Road Tripping the Coromandel Beaches in New Zealand 

Calling all road-trippers! The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand is a haven for holidaymakers, travellers, surfers, and those after a little summer or winter bohemian.

Quick Overview

This Coromandel road trip guide is intended to support a 5-6 day road trip, beginning in Auckland and guiding you south to Waihi Beach before you travel to Whangamata, Tairua, Hahei, and Hot Water Beach.

Enjoy rolling past waves and lush greeny | Photo by Miles Holden

Coromandel Road Trip Facts

Duration: 5-6 days
Distance: 318km driving
Route: Waihi Beach to Hot Water Beach (beginning in Auckland)

About the Coromandel Beaches

The Coromandel is a nature lover’s paradise with white sand beaches, surf, and hidden bays ready for you to explore. The Coromandel Peninsula is well-known for its small beach towns that Kiwis flock to during summer. You can expect sunshine (usually), beaches, burgers, and weekend markets. The Coromandel is the perfect place to visit for a New Zealand roadie.

How to Get to the Coromandel Beaches

Venture two hours south of Auckland by car or camper and head to the small town of Waihi Beach. From Tauranga, it’ll take you around an hour to get to Waihi Beach.

Where to Eat on a Coromandel Road Trip

When in Waihi Beach, try Flatwhite Cafe for beachfront views, or head to the art gallery on the main street for great coffee.

When in Whangamata try Blackies Coffee behind the surf club for coffee and treats after spending time at the beach, or Soul Burger Whangamata for the best burgers.

Before heading to Hahei, stock up on food supplies as it’s harder to get a broad range of food here, with only a small general store and some cafes. For food and coffee, I suggest Hahei Beach Cafe, and for dinner, Church Bistro.

If you head further north past Whitianga, be sure to visit Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu for wood-fired pizza and great coffee.

A good old-fashioned picnic table in a park in Anzac Bay is also a delightful place to eat | @_brittanyearl

Where to Stay on a Coromandel Road Trip

When in Waihi Beach, there are many accommodation options available on Airbnb. Alternatively, try Waihi Beach Tasman Holiday Park or check out Bowentown Holiday Park.

When in Whangamata I suggest the Surf n Stay or the Whangamata Motor Camp. If you decide to stay in Tairua, Tairua Campground is great for a tent or campervan. When in Hahei try to stay close to the beach at the Hahei Beach Resort.

There’s also a range of spots for freedom camping if you have a self-contained van or camper.

Activities to Do on a Coromandel Road Trip

Surfing – The best places to surf, as long as the winds are offshore, are Waihi Beach and Whangamata. Although on a good day Hot Water Beach will also support your surfing dream, just watch the rocks. For surfboard hire and lessons, head to Whangamata Surf School.

Biking – If you have bikes, ride the biking trail between Waihi Beach and Whangmata. It takes around two hours return and will guide you to the end of the point and to beautiful ANZAC Bay just out of Bowentown.

Swimming – There are many swimming spots throughout the Coromandel. If you enjoy swimming in the waves, visit Whangamata or Waihi Beach. If you’re after more relaxed water, head to Hahei or the Whangamata Estuary, located at the south end of the beach.

Kayaking – If you’re after an adventure, try the Donut Island Kayak Tour in Whangamata. For a visit to the famous Cathedral Cove, catch a water taxi there or go by kayak. The walking trail to Cathedral Cove is currently closed, but stay tuned for updates.

Walks and trails – When in Waihi try the walk to Orokawa Bay, or head up the track on the Trig walk. When in Hahei, walk up the headland for views over the ocean. To get there, walk to the south end of the beach and follow the path to the top.

Or you can sit back and relax in your new living room on the beach | Photo by Matt Crawford

Essential Gear for a Coromandel Road Trip

• Food and water
• Warm clothes, summer clothes, swimmers
• Surfboards
• Bike or surf racks
• Hiking shoes, or sturdy sneakers, for the trails
• Sunscreen
• Bikes
• Adventure attitude
• Chilly bin for the beach
• Self-contained camper, or car

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

What It’s Like to Road Trip the Coromandel

Road-tripping around the Coromandel is a fun beach-based adventure, best completed in summer. Each beach community holds a different energy and vibe which gives great variety for the trip.

I suggest booking accommodation ahead or travelling in a van or self-contained camper if you have one.

Day 1 and 2  – Auckland to Waihi Beach

Head south from Auckland towards Tauranga and you’ll be on your way to Waihi Beach, the best spot to start.

On the way, stop in Paeroa, the home of L&P soft drink, and take a photo by the giant bottle. From there venture through the Karangahake Gorge and the Waihi Township before arriving at Waihi Beach.

Waihi Beach boasts a small local community atmosphere and is the perfect place for nature adventures and surfing. When you arrive in Waihi Beach, catch some waves, take time to walk the trail to Orokawa, or head to Bowentown to spend time at Anzac Bay.

I suggest spending a couple of days here to explore and relax. The town is mostly a summer holiday spot, so it can be a bit quiet in the winter months.

If you happen to visit during the week, check out The Sauna Project. This is a portable sauna, which holds weekly sauna sessions right on the beach. It’s a great detox and way to rejuvenate your zen after a long day of exploring.

Day 3 and 4 – Whangamata

Whangamata is around a 45-minute drive north of Waihi Beach. It’s home to many permanent residents and is a booming place during the summer months. There are many bohemian-style shops and numerous cafes and eateries on the main street, ideal for morning coffee and brunch.

Spend time exploring Donut Island by kayak, surfing, swimming at the southend estuary, or catching some rays on the beach. One night here is best.

If you want to learn to surf, this is the place to do it as the waves are most consistent here.

Day 5 – Tairua and Hahei

From Whangamata drive half an hour over a rather large and windy hill to Tairua. Be sure to stop for real fruit ice cream, located on the main street when you arrive.

If you’re after more beach time, you’ve got it! The beach is slightly hidden in Tairua, but if you head towards the hill of Mt Puku (the main and only big hill you’ll see in Tairua), you’ll arrive at a slightly steep beach with wonderful white sand.

Stop in Tairua for a couple of hours, before venturing on to Hahei. From Tairua, head north and you’ll be on your way to Hahei. Be sure to set your Google Maps before leaving Tairua as the reception in these areas can be a bit patchy.

If you peep some pretty turquoise water, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Hahei | Photo by Miles Holden

Day 5 and 6 – Hahei and Hot Water Beach

Arriving in Hahei, head to the beach, which is straight down the road as you drive in. Hahei is a gem of The Coromandel and a place where all time stops. This ocean is like crystal and a great place to unwind for a few days.

Walk to the headland at the south end of the beach and catch a water taxi to the famous Cathedral Cove.

A ten-minute drive from Hahei is the famous Hot Water Beach. Famous because when you dig into the sand, you hit hot water. The best time to visit Hot Water Beach is at low tide, so you can dig a hole and soak. You can usually get spades from the local cafe, but just check their opening hours before you go. Accommodation in the area will often have spades available as well.

Just to set the expectations, don’t expect a full bath of hot water. This is more about the experience of soaking in warm water after digging into the sand on a beach. From my experience, unless you dig for hours you’ll most likely only have a few feet of water to soak in – which of course is divine all the same!

So it’s not a spa, more like a tepid bath | Photo by Matt Crawford

FAQs for Visiting Coromandel Beaches

What are the most popular beaches in Coromandel?

Cathedral Cove, with its big cliffs and clear water, is an iconic spot on the Coromandel Peninsula. Other more popular beaches include Hahei Beach and Cooks Beach.

When is the best time to visit Coromandel?

While Coromandel is beautiful all year round, this coastal road trip is best enjoyed in summer!

What are some other adventures nearby?

You could enjoy a day hike to Pinnacles Hut, get on two wheels and bikepack the Hunua Ranges, or head for the seas by kayaking Te Ara Moana.

Feature photo by Miles Holden