Scenic drive
Thames Coast Road
Tapu, Waikato
A narrow, pōhutukawa-lined coast road with swimming spots and old kauri stands.
- Cost
- Free
- Booking
- No need to book
- Time to allow
- 2 hours
The Thames Coast Road (SH25) hugs the Firth of Thames from Thames up to Coromandel, with small beaches, bays and bridges every few kilometres. It's twisty and slow, so budget extra time, but the pōhutukawa bloom in December is one of the great sights of the peninsula.
Good to know
- Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to Coromandel without stops
- Pōhutukawa flower late November to early January
- Narrow with one-lane bridges, watch for cyclists
- Best time
- December for the pōhutukawa, or a clear sunset
- Getting there
- Sealed but narrow and winding
- Vehicles
- Campervans fine
The location is approximate. Check the official website before you go.
Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.
Know what the drive costs
Roadtrip works out the fuel or charging cost of any drive for your exact car, finds the cheapest stations on the way, and plans the stops.
Rated 4.7 by drivers · 700,000 downloads
