Driving Times, Road Status and Maps

Public transport around the region is relatively limited. There are public bus services that operate daily and pass through the region, and the Auckland-Coromandel Town ferry operates seasonally.

Yes. Peninsula Rent A Car has a variety of vehicles available and is located in Whitianga. Nearby centres such as Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga all have further options for vehicle rental. Hiring a car or campervan gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Find vehicle hire options.

Although a car is the best option for touring the region, parts of Hauraki Coromandel can definitely be accessed and explored without a car. There are ferry, bus, or flight options depending on your chosen destination. Once on the ground, explore further transport options such as shuttles or bike hire.  

There are three public airfields in the area, in Pāuanui, Whitianga and Thames. There are regular commercial flights available between:

• Auckland, Kaitaia, and Great Barrier to Whitianga with Barrier Air,
• Tauranga and Great Barrier to Whitianga with Sunair

There are several Helicopter providers who provide scenic flights and transport options to most towns around Hauraki Coromandel.

Yes. There are several boat tours which operate from the Whitianga Wharf and Ferry Landing. 

You can also do a 1-hour boat tour or 3-hour kayak tour from Hahei Beach.

Tours offer an immersive insight into the history and fascinating geology of this coast, formed by volcanic activity a long time ago. You also have the chance to see marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, seals and penguins.

No, they are only for passengers, but you may take bicycles and scooters. The Whitianga ferry runs year-round but the Tairua-Pāuanui ferry is a seasonal service only.

Hauraki Coromandel is a short drive from Auckland, with Thames and Paeroa only a 90-minute drive from Central Auckland. It is a further 60-minute drive to get to Whangamatā, Whitianga and Coromandel Town.

There is only two ways to get to Cathedral Cove beach, either via the 1 hour walk (one way) or by marine access - being boat, kayak or water taxi. Cathedral Cove Kayaks and the Cathedral Cove Water Taxi both land at Cathedral Cove, offering access to the beach.

There are several boat tours operating guided tours in the marine reserve around Cathedral Cove, however most do not land on the beach.

The best way to experience Hauraki Coromandel is by self drive or with a guided/private tour. This will allow you to freely travel around the entire region at your own pace, and at the times that suit. Some of our experiences are tide dependent and therefore change daily.

There is the option of a flight from Auckland, Tauranga or Great Barrier Island to Whitianga, then hiring a rental vehicle or taking a private tour when you arrive.

Over the summer there is a ferry service from Auckland to Coromandel Town, however, this is seasonal and weather dependent.

Yes! A campervan is the perfect way to see all that the region has to offer at your own pace. Hauraki Coromandel is filled with an abundance of campsites, from coastal paradise to bushland serenity and everything in between.

Yes. Peninsula Rent A Car has a variety of vehicles available and is located in Whitianga. Nearby centres such as Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga all have further options for vehicle rental. Hiring a car or campervan gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. 

Yes, you can catch the Explore Ferry from downtown Auckland to Coromandel Town.

This is a passenger ferry only, with a connector bus from the wharf in Coromandel Town to central Coromandel Town - a short 10 min drive.

This is a seasonal service with limited days. Check for more details

The journey is approx 2 hours, one way.

Yes, The Cathedral Cove Park & Ride offers regular shuttles between the Hahei Visitor Car Park and the start of the Cathedral Cove Walk at the top of Grange Road. This is a short 5 minute drive, but noting an uphill climb most of the way.

How much are the tickets? Adults $8 return, children (14 years and under) are free. Tickets are for the return trip.

Where to purchase tickets? These can be purchased online, using a credit card at the ticket machine in the Hahei Visitor Car Park or in cash to the driver.

What is the bus timetable? The bus runs continuously during the day, you shouldn’t have to wait longer than 15 minutes. This is a daily service, including all public holidays - even Christmas Day.

• 1st October to 30th April: 9am to 6pm

• 1st May to 30th September: 9am to 5pm

Where does the bus leave from? All day free parking is available at the Hahei Visitor Car Park located on Hahei Beach Road, click here for Google Maps. This large car park is on the right as you enter Hahei, you can’t miss it, it’s well sign posted. The bus stop is located just after you enter the Visitor Car Park.

Grange Road restricted access - No vehicles will be allowed to park at the Grange Road carpark - drop-off and pickup only.

No buses will be allowed access to the Grange Road carpark. An alternative parking option for buses is the Hahei Visitor Carpark, along with the shuttle to take visitors up.

Most towns are within about 45 minutes drive of one another, with a few exceptions.

Kaiaua - Thames: 40 mins
Paeroa - Thames: 30 mins
Thames - Coromandel Town: 60 mins
Coromandel Town - Whitianga: 50 mins
Whitianga - Tairua: 40 mins
Tairua - Pāuanu: 20 mins
Tairua - Whangamatā: 35 mins
Whangamata - Waihī: 35 mins
Waihī - Karangahake Gorge: 15 mins
Karangahakge Gorge - Paeroa: 10 mins

Be sure to check the road conditions before embarking on your journey to ensure you are aware of the latest conditions.

• Free parking is available at the Hahei Visitor Carpark on Pa Road, at the village entrance. From here, visitors can walk or catch a shuttle bus to the Grange Road track entrance. 
  • Walking from the Hahei Visitor Carpark adds an extra 30 mins each way. It has a long uphill section and there is little shade. 
• Paid parking is available at the Cathedral Cove Gateway Trail, 150 Lees Road. From here you can take the private farm walk to the main Mautohe Cathedral Cove track. Note: There is no shuttle bus between Hahei and the Lees Road Carpark
• There are also many different commercial tour options – including water taxi, kayaks and boats. 

View the map of the two carparks and walkways.

The Cathedral Cove Park & Ride shuttle 

To reduce the volume of motor traffic through Hahei Village and Grange Road, there will be a shuttle operating from the Hahei Visitor Carpark to the Grange Road track entrance this summer. The Shuttle will operate daily, every 10-15 minutes from 9am to 6pm. 

• Adult fare: $8 return 

• Children 14 and under: Free 

Paid parking is available in two locations: The Main Beach and Taiwawe (also known as the Bull Paddock) public car parks. Note, pay and display fees apply.