Auckland to Coromandel 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Auckland – Thames – Coromandel Forest Park – Coromandel Town – Whitianga – Hahei – Whangamatā – Karangahake Gorge

Last updated: 04 March 2026

Where golden beaches meet ancient wilderness

Imagine waking up to birdsong in an ancient forest, spending your afternoons digging your own hot pool on a beach, and ending your evenings watching the sun sink into the Pacific. Welcome to the Coromandel Peninsula.

This 7-day journey takes you through one of New Zealand’s most beloved corners and is easily reached from Auckland. It’s a place where dramatic volcanic peaks meet pristine coastline, where gold rush history hides in mossy gorges, and where some of the world's most beautiful beaches are still only reachable on foot.

You'll travel a land of quiet contrasts – from the rugged wilderness of Coromandel Forest Park to the sun-soaked shores of Hahei, from the geothermal wonders bubbling beneath Hot Water Beach to the glittering glow worm tunnels of Karangahake Gorge. And everywhere in between, you'll find the kind of unhurried, easy charm that makes the Coromandel so hard to leave.

Throughout this journey, you'll find insider travel tips alongside fascinating facts, myths and legends about each destination. Our itinerary balances the iconic with the unexpected, giving you the freedom to explore with the comfort of your Wilderness motorhome as your home base.

Get ready for a week that will make you wonder why you ever needed a reason to leave Auckland in the first place.

Itinerary highlights:

The iconic Cathedral Cove
Digging your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach
Hiking to the Pinnacles summit in Coromandel Forest Park
Kayaking to Whenuakura (Donut) Island off the coast of Whangamatā
The dramatic gold mining history of Karangahake Gorge
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway
Glow worms in an ancient railway tunnel
The laid-back charm of Coromandel Town
Unspoilt white sand beaches
Riding the Driving Creek Railway through native bush

Ready to start planning your Auckland to Coromandel road trip? Just fill out the form to access the full itinerary.

This itinerary has been crafted by travel writers who have explored the region extensively, with invaluable input from locals who know its hidden gems best. It’s been specifically designed for a motorhome or campervan holiday, ensuring the routes are navigation-friendly and the stops are perfectly suited for life on the road.

We’ve included a mix of the Coromandel’s iconic "bucket list" highlights and those quieter, off-the-beaten-track spots that make this peninsula so special. You shouldn’t expect to cover everything in these seven days – you may find a beach or a bush-clad valley that you simply don’t want to leave. Everything suggested is optional, so we encourage you to plan according to your own interests and take your time to truly experience the destinations you visit.

After filling out the form to access your Auckland to Coromandel road trip itinerary, you’ll be able to view:

A map detailing our suggested travel route.
An overview of each daily location.
A travel tip and a fascinating fact, myth, or legend related to each overnight place.
At least three to seven things to do at each location, from the iconic Cathedral Cove to the historic gold mines of Thames.
The daily distance and travel time for each leg of the journey.
Suggested places to stay for the night, including holiday parks and freedom camping spots.

Your itinerary is viewable on screen and is mobile-friendly. You won’t have to download it – you can simply access it whenever you need it while you're on the road.

Day 3: Coromandel Forest Park to Coromandel Town

Where the highway meets the sea

After the wild solitude of the forest, today eases you back into the world gently. You'll wind your way down Kauaeranga Valley Road and emerge onto State Highway 25 – also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Take your time and enjoy, because this drive is spectacular. You’ll have steep hills covered in dense bush to your right, and the ocean lapping at the sea wall to your left.

Continue down State Highway 25 to Coromandel Town, or turn off on the 309 Road for a stop at The Waterworks.

Your journey for the day ends in Coromandel Town, a laid-back coastal village with art galleries, cafés, and charming historical buildings.

Travel tip

Hop out at the Manaia Road Saddle and Lookout for a break and a photo. On a good day, you’ll get a gorgeous 360-degree view of the peninsula.

Things to do in Coromandel Town:

Check out the water-powered inventions at The Waterworks, a play park and cafe featuring over 70 ingenious attractions. This is a great stop for both adults and kids.
Visit the iconic Driving Creek Railway – a winding railroad that takes you high up the hillside for sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf.
If you’re feeling adventurous during your visit to Driving Creek, take the zipline tour. For a more relaxed activity, try out the pottery classes.
Take a relaxed stroll along the Kauri Block Walk. This serene trail takes you through regenerating bush, with an optional climb up to an old pā site (a fortified Māori settlement).

Distance: 76km

Travel time: 1hr 40mins

Route: Coromandel Forest Park to Coromandel Town

Stay: Top 10 Holiday Parks – Coromandel Shelly Beach. For freedom camping, there is space for three self-contained vehicles at Woollams Avenue.

Resources: Coromandel Town Information Centre

Kiwi ingenuity strikes again

The Driving Creek Railway is one of those ‘only-in-New-Zealand’ stories. A potter named Barry Brickell bought the land in 1961, when it was mostly scrub and gorse.

He wanted clay for his pottery, so he built a rudimentary rail track to get it. Over decades, that track grew into a complex engineering marvel of zig-zags, spirals, and viaducts that climb up the mountain.

But the real story is conservation. Barry used the profits from the railway to replant the entire hillside with native kauri, rimu, and tōtara – transforming what was once bare land into a thriving sanctuary. At the top, the 'Eyefull Tower' rewards you with sweeping panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf. A legacy worth riding up to see.