Driving Route : Auckland - Wellington - Auckland

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Day 1 : Auckland to Whitianga

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Auckland - Thames	1.5 hrs	106	66
Thames - Coromandel	0.5 hr	60	38
Coromandel - Whitianga	0.5 hr	46	29
Totals for Day	2.5 hrs	212	133

Auckland - Thames

106 km (66 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It's a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.

There are two routes to Thames. The fast way whisks you along the motorway and over the Bombay Hills, then across the serene, green Hauraki Plains to Waitakaruru.

The slower, scenic route winds through farmland to the village of Clevedon before leading you around the edge of the Firth of Thames. Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point and Kaiaua are beachside settlements to visit.

Both routes make it possible to visit Miranda's hot springs and bird sanctuary. Pipiroa is a friendly place to stop before you venture over the famous, one lane Kopu Bridge, which was built in 1928 and has a Historic Places Trust listing.

The historic township of Thames was founded during the Coromandel gold rush. It's a great place for walks—around the town, through the bush and on the mangrove board walk. Visit the museum and discover an interesting range of shops.

Thames - Coromandel

60 km (38 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

In Thames you can learn about New Zealand's gold mining past. The mining museum has a fascinating mineralogical collection and there are gold mining relics to discover on many of the bush walks. You can also take the boardwalk through the mangroves to watch seabirds in the Thames Firth.

The road to Coromandel clings to the edge of the coast. You'll enjoy amazing views and a constant procession of beautiful beaches fringed with Pohutukawa trees.

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.

Coromandel - Whitianga

46 km (29 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

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.