--- title: "Coromandel by Motorhome: A Coastal Road Trip Guide" description: "Exploring the Coromandel by Motorhome: A Coastal Road Trip Guide" image: https://blog.traillite.co.nz/hubfs/cathedral-cove-coromandel-new-zealand-motorhome.jpg --- [![Trailite Group](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TrailLite_April2022/images/logo.svg "Trailite Group")](https://www.traillite.co.nz/) - [Servicing](https://traillite.co.nz/services-and-aftercare) - [Why Traillite Group](https://traillite.co.nz/why-traillite-group) - [Buyers tools](https://www.traillite.co.nz/buying-tools/) - [Resources](https://www.traillite.co.nz/buying-tools/resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/) - [Find a showroom](https://www.traillite.co.nz/contact-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.traillite.co.nz/testimonials/) - [Company](https://www.traillite.co.nz/about-us/) - [Our story](https://www.traillite.co.nz/our-story/) - [Our team](https://www.traillite.co.nz/our-team/) - [Factory tour](https://www.traillite.co.nz/factory-tour/) - [Work for us](https://www.traillite.co.nz/work-for-us/) - [Contact](https://www.traillite.co.nz/contact-us/) - Motorhomes - [Motorhomes](https://traillite.co.nz/motorhomes) - [View motorhomes range](https://traillite.co.nz/motorhomes) - [Compare motorhomes range](https://www.traillite.co.nz/compare-vehicles/) - [A guide to motorhomes](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhome-guide/) - [TrailLite Motorhomes](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/traillite/) - [300+ series](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/traillite/300plus/) - [500+ series](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/traillite/500plus/) - [700+ series](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/traillite/700plus/) - [Landmark experience](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/traillite/landmark-series/) - [International](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/#international) - [Benimar](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/benimar/) - [Auto-sleeper](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/auto-sleeper/) - [Fusion by McLouis](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/fusion-by-mclouis/) - [Mobilvetta](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/mobilvetta/) - [Elddis Motorhomes](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhomes/elddis/) - [Pre-owned](https://www.traillite.co.nz/on-the-yard) - Caravans - [A guide to caravans](https://www.traillite.co.nz/caravans/information/) - [Traillite Caravans](https://www.traillite.co.nz/caravans/traillite/) - [TrailLite 100 Series Caravan](https://www.traillite.co.nz/caravans/traillite/traillite100series/) - [Elddis Caravans](https://www.traillite.co.nz/caravans/elddis/) - [Pre-owned](https://www.traillite.co.nz/on-the-yard) - [What works for me?](https://www.traillite.co.nz/motorhome-and-caravan-finder/) - [Servicing](https://www.traillite.co.nz/services-and-aftercare/) - [Why Traillite Group](https://www.traillite.co.nz/why-traillite-group/) - [Buyers tools](https://www.traillite.co.nz/buying-tools/) - [Resources](https://www.traillite.co.nz/buying-tools/resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/) - [Find a showroom](https://www.traillite.co.nz/contact-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.traillite.co.nz/testimonials/) - [Company](https://www.traillite.co.nz/about-us/) - [Our story](https://www.traillite.co.nz/our-story/) - [Our team](https://www.traillite.co.nz/our-team/) - [Factory tour](https://www.traillite.co.nz/factory-tour/) - [Work for us](https://www.traillite.co.nz/work-for-us/) - [Contact](https://www.traillite.co.nz/contact-us/) ![](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/hubfs/cathedral-cove-coromandel-new-zealand-motorhome.jpg) # Coromandel by Motorhome: A Coastal Road Trip Guide Published by [Emma Love](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/author/emma-love) on Oct 6, 2025, 4:32:51 PM For those chasing winding coastal roads, postcard-worthy beaches, and the kind of freedom that only comes with a fully stocked motorhome, the Coromandel Peninsula is hard to beat. This rugged, green slice of New Zealand’s North Island is tailor-made for a road trip - and with the right mix of campgrounds, DOC sites, and freedom camping spots, it’s a motorhomer’s dream. Here’s a suggested route with top places to stay, from full-facility holiday parks to tucked-away freedom camping gems. [**Thames: The Gateway to Adventure**](https://explorethames.nz/) Most Coromandel road trips begin in [**Thames**,](https://explorethames.nz/) the peninsula’s southern gateway. It’s a town with character - part gold rush relic, part modern-day stopover. Travellers in motorhomes can settle in at [**Dickson Holiday Park**](https://www.dicksonpark.co.nz/), a leafy spot just outside town with powered sites, clean amenities, and even a pool for cooling off after a long day of driving. It’s an ideal base to stock up on essentials, grab a good coffee, and ease into the road trip mindset. There is a free dump station at the **BP Station** 100 Banks Street, Thames which makes Thames a great place to start and end your Coromandel journey. **Coromandel Town: A Creative Stop with a Quirky Streak** Driving north from Thames along the western coastline is an experience in itself. The road clings to the edge of the Firth of Thames, winding past steep hillsides and dense Pohutukawa. It’s not a route to rush - every corner delivers another jaw-dropping view. [**Coromandel Town**](https://coromandeltown.nz/) is a charming and compact hub, perfect for a night or two. ![Shelly beach Coromandel-1](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Shelly%20beach%20Coromandel-1.jpg?width=200&height=226&name=Shelly%20beach%20Coromandel-1.jpg)   The [**Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park**](https://www.shellybeachcoromandel.co.nz/) offers powered sites and access to everything from cafes and galleries to the ever-popular [**Driving Creek Railway**](https://drivingcreek.nz/activities/driving-creek-railway-tours/) - a hand-built narrow-gauge railway through regenerating forest that’s equal parts impressive and eccentric.   Just a short drive away is **Long Bay Reserve**, a council-approved freedom camping site for self-contained vehicles. Park up right next to the water and fall asleep to the sound of waves (and possibly the odd local goat). **Port Jackson: Off the Grid, On the Beach** For those craving a true back-to-nature escape, the drive north from Coromandel Town to **Port Jackson** delivers the goods. The Colville General Store will be the final place you can stock up on fuel and last-minute supplies.  The road narrows after **Colville**, transitioning to gravel and winding around isolated bays. It gets pretty hairy on this road, so take your time. The reward? One of the most scenic campgrounds on the peninsula. ![port-jackson-coromandel-new-zealand-beach-motorhome](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/port-jackson-coromandel-new-zealand-beach-motorhome.jpg?width=425&height=261&name=port-jackson-coromandel-new-zealand-beach-motorhome.jpg)The [**Port Jackson DOC Campground**](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel/places/northern-coromandel/things-to-do/port-jackson-campsite/) is remote, rustic, and right on the beach. There’s very little cell coverage, minimal facilities, and no distractions - just sea air, golden sand, and world-class sunsets. It’s not free, but it’s excellent value at around $18 per adult per night (check latest DOC rates). One word of advice, if sorting your accommodation online, do so before you leave Colville, cellphone reception gets pretty dodgy after that. Our only regret is that we didn’t plan some extra days at Port Jackson. Great Barrier Island provides a stunning backdrop and from the comfort of our motorhome, we had the pleasure of watching a pod of dolphins hunting together along the shoreline. And honestly, that place is just so quiet and peaceful, we could have just curled up and chilled out for days! The Muriwai Walk leaves from the Muriwai Hilltop car park, just beyond the campsite. This stunning 6km coastal walk heads along the ridge towards Wharekaiatua Pa. The stunning coastal views, along with Great Barrier and Little Barrier islands in the distance made it all worthwhile! Travellers not ready for total off-grid living (or the rough roads) can stop earlier at **Amodeo Bay Reserve**, where self-contained vehicles are allowed to freedom camp overnight. It’s less remote but still offers those unbeatable west coast views as well as stunning night views of Auckland City. After a few days off-grid, we retraced our steps to Coromandel and headed west, across the peninsula, heading for Whitianga. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, but we broke our trip at Kuaotunu to enjoy a legendary pizza at [Luke’s Kitchen.](https://www.lukeskitchen.co.nz/) The Coromandel is packed full of hidden treasures and we couldn’t resist a quick detour to one of our very favourites – the west end of Otama Beach. At the very end of Otama Beach Road is a cul-de-sac, not a lot of parking at the end, but there is a carpark about 500metres up the road. The extra walk is totally worth it for this tiny little secret cove with its pristine snow-white squeaky sand. **Whitianga: The Return to Civilisation** **Whitianga** provides a welcome return to hot showers, solid Wi-Fi, and great food. It’s a bustling coastal town with plenty to offer, from boutique shopping to the famous [**Lost Spring**](https://www.thelostspring.co.nz/) geothermal spa. Freedom camping is permitted for self-contained vehicles at **Buffalo Beach Reserve**, arriving early is wise, especially in peak season. However, the lure of a hot shower, powered site and dump station led us to Harbourside Holiday Park. From there, it’s an easy walk into town to enjoy all that Whitianga has to offer. It was a rainy old day by then, so we spent a couple of hours wondering around Mercury Bay Museum. (I have to admit, I’m a sucker for a good small-town museum!). ![lost-spring-whitianga-new-zealand-motorhome-caravan](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/lost-spring-whitianga-new-zealand-motorhome-caravan.jpg?width=317&height=234&name=lost-spring-whitianga-new-zealand-motorhome-caravan.jpg) We also booked in to and evening session at [The Lost Spring](https://www.thelostspring.co.nz/). Who can resist being served cocktails and snacks being served to you while you soak in beautiful warm water? For those with more time than we had, Whitianga is also the perfect base for boat tours, fishing charters, or simply recharging before tackling the next leg of the trip.   **Hahei and Cathedral Cove: Picture-Perfect Coromandel** Few places are as iconic as **Cathedral Cove**, and the nearby village of **Hahei** is the launch point for exploring it. While Cathedral Cove itself is only accessible on foot or by boat, the effort is worth it for that world-famous archway and pristine beach. The [**Hahei Beach Resort**](https://www.haheiholidays.co.nz/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21454344689&gbraid=0AAAAADRjD4Z019ohr8whsCudGuEuj0J9f&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ubABhDIARIsAHMighYyabcUWGJoJKZ3Zy-Ee_I6MfXQVLNmUjFTh1GOK7m7puy0OxwovJIaAhDUEALw_wcB) is one of the most scenic spots to stay in the region, offering powered sites with direct beach access. Freedom camping near Cathedral Cove is restricted, but during certain seasons, **Lees Road Car Park** may be available for self-contained motorhomes, always check the **Thames-Coromandel District Council** website for the most current rules, as they change frequently. **Hot Water Beach: Dig Your Own Spa** **![hot-water-beach-coromandel](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/hot-water-beach-coromandel.jpg?width=369&height=207&name=hot-water-beach-coromandel.jpg)** Just 10 minutes from Hahei, **Hot Water Beach** offers one of the peninsula’s most unique experiences. Around low tide, visitors flock to dig their own hot pools in the sand, fed by natural geothermal springs bubbling up beneath the surface. It’s a novelty, but also genuinely relaxing if you hit the timing right.   [**Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park**](https://www.hotwaterbeachtop10.co.nz/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21168880980&gbraid=0AAAAADj7diBmpTWjylO0nXUC-v20KTWVh&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ubABhDIARIsAHMighbYG7Yl-YrZQs_tqcOofXG58uHnjjIBaPrA9eriyb91rFeG4pxyseEaAvy_EALw_wcB) caters well to motorhomers, with spacious sites, great facilities, and shovel rentals for your DIY spa. There’s no freedom camping directly at Hot Water Beach, so a holiday park is the best bet for a stress-free visit. **Pauanui & Tairua: Laid-Back Vibes to Finish** Heading south, **Tairua** and **Pauanui** offer a quieter end to the trip. Both are popular with Kiwis looking for a beach break minus the crowds of more touristy spots. [**Tairua Camground**](https://tairuacampground.com/) is a well-located base, with views over the harbour and easy access to walking tracks, kayaking, and local cafés. Freedom camping is permitted for self-contained vehicles at [**Tui Park**](https://campermate.com/en/location/new-zealand/wko/coromandel/free-campgrounds/tui-terrace/ef1267a8-a849-4706-8dc9-24b0c55571d8) in Tairua, though time restrictions apply and spaces are limited. It’s a good overnight option if you're heading back toward Thames or looping around to the western side. **A Final Word on Freedom Camping** Freedom camping can be one of the great joys of travelling by motorhome in New Zealand, but it comes with responsibilities. Always travel in a certified self-contained vehicle, pack out what you pack in, and check council websites before settling in for the night. The [**Thames-Coromandel District Council**](https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Home) maintains an updated list of approved sites, restrictions, and seasonal closures. **Coromandel – we’ll be back!** A motorhome trip around the Coromandel is an unbeatable mix of freedom, scenery, and classic Kiwi charm. From the arty nooks of Coromandel Town to the remote stretches of Port Jackson, the luxe hot pools of Whitianga to the golden sands of Hahei, it’s a journey that delivers at every turn. Whether it's the thrill of the ocean, the peace of a quiet cove, or just chasing the pleasure of a fresh view each morning, the Coromandel is made for road-tripping, ideally with a stocked fridge, a good playlist, and the windows wide open.   [Back to Blog](https://blog.traillite.co.nz) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Related Articles ## [Great Rides - Kaimanawa Descent Alpine Adventure](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/kaimanawadecent) This thrill seeking ride is incredible! We are so lucky to live in this beautiful country of ours... [Read More](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/kaimanawadecent) ## [Queenstown and beyond - a motorhome mecca](https://blog.traillite.co.nz/queenstown) Motorhoming in Queenstown gets a bad rap… well, for domestic motorhomes, anyway. For international,... 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