Auckland – Whakatane – Napier

Day 2: Coromandel to Tauranga

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Coromandel - Whitianga 0.5 hr  46/29 Whitianga - Whangamata 1 hr  74/46 Whangamata - Tauranga 1.25 hrs  94/59   Totals for Day 2.75 hrs  214/134

Coromandel - Whitianga - Whangamata - Tauranga

Formerly a gold-mining and timber town, Coromandel is now a haven for artists, craftspeople and conservationists. It has many well-preserved Victorian buildings and an interesting museum. There are several good walks in the area and a railway enthusiast has created an hour-long train trip at Driving Creek.

From Coromandel you can explore the tip of the peninsula – the roads aren’t highly developed, so expect slow going. Colville, Port Jackson, Port Charles and Kennedy Bay are known for their untouched beauty.

On your drive to Whitianga you’ll notice a side road leading to Whangapoua Beach – a worthwhile detour if you have time. You could also call into Matarangi, a recently developed beach settlement. Kuaotunu is another area of pretty beaches.

The beach town of Whitianga is home to a fishing fleet - expect to eat some excellent seafood while you’re here. Best things to do include surfing, surf casting and beach walks. Catch the ferry to the south side of the harbour – a short taxi ride will take you to Cooks Beach.

Scenic Highlights

Colville and beyond
Take a scenic drive to the northern end of Coromandel Peninsula and discover beautiful isolated beaches and remote forest trails.

Cook's Coast beaches
Catch the ferry to enjoy a string of delightful sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Hahei and Cathedral Cove
From beautiful Hahei Beach you can walk to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention.

Kauaeranga Valley
Explore a large valley furnished with rivers, waterfalls and native forest. Follow established tracks and camp beneath the stars.

Coromandel Coastal Walkway
Taking in views of Great Barrier Island, Cuvier, the Hauraki Gulf and Pacific Ocean, this must rank as one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the country.

Historic Coromandel township
This historic town makes an excellent base for blissful days of forest hiking and beach-hopping.

Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
From Hahei Beach you can walk to the snorkelling trail at Gemstone Bay - a self-guided underwater tour.

Activities

Coromandel
Arts & Crafts (6)

Coromandel - Whitianga - Whangamata - Tauranga

The beach town of Whitianga is home to a fishing fleet - expect to eat some excellent seafood while you’re here. Best things to do include surfing, surf casting and beach walks. Catch the ferry to the south side of the harbour – a short taxi ride will take you to Cooks Beach.

The road south gives you the opportunity to visit Hot Water Beach, where geothermally heated water bubbles up through the sand. At low tide you can dig your own spa. Another highlight of this journey is the walk to spectacular Cathedral Cove, which begins at Hahei. If you have time, indulge in a round of golf at Pauanui or enjoy fish and chips in Tairua.

Whangamata is one of the country’s most attractive surf towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and fishing tours are easily arranged. You can also hire bikes, windsurfers and kayaks. Several charter companies run day trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor.

Scenic Highlights

Cook's Coast beaches
Catch the ferry to enjoy a string of delightful sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Hahei and Cathedral Cove
From beautiful Hahei Beach you can walk to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention.

Kauaeranga Valley
Explore a large valley furnished with rivers, waterfalls and native forest. Follow established tracks and camp beneath the stars.

Wentworth Valley walks
Camp beside a river in a quiet rural valley and walk through native forest to a picturesque waterfall and abandoned gold mines.

Whangamata, Onemana and Opoutere
Great surf breaks, sandy beaches, tranquil harbours, forest walks and rare birds are all part of the magic of these seaside settlements.

Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
From Hahei Beach you can walk to the snorkelling trail at Gemstone Bay - a self-guided underwater tour.

Tuhua Marine Reserve
Mayor Island (Tuhua) is a dormant volcano off the Bay of Plenty coast. It is a sanctuary above and below the water.

Activities

Coromandel
Boat Cruises (4), Fishing – Salt Water (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

Coromandel
Boat Cruises (1), Fishing – Salt Water (1)

Coromandel - Whitianga - Whangamata - Tauranga

Whangamata is one of the country’s most attractive surf towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and fishing tours are easily arranged. You can also hire bikes, windsurfers and kayaks. Several charter companies run day trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor.

The journey to Tauranga will take you past historic Waihi, a gold mining town. You’ll enjoy the fresh green scenery of the Athenree Gorge before you come across the town of Katikati, known for its murals. Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. Closer to Tauranga, roads on the left offer detours to the beach towns of Te Puna and Omokoroa.

The prosperous city of Tauranga sprawls along the edge of an attractive harbour. There’s a well developed café culture and boat charters are available to take you big game fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a destination for surfing and beach walking.

Scenic Highlights

Te Puna Quarry Park
A dedicated band of volunteers have created a botanical beauty spot on the site of an old quarry.

The Elms Mission House
If you're in Tauranga on a Sunday or public holiday, you can walk through the historic Elms Mission House.

Wentworth Valley walks
Camp beside a river in a quiet rural valley and walk through native forest to a picturesque waterfall and abandoned gold mines.

Whangamata, Onemana and Opoutere
Great surf breaks, sandy beaches, tranquil harbours, forest walks and rare birds are all part of the magic of these seaside settlements.

Kaiate Falls
Walk through the forest to Kaiate Falls, where water tumbles down a ravine in a series of cascades.

Tuhua (Mayor Island)
Mayor Island is the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor. It's both a wildlife and marine reserve.

Tuhua Marine Reserve
Mayor Island (Tuhua) is a dormant volcano off the Bay of Plenty coast. It is a sanctuary above and below the water.

Motiti Island
Motiti Island is a place to get away from it all. Catch some fish, dive the wreck or just flop on a beach.

Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park
The Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is a living museum of botanical history with 300 kilometres of tracks to explore.

Activities

Bay of Plenty
Kayaking – Fresh Water (2), Kayaking – Salt Water (2), Off Road Driving Adventure (2)

Coromandel
Heritage Attractions (1), Zoos (1)

Tour and Sightseeing

Bay of Plenty
Arts & Crafts (1), Kayaking – Fresh Water (1), Kayaking – Salt Water (1)