The Coromandel Peninsula is just an hour and a half from Auckland, with two equally beautiful but vastly different main roads in and out of the Peninsula. You can ride in past the sleepy western beaches, make your way around the peninsula and take on the thrilling bush-clad Kopu-Hikuai road on your return.
Getting to know the Coromandel
The Coromandel Peninsula (not to be confused with Coromandel town, which sits on the western side of the peninsula) is easily accessible from Auckland and can even be seen from the CBD when the weather is fine. It’s a great place to ride. There are steep roads with breathtaking views over the countryside and ocean and convenient lookouts just off the roadside offer plenty of opportunities to stop, enjoy refreshments and take in the view.
The biggest town in the Coromandel is Thames, which you’ll travel through if you choose to begin your journey by heading along the western side of the peninsula. From Thames you’ll pass through a number of small villages and up to Coromandel (the town). If you like you can carry on to the northernmost town in the Coromandel Peninsula – Colville—or keep following State Highway 55 east to Kuaotunu. The beaches on the eastern side of the peninsula are spectacular. Venture further out east to Otama and Opito Bay or follow SH55 south to reach the town of Whitianga.
Further south, make sure you stop off for a drink at the iconic Coroglen Hotel on your way to Cooks Beach, Hahei or Hot Water Beach. After heading through Tairua you can turn off and take the weaving Kopu-Hikuai road home or carry on further south through Whangamata and all the way down to Waihi. Coromandel motorcycle tours NZ are a great way to explore some of the North Island’s most beautiful places.
What to see and do on your Coromandel motorcycle tours NZ
The Coromandel is a very popular destination for tours of NZ. The peninsula has some of the best beaches in the country and we don’t think you’ll get tired of simply seeing where the roads take you—but in case you prefer to have a more structured itinerary or don’t want to miss the main attractions, here are some ‘must-dos’.
- The Lost Spring – Rest and recover with a visit to the Lost Spring Geothermal Spa in Whitianga. Take a break from riding to swim in the hot mineral pools or enjoy a relaxing massage.
- Cathedral Cove Tours NZ – You’ll likely recognise Cathedral Cove from pictures. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Coromandel – and food good reason. This picturesque spot is a great place for a picnic, kayak or boat ride – you can even book a tour.
- Hot Water Beach – Dig your own hole in the sand and soak in the naturally heated mineral water for two hours either side of low tide.
- Driving Creek Railway – Swap the motorbike for a train carriage and enjoy New Zealand's only narrow-gauge mountain railway on this one-hour ride through native forest.
- Coromandel Coastal Walkway – If you need to stretch those legs, this 3-4 hour walk is one way to do it! You’ll wander through native forest, across clifftops and have an amazing vantage point to view the ocean and islands below.
Where to stay on your Coromandel motorcycle tours
The Coromandel has plenty of accommodation options, from camping grounds and cabins to private holiday homes, motels and B&Bs. There is something to suit all budgets and preferences. If you prefer to be close to all the amenities, Whitianga and Tairua and are popular choices. Pauanui has some beautiful holiday rentals and there are holiday parks on most of the main towns. If you enjoy something a bit more quiet, there are some fantastic B&Bs along the western coast.
