The Coromandel Peninsula loop from Thames to Waihī
A four-day loop on SH25 around the peninsula, from Thames and the north tip to Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and the Karangahake Gorge.
- Distance
- 263 km (163 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 52 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 11
- States
- New Zealand
- Updated
- May 11, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 263 km (163 mi) with 11 stops, from Thames to Karangahake Gorge. About 2 h 52 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New Zealand
Route description
Thames is the gateway, with supermarkets and fuel. SH25 runs north along the Firth of Thames, a winding coast road beneath pōhutukawa, with narrow stretches where large vehicles need care. Before leaving, consider the Pinnacles Walk in the Kauaeranga Valley, a three to four-hour climb each way that needs an early start. Keep left on the narrow road in the valley, and book the hut through DOC if you plan to stay overnight.
From Thames, it is about 55 km to Coromandel, the main town of the north. Visit Driving Creek Railway, then continue to Colville and the gravel road to Fletcher Bay, which adds about 45 minutes each way beyond Colville. Large motorhomes should leave the van at Colville and take a smaller vehicle or walk. The general store there sells basic supplies. Pack water and food, as the DOC campsite is basic.
SH25 crosses the peninsula to Whitianga, a busy summer base with a ferry across the harbour. From Whitianga the road to Hahei takes about 40 minutes. Cathedral Cove is a 45-minute walk each way; check DOC for track status and use the summer shuttle. Hot Water Beach is a short drive south, and a spade and low tide are needed.
Continue south on SH25 to Whangamatā, a surf town with holiday parks and a good beach, then on to Waihī and the open-cast gold mine in the middle of town. Finish at the Karangahake Gorge, about 10 km west on SH2, to walk the old rail tunnel with a torch. The loop is about 360 km in total, and four days leave time for walks and swims. Summer weekends bring slow traffic, particularly around Whitianga and Hahei.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Thames
New Zealand - 214 km
Pinnacles Walk, Kauaeranga Valley
NatureThames, New ZealandA popular climb on old kauri logging routes to a rocky ridge above the Coromandel Range, with a hut for overnight stays. Allow three to four hours each way. The valley road is narrow and partly unsealed, and Trestle View is a DOC campsite.
- 344 km
Coromandel
New Zealand - 41 km
Driving Creek Railway
OdditiesCoromandel, New ZealandA narrow-gauge railway built by a potter to haul clay and plant native trees, which climbs through forest with zigzags and a viaduct to a lookout. Book a ticket in summer. It is a short drive from Coromandel town.
- 542 km
Fletcher Bay Campsite
NatureCoromandel, New ZealandA DOC campsite at the northern end of the peninsula road, at the start of the coastal walk to Stony Bay. The last 20 km from Colville is gravel and not for large motorhomes. Bring all supplies and check the fee and booking rules.
- 662 km
Whitianga
New Zealand - 710 km
Cathedral Cove
NatureWhitianga, New ZealandA huge rock arch between two white-sand coves, reached by a 45-minute track from the Hahei car park or the Grange Road car park. Check DOC for the current status of the walk and the track, and use the summer shuttle.
- 89 km
Hot Water Beach
NatureWhitianga, New ZealandHot water rises through the sand at the base of the cliff, and visitors dig their own pools. Go about two hours either side of low tide and rent a spade locally. Do not swim here, as rips are strong.
- 943 km
Whangamatā
New Zealand - 1025 km
Waihī
New Zealand - 1113 km
Karangahake Gorge
HistoryWaihī, New ZealandA river gorge full of old gold-mining remains, with a walk through a rail tunnel and across suspension bridges, and the Hauraki Rail Trail running through. Bring a torch for the tunnel. The car parks are along SH2 and fill on summer weekends.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Thames → Driving Creek Railway · 59 km · 0 h 39 minOn the way: Pinnacles Walk, Kauaeranga Valley, Coromandel.
- Day 2: Driving Creek Railway → Fletcher Bay Campsite · 42 km · 0 h 27 min
- Day 3: Fletcher Bay Campsite → Hot Water Beach · 81 km · 0 h 53 minOn the way: Whitianga, Cathedral Cove.
- Day 4: Hot Water Beach → Karangahake Gorge · 81 km · 0 h 53 minOn the way: Whangamatā, Waihī.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March and June–August. Hot in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is The Coromandel Peninsula loop from Thames to Waihī?
4-day road trip of about 263 km (163 mi) with 11 stops, from Thames to Karangahake Gorge. About 2 h 52 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for The Coromandel Peninsula loop from Thames to Waihī?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 52 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does The Coromandel Peninsula loop from Thames to Waihī start and end?
It starts in Thames and ends in Karangahake Gorge.
Which states does The Coromandel Peninsula loop from Thames to Waihī pass through?
New Zealand.
When is the best time for The Coromandel Peninsula loop from Thames to Waihī?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March and June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
