New Zealand offers the most varied landscapes on Earth, from glaciers to meadows and from white sandy beaches to lush forests. In this blog post, I share with you the most beautiful beaches of New Zealand North Island, with a 10-day road trip itinerary through the Coromandel Peninsula and Whangarei district. After reading this guide, you will have everything you need to organize your trip to New Zealand and enjoy it to the fullest!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Where is located the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district?
Both regions, the Coromandel peninsula, and the Whangarei region are located on New Zealand North Island. More specifically, in the Northern part of the island.
Regarding the Coromandel peninsula, its first town called Thames is situated only 2 hours away from Auckland (on the East side). The total area of the North Island is about 114’000 square kilometers. For its part, the Coromandel peninsula is around 85 kilometers long and 40 kilometers wide.
Whangarei District, a 3’000 square kilometers region, is situated in the Northland region, a bit more than 2 hours away from Auckland city up North.
How to get to the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district?
The nearest international airport to the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district is Auckland airport. Alternatively, if you are coming from another place in New Zealand, you can fly to Tauranga airport, which is around 110 km away from the peninsula, or directly to Whangarei airport. Anyway, in case you are visiting from abroad, you will land necessarily in Auckland airport, located respectively at 74 km away from the Coromandel peninsula and 183 km away from Whangarei city.
When to visit the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district?
- Spring: from September to November
- Summer: from December to February
- Fall: from March to May
- Winter: from June to August
How to visit the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district?
BY CAMPER VAN
Let’s say it: New Zealand is the perfect definition of the ideal country for campers! Indeed, wilderness camping is allowed if it is practiced in authorized areas. In addition, serviced campsites are plentiful in all parts of the country. Moreover, New Zealand roads are so beautiful, that they are an attraction on their own. As a result, having the freedom to stop whenever you want and enjoy beautiful landscapes as your room/house is an absolute dream!
In other words, I highly recommend you to visit New Zealand and in particular the Coromandel peninsula with a van/camper. Since the demand for van rental is high, there are many van rental companies. You can easily find a van/camper for every budget as the companies offer various van products from the most luxurious to the most basic ones.
During our road trip through the Coromandel Peninsula, we had the chance to partner up with Madcampers for 11 days/10 nights. They provide mainly two types of van: an individual with a single bed (called MAD1) or 2 people with a big double bed (called MAD2). Their vans are medium in size (Nissan brand) which makes it easy to park anywhere and to drive without any difficulties. There are
On top of that, they have an office in Auckland and Christchurch, which allows you to drop off the van in another location (add NZD 250$ fee for the one-way). In general, it seems cheaper to pick up the van in Christchurch and drop off the vehicle in Auckland instead of the other way around. Prices are between NZD 80$ to NZD 150$ per rental day. Please note that prices vary drastically depending on the month of the year. No doubt I tell you that Summertime is the most expensive one.
Finally, the way the van is arranged makes it very practical with storage space under the beds (where you can put two large backpacks for instance). The stove opens from the back door, so you don’t let odors into the van.
BY CAR
Where to Camp in the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district?
The good news, freedom camping is allowed in New Zealand! However, there are some very specific rules to follow. First, the vehicle must be self-contained, i.e. have a toilet and recycle wastewater to be defined as such. Secondly, freedom camping is only allowed in designated areas. You cannot park your van/camper whenever you want. Moreover, in general, you can stay a maximum of 2 nights (in a month) in freedom camping spots and you have to leave the place at 9:00 am at the latest. Just be aware that freedom campsites don’t have showers or wifi for example. Some don’t even have public toilets.
In case you prefer to camp in serviced camping, you can easily find them with different price ranges. Normally, DOC camping sites are the cheapest ones. Most of the time, there is no one on-site and you must deposit the cash in a mailbox at the entrance of the campsite. Most of the DOC campsites don’t have showers. On the other hand, the most expensive campsites are the TOP 10 Holiday parks. They provide full services such as hot showers, a swimming pool, WiFi, common areas, playgrounds, and so on.
How long to stay in the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district?
Let’s be honest here by saying the more time you have, the better. Indeed, the Coromandel peninsula and the Northern part of New Zealand have so many hidden gems that you won’t get bored. However, if you have limited time, I recommend spending a minimum of 10 nights through the Coromandel peninsula and the Northern part (around Whangarei and Whangarei Heads). As a result, you will have time to get a good overview of the region.
“If you only want to do one of the two regions, in other words, either the Coromandel Peninsula or the Whangarei region, you can allow 5 days if you are short on time.”
Things to know before visiting New Zealand
- Driving is on the left-hand side.
- New Zealand is very strict about freedom camping. For instance, you can only do a freedom camp between the arrows. If you don’t respect the rules, you can have an infringement of NZD 200$.
- Whangarei district encourages freedom camping anywhere. Meaning, this is the only area where you can camp pretty much everywhere (and not only in the dedicated areas) if you have a self-contained vehicle.
- Distances in New Zealand are longer than they appear, especially through the Coromandel peninsula. Roads are narrow and with many curves, so allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Always have enough gas in your tank. There are long roads without gas stations. To be honest, you won’t have this issue if you drive through the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district since there are many villages you will come across.
- I advise you to buy your food in Countdown or Park’n’save (the cheapest supermarkets in the region).
- The weather in New Zealand changes rather quickly. In other words, you can have 4 seasons in a day.
- If you want to beat the crowds, I suggest you visit New Zealand in November. It’s not officially summer yet (starting from the 1st of December), so you will have the freedom camps all for yourself as well as the tourist spots.
- Any dumping stations provide also access to drinking water. I advise you to do both at the same time, meaning dump your grey waters and fill in with potable water.
- Water is not drinkable everywhere in New Zealand. Generally, when it is not drinkable, it indicates it with a sign (rainwater or water named treat).
- There are no public trash cans around Whangarei district, so please grab your rubbish and always have a garbage bag with you.
- If you take the bus around New Zealand, be aware that usually you can not pay in cash inside the bus. You have to buy either a card that you top up or buy your fare ticket at the ticket machine.
- You can use credit cards everywhere. You only need cash if you want to buy fruits or veggies on the road.
- In the Northland region, there is a toll road to get to Whangarei. However, there is a free alternative road that only adds 20 minutes more to your journey. It will be indicated with a sign.
A 10-day itinerary road trip through the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district
I’m happy to share our 10-day day-by-day itinerary through the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district. You will find out what to do and where to camp for free. Enjoy!
DAY 1
auckland to waiomu bay
What to do?
- After picking up your van in Auckland, head to Park’n’save to buy food and drinks for the next few days
- On your way to Waiomu Bay, stop at Thames town to stroll around and do some shopping (books, clothes, etc). There is a second-hand library that seel books for a few bucks.
- Enjoy your afternoon at Waiomu Bay
Where to camp?
DAY 2
waiomu bay to cook beach
What to do?
- Manaia Road Saddle and Lookout: on your way to Coromandel village, you will get a beautiful view of the surroundings.
- Coromandel village: fill up your tank and buy food/drinks if needed. There are also public toilets in the middle of the town as well as potable drinking water available next to it.
- New Chums Beach: this hidden gem is only accessible on foot. Indeed, you have to walk for about 40 minutes on the beach and through the lush forest until you reach New Chums Beach. No particular difficulties, so no need to put your hiking shoes on. Free parking and toilets are available. No freedom camping allowed, however, this is the perfect spot for lunch with a view of the ocean.
Where to camp?
COOK BEACH: this freedom campsite is located close to the ferry landing. There are toilets & BBQ area available 5 minutes walk from the free spots. No drinking water is available. Only 8 to 10 spots are available. You can stay for 2 nights maximum in a month and must leave by 9:00 am at the latest. Self-contained vehicle only.
DAY 3
Cook beach to Waihi Beach
What to do?
- Cathedral cove: the most famous place on the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is also the place where movies have been set (such as Narnia). Cathedral Cove is only accessible by foot with a 45-minute walk on a paved path. There are a few steps at the end of the walk to get to the beach. No need to put your hiking shoes on, even though the walk is steep at some point. During the high season (from the first of October 1 to the 30th of April), the car park of Cathedral Cove is closed. In other words, you must park your car at the Park&ride located in town. There is a shuttle bus, every 20 minutes, for NZD 7$ per adult (round trip). Otherwise, you can walk 45 minutes to get to Cathedral Cove car park (which is the trailhead of the walk).
- Hahei Beach: located on the other side of Cathedral cove, Hahei beach is accessible from the same trailhead as Cathedral cove, just the opposite side. Indeed you have to take the right to get to Hahei Beach. I recommend combining these 2 beaches on the same day.
- Hot Water Beach: known for its hot springs, hot water beach is another beautiful white sand beach. Besides the free hot spring, it is one of the only beaches where you can surf. You have to check the tide to be able to have access to the hot pools.
- Mt. Paku Summit: what better way to end the day than hiking up a summit with a view of the coast? There is a small free car park at the trailhead. Only a 45-minute walk (return).
Where to camp?
WAIHI BEACH RESERVE ESPLANADE (on Tuna Ave): this freedom camping is the car park of the beach. There are toilets and cold showers available. No drinking water is available. You can stay 3 nights maximum in a month. Only 10 spots are available. If there is no more space, note that there are several others freedom campsites.
DAY 4
Waihi Beach to Rotorua
What to do?
- Waihi Beach: wake up with an ocean view is always the best, so why not take full advantage with a morning walk on this endless beach? Waihi Beach is about 10 km long.
- Karangahake Gorges: karangahake gorges is the ideal place to hike or cycle around lush surroundings. You will find several trails starting from the free car park. Toilets available.
- Papamoa Beach: located in Tauranga, this beach is about 9 km long. there is a medium parking lot, with also 3 spots for freedom camp, but no toilets available.
Where to camp?
TECT PARK: this freedom campsite is part of kiwi camping and is located in the middle of a forest. There are hot showers, a washing machine and a dish sink for an extra, only the toilets are available for free. No drinking water is available. Large space for at least 20 campers. You can stay 3 nights maximum in a month.
DAY 5
rotorua to onewhero
What to do?
- Rotorua Library: perfect place if you want to grab some books or get free WiFi.
- Kuirau Park: this park is located in the middle of Rotorua town and offers you free access. There are different car parks across the park. You can walk through the park and observe different geothermal activities. Toilets, kids’ playgrounds, and BBQ areas are available.
- Blue Lake Park: Blue lake park is the perfect spot to enjoy some sun and have lunch with a view. There is a lot of parking space for free. You can also use your kayaks here. Toilets available.
Where to camp?
ONEWHERO DOMAIN: this freedom campsite is located next to a rugby field. There are toilets and dish sink available. No drinking water. You can stay here for 3 nights maximum in a month. Self-contained vehicle only.
DAY 6
Onewhero to Marsden bay
What to do?
- Mahurangi Regional Park: this Coastal Regional Park offers different hiking trails and beautiful views of the ocean. There is a free large car park, with toilets available.
- Warkworth Honey Center: This center offers a variety of honey products and free tasting. There is also a big bees wall where you can see them working. Toilets available on site.
Where to camp?
MADSEN BAY: this freedom campsite offers only 6 spots. Toilets available. No drinking water is available. You can only stay one night per month. Self-contained vehicle only.
DAY 7
Marsden bay to Whangarei heads
What to do?
- Basin town: located in Whangarei city, Basin town is the heart of the city. Filled with museums and restaurants, this is the ideal place to stroll around.
- Ocean beach: amazing beach easily accessible from the car park (only 2 minute’s walk). This is also one of the only beaches in the region where you can surf supervised.
Where to camp?
OCEAN BEACH: this freedom campsite is the car park of Ocean beach. About 12 spots are available. You can stay only 1 night a month. Toilets and cold showers are available. No drinking water. No self-contained vehicle is accepted.
DAY 8
ocean beach to Matapouri Beach
What to do?
- Reed Memorial Park: right in the middle of Whangarei city, Reed Memorial Park is the perfect place to enjoy lush jungle vibes. Allow 45 minutes to complete the loop through the forest. There is a free parking lot, where you can also stay overnight.
- Whangarei falls: this impressive waterfall is easily accessible from the car park (5 minutes away). There is a free parking lot, where you can also stay overnight.
Where to camp?
MATAPOURI BEACH: this freedom campsite is actually in the car park of Matapouri Beach. Only 3 spots. Toilets, BBQ area, and table available. No drinking water. You can stay 1-night maximum in a month.
DAY 9
Matapouri beach to Kowharewa Bay
What to do?
- Matapouri Beach: the last beach of your itinerary through the Coroamndel peninsula and Whangarei district and not just any beach. Matapouri Beach is the ideal place to swim and surf. Beach not supervised tho.
Where to camp?
KOWHAREWA BAY: this freedom campsite is located right in front of the bay, offering beautiful views. Only 4 spots. There are tables and toilets available. No drinking water available. You can stay for a night maximum. No self-contained vehicle accepted.
DAY 10
Kowharewa Bay to Auckland
What to do?
- Last day of your road trip itinerary so time to make your way to Auckland to drop off the van, in case your flight takes off during the evening. It takes about 4 hours to get to Auckland airport, without any stops.
In conclusion
To sum up, the Coromandel peninsula and Whangarei district are ideal for all lovers of wide open spaces and beautiful sandy beaches. Moreover, this region of New Zealand North island can be visited all year round.
I sincerely hope I have inspired you to add the Coromandel Peninsula and Whangarei District to your bucket list. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I would love to share more with you.
Anyway, don’t forget to check out all my posts related to New Zealand to get more inspiration!
Sending you lots of love,
