TRIP 1 COROMANDEL, BAY OF PLENTY & EASTLAND
Cycling the Hauraki Trail over a bridge near Waihi © Andy Belcher
TRIP 1
RIGHT: Camping on the Coromandel Coast © Destination Coromandel
a journey through
Coromandel Kaiaua to Ngātea to Thames via coastal & inland roads through Miranda & Kopu 45min, 54.2km
SIDE TRIP
Coromandel to Port Jackson Take the coastal road 1hr 22min, 55km
SIDE TRIP
T
he Firth of Thames is famous for its Shorebird Centre, just 75km from Auckland, so begin your adventure with a spot of bird watching, before relaxing in the steaming hot pools at Miranda. Enjoy a serving of fish and chips at Kaiaua Fisheries before heading for Thames, the perfect spot for stocking up on supplies. Consider taking a 12km detour up the Kauaeranga Valley to indulge in some hiking. Returning to the route, you’ll be hugging the coast most of the way from here on in. Windy narrow roads with pōhutukawa trees border one side of the road while beautiful blue sea dominates the other. Continue through to Coromandel Town with its cafés and craft emporiums, until you reach the glorious beaches and historical landmarks of Whitianga.
Thames to Coromandel township via SH 25 1hr, 54km
Te Rerenga to New Chums Beach via a short trip off SH 25 12min, 8km
Coromandel to Whitianga via SH 25 through Kuaotunu 45min, 42.6km
102 | M U S T D O ’ S • CO R OMA N DE L, B A Y OF PLE N TY & E A STLAND
