Day 1
Auckland to Thames
Distance 120km - Driving Time ~2 hours
Ease into your road trip by tracing the coastline from the city’s eastern edge to the historic gateway town of Thames. The drive follows calm bays and headlands, swapping city skylines for glittering water and green hills. With only a couple of hours behind the wheel, you can linger at viewpoints and arrive with time to explore Thames’ heritage streets and evening eateries.
Where to stop between Auckland and Thames
Make your first pause at Maraetai Beach for an easy stroll on the sand and classic fish and chips with a sea view. If it is a Sunday, swing inland briefly to the Clevedon Village Farmers Market to pick up fresh fruit, breads, and cheeses for the camper pantry. Back on the coast, plan a short stop at the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre near Kaiaua around high tide, when flocks of migratory birds gather in the shallows. This shoreline is relaxed and scenic, with sheltered bays and distant views across the Firth of Thames.
Things to do in Thames
Thames wears its gold mining past proudly. Wander the compact town centre to find heritage buildings, galleries, and cafes, then step into the local museums that bring the mining era and early aviation to life. If you prefer fresh air, walk the foreshore for sunset views back across the firth. Thames is also a practical base to stock up on supplies before tomorrow’s winding coastal drive.
Where to stay in Thames
Settle in at Dickson Holiday Park, tucked in a bushy valley just north of town. Powered sites, leafy surroundings, and easy access to the coast make it a comfortable first night in the camper. You will be well placed for an unhurried start along the peninsula in the morning.
Day 2
Thames to Whitianga
Distance 65km - Driving Time ~1 hour 30 minutes
Today is all about scenic bends and pretty bays as you climb out of Thames and follow State Highway 25 toward the east coast. The road is sealed and curvy, which keeps speeds gentle and views front and centre. Plan a few short nature stops to stretch your legs and breathe in the cool, green hush of native bush before rolling into Whitianga beside bright Mercury Bay.
Where to stop between Thames and Whitianga
Just up the coast from Thames, take a break in Waiomu and amble the Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk, a short track through lush forest to elegant young kauri trees. Deeper into the hills, Rapaura Watergardens offer a tranquil wander among ponds, ferns, and water features framed by dense bush and birdsong. The watergardens also offer the “Seven Stairs to Heaven” waterfall walk, plus a café. A gentle, shady contrast to the coast.
Things to do in Whitianga
Whitianga is a friendly beach town with a long waterfront, mellow swimming, and plenty of places to grab seafood or ice cream by the water. Take a stroll along Buffalo Beach, watch boats move across Mercury Bay, or time a quick ferry ride across to the far shore for a look back at the town from the water. Keep your evening relaxed and your plan flexible so you can catch the right tide for tomorrow’s hot spring experience at the beach.
Where to stay in Whitianga
Mercury Bay Holiday Park is an easy, central base just a short walk from town and the shore. With powered sites, tidy facilities, and a friendly feel, it is ideal for a two night style of comfort in one, letting you focus on the day’s fun rather than logistics.
Day 3
Whitianga, Hahei and Hot Water Beach loop
Distance 77km - Driving Time ~1 hour 30 minutes
Trade one postcard scene for another as you loop south to the Hahei area for two of the peninsula’s icons, then head back to Whitanga. The distances are short, but it pays to get an early start to match the tide at Hot Water Beach and to arrive at Cathedral Cove before the midday light turns bright.
Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach is a bucket list moment. Around low tide, hot mineral water bubbles up through the sand at the southern end of Hot Water Beach. Bring or hire a spade and dig your own seaside soaking pool – one of those “only in New Zealand” moments. Aim to arrive within two hours either side of low tide for the best conditions, and check tide times before you set out.
Follow local safety signage – the surf can be strong here.
Cathedral Cove (Mautohe) & Hahei
A short drive away, Hahei is the gateway to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, a white-sand beach framed by a natural rock arch and sea stacks. The Mautohe Cathedral Cove Walk has now reopened with a re-routed track. Allow for around 1.5–2 hours for a return walk and check the DOC site for updates on changes or weather-related closures before you go.
Alternatively, you can also join a boat or kayak tour from Hahei or Whitianga to see the cove and surrounding coastline from the water – a great option if you prefer to avoid parking or track logistics.
Back in Hahei village, grab an ice cream or coffee, then cruise back to Whitianga for a relaxed evening.
Where to stay in Whitianga
Enjoy a second night at Mercury Bay Holiday Park, keeping things easy while you explore the coast.
Day 4
Whitianga to Coromandel Town (via Kuaotunu & Whangapoua)
Distance 45km - Driving Time ~1 hour
Today you loop around the northern edge of the peninsula to the creative little hub of Coromandel Town, with a few beach stops along the way. Absorb in the sweeping views, long beaches and a slower, rural feel.
Stops between Whitianga and Coromandel Town
To enjoy the perfect morning swim or a coffee stop, Kuaotunu is an ideal halt along the way. The sleepy settlement has a beautiful curving beach with picturesque views to set you up for the remainder of the drive.
For your next stop, you can stretch your legs at either Matarangi or Whangapoua; both offer long walks on pale sand. From Whangapoua you can tackle the unformed track to New Chum Beach (Wainuiototo Bay) – often called one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches – but allow for enough time, check the tide, and be careful around stream crossings and rough sections.
Roll into Coromandel Town, where heritage buildings, galleries and bush-clad hills create a very “holiday” feel.
Where to stop in and around Coromandel Town
Begin at Driving Creek Railway, New Zealand’s unique narrow gauge mountain railway created by potter Barry Brickell. The journey is about 1 hour 15 minutes return, climbing through regenerating native forest to the EyeFull Tower, a lookout with wide views over the peninsula and the Hauraki Gulf.
Back in town, spend time hopping between galleries and studios to see how local wood, clay, and glass are turned into beautiful keepsakes. If you want a seaside fix, drive a few minutes to sheltered local bays for a picnic and a swim in clear, calm water. Everything is close, so it is easy to keep the day unrushed and varied.
Things to do in Coromandel Town
Mix creativity, history, and nature. Take a relaxed heritage walk, enjoy lunch in a garden cafe, and pick up something handmade to remember the trip. In the afternoon, consider a short bush track near town for birdsong and views, or simply return to the shore for another swim. As the sun drops, find a quiet spot to watch the last light glimmer on the water before a final dinner in town.
Where to stay in Coromandel Town
You can choose to stay at the Tasman Holiday Parks – Coromandel. The park is well-equipped and just a short walk from town with powered sites, heated pool and family facilities. A good base if you’d like to stroll to dinner.
Alternatively, the Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park has beachfront sites looking over the Hauraki Gulf, with a pool, playground and direct access to its little “Shelly Beach”. This one’s ideal if you want to fall asleep to the sound of waves.
Day 5
Coromandel Town to Auckland (via Driving Creek & Thames Coast)
Distance 170km - Driving Time ~2 hours 45 minutes
Your final day combines another one of the peninsula’s charming attractions with a scenic coastal drive back to the city. If you have the extra time, one of the must-do experiences in Coromandel is the Zipline Tour. Gliding through the forest on the canopy tour, you can experience Coromandel's breath-taking native forest from all levels, as you learn about the land’s transformation from kauri logging and gold mining to lush native forest, a haven for native birds and regenerating kauri trees.
Thames coast drive and return to Auckland
From Coromandel Town, follow SH25 down the Thames Coast, a winding but beautiful route with frequent sea views and small settlements – perfect for one last picnic stop or photo break. From Thames, rejoin SH2/SH1 back to Auckland.
- Check current state highway conditions and any planned works before you travel, particularly for SH25/25A, which can be affected by weather and maintenance. Use official updates from Waka Kotahi NZTA or local council channels.
Drop your motorhome back at Maui Auckland and swap beach hair for city life again, or plan to head straight on to your next New Zealand road trip.
Ready to plan your Coromandel motorhome holiday?
From hot pools in the sand and kauri forest tracks to heritage towns and beachfront holiday parks, this 5-day loop keeps the driving relaxed, and the experiences big.
Hire a premium Maui motorhome from Auckland, stock up on local goodies along the pōhutukawa coast, and let the Coromandel’s beaches, bush and bays set the pace. Make sure to check campervan hire availability and start mapping out your dates, then all that’s left is to pack a swimsuit, a warm layer – and a spade for Hot Water Beach.