North Island · New Zealand

Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect introduction to campervan travel in New Zealand — close enough to Auckland to get to quickly, but distinctive enough to feel like a proper adventure. Within a few hours of pickup, you can be parked beside a beach with the kettle on.

The loop takes you through the lush interior of the peninsula, along dramatic coastal roads, and past some of the most photographed beaches in the country. It's short enough for a standalone trip or a great first chapter before heading south.

Route highlights

Stop 1

Thames & the Interior

Thames is the gateway to the Coromandel. The road north hugs the coast before cutting inland through native kauri forest. Stop at Driving Creek Railway for a unique narrow-gauge ride through the hills above Coromandel Town.

💡 Visit the Thames Mineralogical Museum — short but genuinely interesting, and very Coromandel.

Stop 2

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is one of New Zealand’s most iconic spots — a massive natural sea arch framing a perfect beach. Access it by ferry from Hahei (recommended) or walk 45 minutes each way from the car park. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.

💡 The ferry from Hahei is worth it — the views approaching Cathedral Cove by sea are stunning.

Stop 3

Hot Water Beach

At Hot Water Beach, you can dig a hole in the sand and sit in a natural hot spring — with the ocean a few metres away. It only works for 2 hours either side of low tide, and the hire spades from the local cafe are well worth the $5. It sounds gimmicky; it isn’t.

💡 Check the tide times before you go — the Coromandel app has a built-in Hot Water Beach tide calculator.

Stop 4

Whangamata & the return

Whangamata is a relaxed surf town on the eastern coast — a great last stop before heading back to Auckland. Long beach, good fish and chips, and a mellow vibe. The drive back to Auckland via Waihi and Paeroa is scenic and takes about 2.5 hours.

💡 Waihi has a surprisingly good art gallery and a gold mine tour that’s worth a stop.

Where to camp along this route

Practical tips

• The roads around Cathedral Cove car park fill up fast in summer — the ferry from Hahei is a better option and gives you sea views.
• The east coast road between Coromandel Town and Hahei (309 Road) is unsealed in places but perfectly manageable in our campers.
• Cell coverage can be patchy on the peninsula — download offline maps before you go.