Want to Plan the Perfect Coromandel Road Trip? Here’s Our Itinerary Tips

Exploring the Coromandel Peninsula

There’s tons to do on a road trip through New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, and here at Mojo Campers, our team has the best tips to make your trip a success. Whether you chase the finest beaches, are a foodie looking for the best eats, or are seeking nature walks with stunning views, this guide has inspiration for you.

The Coromandel Peninsula road trip is a Kiwi favourite, offering one of the best scenic drives in the country. With gorgeous views, clean white sand beaches, and lush bush lining the roadside, we highly recommend the region as a prime excuse for Campervan rental New Zealand.

So, let’s start getting into the best details of a Coromandel road trip.

The Routes

Around the Coromandel Peninsula, you’ll find two main routes. The first option is to travel on State Highway 25, driving around the outside of Coromandel forest park. Ensure you include a short detour to Hahei, visiting the beautiful Cathedral Cove and fun Hot Water Beach. Here, you can take some of the most Instagrammable photos in the country and dig your own sand hole, which will fill with natural hot water. These stops are a must for a Coromandel Peninsula road trip.

Your second option for the Coromandel Peninsula drive features one of our most iconic drives, with a road for the more adventurous; the 309 Road. The 309 Road is a 21-kilometre drive between Coromandel Town and Whitianga. Connecting the East and West SH25 roads from the Coromandel's West Coast to the East Coast at Kaimarama, this road takes you on a journey through dense bushland. The 309 Road has some fun stops along the way, but the road does require some driving skills, being a rough surface and winding around the natural countryside.

When to Travel on a Coromandel Road Trip

Being one of New Zealand’s most popular summertime destinations, the Coromandel can become incredibly busy from December - February. So, should you want to travel to this destination during peak season, we heavily recommend booking accommodation or campsites in advance if possible. Additionally, some flagship activities, like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, will be crowded during this time.

We suggest a visit during the off-season, in Springtime, which features pleasant temperatures which will afford excellent beach days. Spring (September through November) will feature less tourism, while hotels are lower priced and temperatures are beginning to warm.

Must-See Spots

The Cathedral Cove Walk is a trip from the car park at the top down to the cove itself. Just over 1.5km, this walk offers amazing views of the bay and is usually completed in about 35 minutes down and 45 minutes on the way back up. The beach is beautiful, with the famous arch adding a unique structure to the visual. Sadly due to storm damage, the Cathedral Cove Walk is currently closed until further notice. The Cathedral Cove beach is accessible by boat only. Read more here.

Hot Water Beach is a natural hot spring where, when you arrive two hours on either side of low tide, you can dig a wading pool in the sand that will bubble up with hot water. It’s such a fun experience and uniquely New Zealand.

Rapaura Watergardens is a stunning, spiritual garden with natural streams and bush nestled in tranquillity within the Coromandel Forest Park.

Hahei Beach is a lovely beach to visit during your Coromandel trip, near Coromandel Cove. The beach is sheltered from the elements, offering a safe swim for children.

Hiking Mount Paku, on the 15-20 minute walk, is the perfect place to catch a gorgeous New Zealand sunset. The summit of this walk excels by overlooking Pauanui Beach, to Tairua and adjacent mountains.

The Coromandel Coastal Walkway, found at the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, is an excellent day tramp. Offering views of rolling green farmland and dramatic cliffsides. This tramp is one of the best in the North Island.

The Karangahake Gorge offers a bunch of walks through beautiful natural scenery, with the remnants of a gold mining operation remaining in the area, adding a bit of history to the area. You can cycle the rail trail, check out the falls, or try the many tramping options.

Places to Eat on Your Coromandel Tour

After a long day of tramping or sunbathing, a good meal is the perfect cherry on top. We suggest taking your Mojo Sleepervan rental to the local Driving Creek Cafe, which services plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options with a relaxed ambience. The Coromandel Oyster Company is the perfect place for fresh seafood in the area. The Koru Cafe is an eatery renowned for its fresh ingredients.

The choices are endless when it comes to high-quality, fresh meals in the Coromandel.

Our Driving Tips for the Coromandel

Some major Coromandel roads are winding and narrow, suitable for a confident driver. We suggest the use of turnouts regularly in a campervan, letting faster vehicles pass. Additionally, great cell service in the area is not always possible, so downloading maps before beginning the drive is an excellent idea.