Driving the Coromandel Peninsula.

The Coromandel Peninsula is located in the north eastern corner of New Zealand’s North Island. It is a coastline in a world of its own, surrounded by the glistening deep blue sea.  The Coromandel Peninsula has two faces, one facing southeast with its modern busy developments and the other facing northwest with a more historic, laid back natural hippy vibe.  The northern peninsula has a unique remote feel with winding gravel roads leading to untouched bays and the spectacular Coromandel Coastal Walkway.

If you self-drive from Auckland or Hamilton it will take you approximately two hours to drive to Thames, the gateway to the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. If you are travelling from Tauranga, it will take approximately one hour for you to travel to Waihi, the gateway to the eastern side of the Peninsula. Whichever entry point you choose, follow the loop ride option around State Highway 25 as shown in the map below. Time and distance estimates are included so you are better able to enjoy your Coromandel Road Trip.

There are many absorbing tourist activities with a range of accommodation options doted along the route. State Highway 25 Loop is fully tarsealed and is well signposted so you don’t get lost along the way. Information Centres are located in many of the larger Coromandel towns and their staff are very experienced at setting up some great things for you to do.

Driving the Loop in one day is not recommended. It is just too far and you will spend the day driving instead of sightseeing. Plan to stay a couple of nights in each of Whitianga and Coromandel Town environs so you can be confident that when you leave, you have not left a stone unturned.

It may be confusing when we talk about Coromandel Peninsula and Coromandel Town. These are two separate locations. To explain, Coromandel Town is a small township of 2,000 people located on the western side of the Peninsula. The Peninsula in its entirety is named Coromandel Peninsula and often marketed under the banner of The Coromandel.

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