, with Huka Falls and the lake.
• Tongariro National Park, with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

What if you’d rather not drive?

Multi-day tours from Auckland combine the Coromandel with Rotorua, Waitomo and other highlights, with transport and accommodation included. See multi-day tours and day trip or campervan?.

What about Northland?

If you’d like beaches in the north as well, consider a Northland loop before heading south, and the Coromandel on the way to Rotorua. See our sister site’s Bay of Islands and Northland guides.

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Frequently Asked Questions