6 Day Coromandel Coast Self Drive

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.

Stay overnight in Auckland

Head south from Auckland, passing through the rolling farmland of the Waikato region. When you reach Hamilton, take a break at one of the city’s many cafés or restaurants for a relaxing morning tea. From there, continue your journey to the charming town of Cambridge, known for its tree-lined streets and rich equestrian heritage.

Follow the highway to the small township of Tirau, where you can enjoy views of the distant Kaimai Ranges. As you travel onwards, you'll arrive in Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities, offering a vibrant mix of coastal scenery, dining, and outdoor activities.

Stay 2 nights in Tauranga

Spend a leisurely day in Tauranga, exploring the vibrant Downtown area and the scenic Strand waterfront. Take a stroll along the harbour, soak in the relaxed coastal atmosphere, and stop by one of the many cafés, restaurants, or pubs for a meal with a view.

For those looking for adventure, the Bay of Plenty offers incredible scuba diving opportunities, including wreck dives, reefs, and volcanic islands teeming with marine life. Just a short drive away, Mount Maunganui—known locally as "The Mount"—boasts stunning beaches, perfect for surfing, swimming, or simply unwinding by the ocean.

Depart Tauranga in the morning and head north, passing through Whangamata as you follow the scenic Coromandel Coast towards Mercury Bay. For a unique experience, take a cruise aboard the Glass Bottom Boat to the famous Cathedral Cove, where you can admire both the volcanic coastline and the vibrant marine life below.

With stunning ocean views along the way, there's plenty to take in before reaching Whitianga, the main town of Mercury Bay, where you'll stay for the night.

Overnight in Whitianga

Head north this morning towards the Driving Creek Railway, a unique one-hour train journey through lush native kauri forests. The ride features spirals, tunnels, viaducts, and reversing points as it climbs to a scenic mountaintop lookout.

Afterwards, explore the historic town of Coromandel, known for its distinctive charm and rich heritage.

Continuing south along the west coast of the peninsula, you'll soon arrive in Thames, a town with a fascinating gold mining history.

Overnight in Thames

Leave Thames early in the morning for the final leg of your journey back to Auckland. Travel across the Hauraki Plains and follow the Southern Motorway into the city.

If time allows, take a scenic detour along the East Coast Road, following the Firth of Thames—just allow an extra 30 minutes for the drive.

Return your rental car at Auckland Airport in time for your flight home.