Arrive Auckland
On arrival, collect your Motorhome from United's depot close to Auckland Airport. Take the southern Motorway from Auckland to the junction with State Highway 2 and the turn off to Thames, gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Auckland - Thames (106 kms - 1 hr 30 mins)
Turning off towards Thames, follow the Pacific Coast Highway to Coromandel. En-route, take a little side trip to Miranda Hot Springs and enjoy a soak in the largest thermal pools in the Southern Hemisphere.
Known as the gateway to te Coromandel, Thames during its heydays of the gold rush of the1880's was one of New Zealand's largest towns wit a population greater than Auckland. Today, its colourful history lives on in the many pubs, buildings, museums and activities found in the area.
The Coromandel region is a popular holiday location for both New Zealanders and overseas travellers alike, and is renowned for its beautiful beaches and panoramic vistas. This area s at its scenic best from November to January when the brilliant red flowers of the Pohutukawa tree (known as New Zealand's Christmas tree) dominate the coastline. The average summer temperature is 22c degrees and winter is 13c degrees. Enjoy surfing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing - in fact, just about every water sport you could wish for.
Overnight stop suggestions:
Miranda Hot Springs
Dickson Holiday Park, Thames
Thames - Coromandel - Whitianga - Whangamata - Wahi
(Thames - Whtianga 100kms - 1 hr 45 mins)
(Whitianga - Waihi 112 kms - 2 hrs)
The Coromandel Peninsula has much to offer and, to enjoy it to its utmost, take time to meander around the coastline, stopping at the bays and enjoying the views. There are plenty of overnight stopover locations along the way. Follow the coastal route north from
Thames via Coromandel Township, then down the eastern coastline to Waihi, situated at the southern end of the Peninsula.
The discovery of gold at Driving Creek in 1852 brought a boom to Coromandel Town, and the area has continued to flourish while retaining much of its history from those times. In the township you'll find many fine examples of Colonial and Victorian buildings.
Whitianga is an excellent area for fishing, and local restaurants specialise in fresh seafood cuisine.
From Whitianga take a ferry across to the oldest stone wharf in Australasia, Stone Steps Wharf built in 1837, and then on to Cooks Beach and Hahei where you can walk to Cathedral Cove, an imposing formation accessible only by foot or boat.
Take some time to dig yourself a warm little haven in the sand at Hot Water Beach where hot springs seep through the sand. This natural hot water spring was created by volcanic activity and can reach temperatures as hot as 75c degrees.
Cooks Beach and Mercury Bay were named by Captain Cook in 1769 on his first visit to New Zealand while observing the Transit of Venus.
Unlike other parts of the region, Waihi is still very much a gold minng town, wt production hidden behind the leafy slopes close to the main street. For those who enjoy the simple life, Waihi is your kind of town, with old wooden buildings and, nearby, specatular Waihi Beach, one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand offering 9 kilometres of sweeping white sand where you can enjoy shellfish collecting and sea fishing.
Overnight stop suggestions:
Shelly Breach Top 10 Holiday Park, Coromandel
Harbourside Holiday Park, Whitianga
Waih Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Waihi - Tauranga (62 kms - 1 hr)
South-east from the Coromandel along State Highway 2 is Tauranga, the centre of a large kiwifruit and citrus-growing area, and known as one of the three sunniest towns in New Zealand. Its coastline is favourably dubbed "the coast with the most" and a pleasant climate provides holidaymakers with a myriad of water-based activities, nature walks and scenic cruises or flights.
Tauranga's newly-developed waterfront is a busy haven of cafes and bars. Relax under the shade canopies for brunch or dance the night away at one of the night-clubs.
Overnight stop suggestions:
Omokoroa Thermal Holiday Park, Omokoroa
Golden Grove Holiday Park, Mt Maunganui
Papamoa Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort
Tauranga - Whakatane (96 kms - 1 hr 30 mins)
With mild winters and long hot summers the Bay of Plenty is a perfect place to camp out for a day or two. Blessed with a great climate, stunning beaches and the clear blue Pacific Ocean, it is a paradise for water and sporting activities. As the region's name implies there is "Plenty" to occupy the fun seeker. Enjoy the song of native birds as you walk through lush green New Zealand bush. Tramping, trout fishing and deer hunting in nearby Urewera National Park will satisfy the keenest of sportsmen. Try your hand at big game fishing or just relax at beautiful Ohope Beach.
Offshore is White Island, New Zealand's only live marine volcano. Interestingly, although White Island is totally surrounded by salt water it is chemically sealed from it. Termperatures within the crater have been recorded at up to 800c degrees, making scenic flights and guided walking tours on the island exciting and memorable adventures (gas masks and hard hats provided).
Overnight stop suggestions:
Awakeri Hot Springs
Ohope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Whakatane - Opotoki - Gisborne via East Cape
Just as lovely as the Bay of Plenty, but much less frequented, is neigbouring Eastland and its commercial hub, Gisborne.
Whakatane - Opotoki (58 kms - 50 mins)
Opotoki - Gisborne via East Cape on State Highway 35 (334 kms - 6 hrs)
Opotiki - Gisborne drect via State Highway 2 (145 kms - 2 rs 15 mins)
To explore the eastern extremity of New Zealand, depart from Whakatane, travel to Opotiki and then continue around the eastern coastline to Gisborne.
Allow plenty of time and make sure you have a full tank of fuel when you leave Whakatane as the area is fairly sparsely populated. You will experience some wonderful scenic spots along the coastline and from November to January the native Pohutukawa tree will be in full bloom.
Holiday parks such as you would expect in the more populated areas are not to be found in this area, although overnight stops with limited facilities are available in some locations. Check that you are not on private land and always keep your own security in mind.
Overnight stop suggestions in Gisborne:
Waikanae Beach Holiday Park
Gisborne - Napier (216 kms - 3 hrs 15 mins)
A half day drive will take you to Napier in the heart of the Hawke's Bay area well known for its fruit growing and wine industry. The latter produces around 60% of New Zealand's wine product.
Napier's now famous Art Deco reputation was a result of the massive earthquake of February 1931 and the subsequent re-buildng of the city in the Art Deco style so popular in the 1930's. Registering 7.9 on the Richter scale, the earthquake levelled almost all of the buildings in Napier and raised the sea bed by 2.5 metres.
Napier - Hastings (20 kims - 15 mins)
Regarded as the fruit bowl region of New Zealand, Hastings is particularly beautiful in September when the trees are in blossom.
Overnight stop suggestion:
Bay View Snapper Holiday Park, Napier
Kennedy Park Top 10 Holiday Park, Napier
Arataki Holiday Park, Havelock North
From Napier, travel via State Highway 5 to Taupo on the Thermal Explorer Highway, or continue via State Highway 2 to Wellington.
Napier - Taupo (139 kms - 1 hr 45 mins)
Napier - Wellington (319 kms - 4 hrs 50 mins)