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Overview

Visit the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. This 6 Day Coromandel Coast Self Drive adventure from Auckland to Tauranga also takes you around the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Stop in at Whitianga and visit the world famous Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach before taking a trip on the Driving Creek Railway.

Auckland - Tauranga - Whitianga - Thames - Auckland

Map of 6 Day Coromandel Coast Self Drive
View itinerary for day 1
View itinerary for day 2
View itinerary for day 3
View itinerary for day 4
View itinerary for day 5
View itinerary for day 6
Arrive Auckland
Auckland to Tauranga
Tauranga
Tauranga to Whitianga
Whitianga to Thames via Coromandel
Thames to Auckland

Day 1

Arrive Auckland

Day 2

Auckland to Tauranga

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Distance: 211 kms

Day 3

Tauranga

Day 4

Tauranga to Whitianga

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Distance: 166 kms

Day 5

Whitianga to Thames via Coromandel

Travel Time: 1 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 96 kms

Day 6

Thames to Auckland

Travel Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Distance: 102 kms

After arriving in Auckland, you will collect your rental car at the airport.  You can then explore the City of Sails at your own leisure for the rest of this day.  We recommend that you visit the popular shopping district of Queen Street and perhaps sit down to enjoy a meal at one of the many lovely cafes and restaurants at Viaduct Harbour; or view the city lights tonight from the Auckland Sky Tower.

Overnight accommodation: Standard - Best Western President Hotel Auckland; Superior - The Sebel Viaduct Harbour Auckland

Leave Auckland and make your way south across the Waikato farmlands. Once you reach the city of Hamilton, you can stop in at any of the many restaurants and cafes for some morning tea. Your next part of the journey will take you to Cambridge.  

Continue along the highway to the small township of Tirau and enjoy the view of the somewhat distant Kaimai ranges. Continue on to Tauranga, which is one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Cobblestone Court Motel; Superior - Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Enjoy a relaxing day in Tauranga. Stroll around Downtown Tauranga and the Strand waterfront area as you take in your scenic surroundings.  There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs in the area so feel free to stop in for a meal wherever you choose.  If you are feeling more adventurous, you could sign up for some scuba diving in the Bay of Plenty or even dive at one of the wreck sites, reefs and volcanic islands in the bay. 

The Mount Mauganui suburb, commonly known by the locals as “The Mount”, is known or its fabulous beaches and coastal lifestyle. 

Suggested Activity: Waimarino Kayak Tour

Leave Tauranga in the morning and head north. As you continue, you will travel past Whangamata and around the Coromandel Coast before you reach Mercury Bay. Sign up for a cruise to the famous Cathederal Cove on board the Glass Bottom Boat.

Between the sights below the waves and the volcanic coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula, you have plenty to look at all the way there and back. 

Accommodation for this evening is in Whitianga, Mercury Bay's main town.

Suggested Activity: The Lost Springs of the Coromandel

Overnight accommodation: Standard - Aotearoa Lodge; Superior - Admiralty Lodge

Make your way north on this morning and head for the Driving Creek Railway. This train ride take you a 1 hour adventure through the replanted native kauri forests.  It also includes 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and numerous large viaducts as the train makes its way up to the terminus on top of the mountain. 

Hereafter you can visit the historic town of Coromandel. The town is known for its very unique atmosphere and character that is a true reflection of its history and heritage.

As you continue down the west coast of the peninsula, you will soon reach the town of Thames. 

Overnight accommodation: Standard - Rolleston Motel; Superior - Tuscany on Thames

Leave Thames early in the morning as you embark on the final part of your journey back to Auckland.  Drive across the Hauraki Plains and along the Southern Motorway until you reach the city.  If you have some extra time, we recommend that you drive along the East Coast Road, around the Firth of Thames. Do allow an additional 30 minutes for this slight detour.

Drop off your rental car at Auckland Airport in time for your journey back home.

Day 1, Arrive Auckland

Arrive Auckland

After arriving in Auckland, you will collect your rental car at the airport.  You can then explore the City of Sails at your own leisure for the rest of this day.  We recommend that you visit the popular shopping district of Queen Street and perhaps sit down to enjoy a meal at one of the many lovely cafes and restaurants at Viaduct Harbour; or view the city lights tonight from the Auckland Sky Tower.

Overnight accommodation: Standard - Best Western President Hotel Auckland; Superior - The Sebel Viaduct Harbour Auckland

Day 2, Auckland to Tauranga

Auckland to Tauranga

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Distance: 211 kms

Leave Auckland and make your way south across the Waikato farmlands. Once you reach the city of Hamilton, you can stop in at any of the many restaurants and cafes for some morning tea. Your next part of the journey will take you to Cambridge.  

Continue along the highway to the small township of Tirau and enjoy the view of the somewhat distant Kaimai ranges. Continue on to Tauranga, which is one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Two nights accommodation: Standard - Cobblestone Court Motel; Superior - Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Day 3, Tauranga

Tauranga

Enjoy a relaxing day in Tauranga. Stroll around Downtown Tauranga and the Strand waterfront area as you take in your scenic surroundings.  There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs in the area so feel free to stop in for a meal wherever you choose.  If you are feeling more adventurous, you could sign up for some scuba diving in the Bay of Plenty or even dive at one of the wreck sites, reefs and volcanic islands in the bay. 

The Mount Mauganui suburb, commonly known by the locals as “The Mount”, is known or its fabulous beaches and coastal lifestyle. 

Suggested Activity: Waimarino Kayak Tour

Day 4, Tauranga to Whitianga

Tauranga to Whitianga

Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Distance: 166 kms

Leave Tauranga in the morning and head north. As you continue, you will travel past Whangamata and around the Coromandel Coast before you reach Mercury Bay. Sign up for a cruise to the famous Cathederal Cove on board the Glass Bottom Boat.

Between the sights below the waves and the volcanic coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula, you have plenty to look at all the way there and back. 

Accommodation for this evening is in Whitianga, Mercury Bay's main town.

Suggested Activity: The Lost Springs of the Coromandel

Overnight accommodation: Standard - Aotearoa Lodge; Superior - Admiralty Lodge

Day 5, Whitianga to Thames via Coromandel

Whitianga to Thames via Coromandel

Travel Time: 1 hrs 40 mins

Distance: 96 kms

Make your way north on this morning and head for the Driving Creek Railway. This train ride take you a 1 hour adventure through the replanted native kauri forests.  It also includes 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and numerous large viaducts as the train makes its way up to the terminus on top of the mountain. 

Hereafter you can visit the historic town of Coromandel. The town is known for its very unique atmosphere and character that is a true reflection of its history and heritage.

As you continue down the west coast of the peninsula, you will soon reach the town of Thames. 

Overnight accommodation: Standard - Rolleston Motel; Superior - Tuscany on Thames

Day 6, Thames to Auckland

Thames to Auckland

Travel Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Distance: 102 kms

Leave Thames early in the morning as you embark on the final part of your journey back to Auckland.  Drive across the Hauraki Plains and along the Southern Motorway until you reach the city.  If you have some extra time, we recommend that you drive along the East Coast Road, around the Firth of Thames. Do allow an additional 30 minutes for this slight detour.

Drop off your rental car at Auckland Airport in time for your journey back home.

Additional Information

Pricing

Cost per person 2022-23

 Twin/Double
Standard 3-3.5 Star Accommodation From AU$1,741* per person

* PLEASE NOTE 

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Car Rental

  • Car hire excess fees of up to NZ$3500 + GST applies. This will be imprinted on a credit card upon collecting the vehicle. Excess reduction options are available at an additional cost per day. 
  • Airport/Ferry pick up fee applies in some locations. This must be paid direct in New Zealand. 
  • Car parking fees may apply in some locations.

Payment

  • Deposit: $200 per person within 7 days of booking
  • Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

  • Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking.
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Includes

Includes:

5 nights accommodation

  • 1 Night Auckland
  • 2 Nights Tauranga
  • 1 Night Whitianga
  • 1 Night Thames

5 days Rental Car (CDAR Compact Auto: Toyota Corolla or Similar)

Glass Bottom Boat tour

Driving Creek Railway

Options

Itineraries

All itineraries can be amended or combined with other itineraries. Please advise amendments when requesting a quote.

Airfares

International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.

Optional Extras

Entry to Sky City Tower, Auckland

The tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere at 328 metres affords superb views of Auckland City, its two harbours and the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island. Enjoy a high altitude lunch or snack or if its adventure you're after try a Sky Jump or Sky Walk around New Zealand's Iconic Tower. 

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Matamata

The Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour is a real must-do for every The Lord of the Rings fan travelling through New Zealand, but it really is an interesting and entertaining experience for all. Your guide will explain all about what was needed to create the Hobbiton set and tell stories about what went on during filming. He or she will also happily answer any questions you might have. The Hobbiton movie set has been returned to its natural state after filming was completed. However, hobbit holes and some structures from the film set are still in place.

Waimarino Kayak Tour, Tauranga

Just 10 minutes from Tauranga city is Waimarino on the banks of the Wairoa River. Over the past 30 years it has become Tauranga's premier kayak/canoe spot. You will experience New Zealand's only glow-worm kayaking tours in the tranquil waterways of Tauranga Harbour. Your guides will lead you onto the calm Lake McLaren at Dusk as you gently paddle into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glowworm canyon. Included in your tour is a cheese board & fruit platter with NZ wines & juice at sunset.

The Lost Springs Entry, Whitianga 

The Lost Springs of the Coromandel are a unique thermal hot water and spa experience. Consisting of several sculpted pools of crystal clear water with soothing waterfalls from a well 600 metres below the surface, the Lost Springs offer more than a simple swim in hot water. Features such as smooth rocks, hidden gemstones and the dense foliage combine to tell the story of the birth of the Coromandel Peninsula. A variety of healing treatments are available in the revitalising day spa and healthy dining options to choose from in the cafe.

Highlights

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Explore the breathtaking volcanic coastline, including the world famous Cathedral Cove. See the stunning Champagne Bay plus a range of blow holes & sea vaces, such as Orua's Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in New Zealand. See what lies below the surface in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and be amazed by all the marine life that can be seen through the glass panels.

Driving Creek Railway

Experience this innovatively designed train ride, one of the most popular in New Zealand. The train journey takes you through a replanted native kauri forest and includes 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points & several large viaducts as it climbs up to the mountain-top terminus for panoramic views.

Car rental information

Your car rental will be ready for collection from the airport on arrival. It has an insurance excess of NZ$ 3500.00 + GST (credit card imprint only), which can be reduced by selecting the Reduced Excess Option when booking. An airport pick up fee of NZ$ 46.00 is payable upon collection, and a refundable vehicle security deposit of NZ$ 150.00 is also taken. A copy of the full terms & conditions will be sent to you on your invoice.

Book now, pay later No credit card required

6 Day Coromandel Coast Self Drive

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