Coromandel Roads by Campervan: SH25, the Kopu–Hikuai Road and the 309 Road

Quick summary: The Coromandel Peninsula’s roads are scenic but demanding for campervan drivers. The main route, State Highway 25, loops around the coast, with narrow, winding sections on the Thames coast and over the hills between Coromandel Town and Whitianga. State Highway 25A, the Kopu–Hikuai road, is the fastest crossing of the range to Mercury Bay. The 309 Road is an unsealed shortcut that rental agreements may exclude. This guide helps you choose the right roads for your campervan or motorhome.

At a glance
Fastest route to Hahei	SH25A, the Kopu–Hikuai road
Most scenic	The Thames coast road to Coromandel Town
Most winding	SH25 over the hills from Coromandel Town to Whitianga
Unsealed	The 309 Road and roads to the northern tip
Hazards	Slips after heavy rain, one-lane bridges, narrow corners
Fuel	Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Tairua, Whangamatā

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What are the main roads?

Road	Route	Character
SH25A	Kopu (near Thames) to Hikuai	Climbs over the Coromandel Range; sealed and well graded
SH25, Thames coast	Thames to Coromandel Town	Narrow and winding along the shore, with sea views
SH25, over the hills	Coromandel Town to Whitianga	Steep and winding, via the north-east beaches
SH25, east coast	Whitianga to Whangamatā and Waihi	Rolling, with some winding sections
The 309 Road	Coromandel Town to Whitianga	Unsealed and narrow; check your rental terms

Is the 309 Road suitable for an RV?

It’s generally best avoided in a campervan or motorhome. The 309 Road is a shortcut across the range between Coromandel Town and Whitianga, passing a waterfall and a kauri grove, but much of it is unsealed, narrow and winding, and rental agreements may exclude unsealed roads. Take the sealed State Highway 25 instead, which is longer but suits large vehicles. Our sister site lists other roads to check before you drive.

What is the Thames coast road like?

Beautiful but slow. The road hugs the shore of the Firth of Thames between Thames and Coromandel Town, around 55 km, with tight bends, narrow sections and pōhutukawa trees leaning over the water. Drive slowly, use the pull-over bays, and allow extra time.

How do slips affect the Coromandel’s roads?

Heavy rain can cause slips that close or restrict roads on the peninsula, sometimes for long periods, and some routes have been closed and repaired after major storms. Check the national road conditions before setting out, especially after heavy rain, and have a back-up route.

What other tips are there?

• Keep left on corners, where oncoming vehicles may cut across.
• Use pull-over bays to let faster traffic pass.
• Watch for one-lane bridges and give-way signs.
• Fill up in larger towns, as fuel is limited elsewhere.
• Drive in daylight on unfamiliar winding roads.

For general advice, see our sister site’s driving NZ roads guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions