Driving Route : Queenstown - Wellington - Auckland
Day 10 : Tauranga to Coromandel
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Route Summary
Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
| |
Travel time |
Km |
(Miles) |
| Tauranga - Whangamata |
1.25 hrs |
94 |
59 |
| Whangamata - Whitianga |
1 hr |
74 |
46 |
| Whitianga - Coromandel |
0.5 hr |
46 |
29 |
| Totals for Day |
2.75 hrs |
214 |
134 |
Tauranga - Whangamata
94 km (59 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
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.
The journey to Whangamata will take you through orchard country. Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. Roads on the right offer detours to the beach towns of Te Puna and Omokoroa.
The rural settlement of Katikati is known for its murals. You'll enjoy the fresh green scenery of the Athenree Gorge before you reach historic Waihi, a gold mining town.
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.
Whangamata - Whitianga
74 km (46 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
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.
On your way to Whitianga you could indulge in a round of golf at Pauanui, a large seaside settlement. A different kind of pleasure awaits at Hot Water Beach, where geothermally heated water bubbles up through the sand—you can dig your own spa at low tide. If you have a couple of hours to spare, take the walk from Hahei to spectacular Cathedral Cove.
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.
Whitianga - Coromandel
46 km (29 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
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 harbo—a short taxi ride will take you to Cooks Beach.
The road to Coromandel takes you past Kuaotunu, an area of pretty beaches. Then you can call into Matarangi, a recently developed beach settlement. Beautiful Whangapoua Beach is another possible detour.
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.
View more Queenstown driving routes.
Directory Information
Tauranga, Bay of Plenty:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Whangamata, Coromandel:
Accommodation,
Visitor Information
Whitianga, Coromandel:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Coromandel Township, Coromandel:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
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