Northern Beach Explorer

This tour's from price includes an intermediate-sized vehicle, setting you up for comfortable travels. Yet, we understand every adventure is unique! Feel free to select the perfect wheels from our incredible collection of rental cars, spanning from economy hatchbacks to premium SUVs. See the most popular range here.

First time driving in New Zealand? Check out our hot tips for a safe and successful self drive experience on our roads.

As you leave the Auckland city boundary the landscape changes to lush farmland. You'll cross the fertile Hauraki Plains - one of New Zealand's largest dairy producing regions. Pass the Thames Estuary - a haven for wildlife and shore birds. Arriving into the old gold mining town of Thames, there are two different routes to the east coast of the Coromandel. Either directly over the Coromandel Ranges or north to Coromandel Township along the Pohutukawa Coast (part of the Pacific Coast Highway).

The Pinnacles Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular overnight walks that offers spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula. It can also be completed as a day walk. Located upriver from Thames in the stunning Kaueranga Valley, the track follows original steps constructed in the early 1900s for packhorses transporting natural resources through lush forest. The track remains rich with history from the days of kauri loggers, gum diggers and gold miners who plundered the area for many years.

The track is 12km in total and should take 5-6 hours to walk. The Pinnacles hut is located 5km in and is a modern, serviced, Department of Conservation hut situated on one of the highest peaks in the valley. The hut has 80 bunks as well as cooking, heating, showering and toileting facilities. Make sure to book the Pinnacles Hut ahead of time. A small charge applies to sleep in the hut.
 

The Coromandel Peninsula is most well-known for its white sandy beaches and idyllic bays.  But if you head inland you’ll also find large tracts of rainforest with rivers and spectacular gorges.  There are also many remnants from the historic gold mining boom and kauri logging industry.  There are endless walks located on the peninsula for all abilities, so for a complete list of walks and to find some located near where you are staying visit the Coromandel Tourism website or the Department of Conservation website.  Here are a selection of the more popular.

Cathedral Cove Walk (near Hahei)
This is one of the must-visit destinations on the Coromandel Peninsula and is only accessible by foot or by boat.  The track begins in Hahei and takes you to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal scenery. This walk takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is 2.5km.

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout (near Cooks Beach)

For fantastic views of Mercury Bay take the short walk to Shakespeare Cliff lookout.  There are a number of options to extend this walk by leaving from Ferry landing and following the Maramaratotara Track.

Broken Hills Recreation Area (near Pauanui and Tairua)
Located 19km from Tairua, the Broken Hills Recreation Area is home to many short walks.  This picturesque reserve is located along the Tairua River and was once a bustling gold-mining settlement, so walks follow old wagon routes to historic battery sites.

Kauaeranga Valley Short Walks (near Thames)
The Kauaeranga Valley is located east of Thames and its most famous walk is to the Pinnacles which is usually done as an overnight hike.  There are many shorter walks in the area which take less than an hour or the Billygoat Circuit which takes 4-5 hours.  The walks take you through regenerating native forest and past historic relics from the logging days.

Karangahake Gorge (Between Waihi and Paeroa)

The natural beauty of the Karanagahake Gorge is visible from the road, but stopping to explore some of the walks will lead you to stunning swimming holes, fascinating relics from the gold mining past and spectacular vistas. Two of the more popular walks are the Karangahake Windows Walk (1 hour/ 2.5km) and the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway (2hrs one way).

Kauri Block Track (near Coromandel Township)

Just outside of Coromandel Town this new reserve offers spectacular views in every direction including the coast and inland Coromandel Ranges. Walk takes approximately 45 minutes one way.

Coromandel Township, nestled on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula, is a charming town rich in history. Named after HMS Coromandel in 1820, its true boom came with the gold rush of the 1850s. After alluvial gold was discovered at Tokatea Hill in 1869, the population soared. Today, you can still see picturesque old buildings from those pioneering times, and explore the gold mining museum. The main street also offers delightful craft shops and cafes. Just three kilometres north, embark on a unique journey aboard the Driving Creek Railway, winding through lush regenerating kauri forest. Coromandel Township is a captivating blend of history, artistry, and natural beauty.

Glide through the forest on this unique zipline canopy tour and experience Coromandel's breath-taking native forest from all levels, as you fly above the trees and walk beneath the ferns. Guides will lead you on an unforgettable journey, to learn about Driving Creek’s transformation from kauri logging, gold mining and pastural farming, into a lush hand planted native forest, a haven for regenerating kauri trees and kiwi.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity ahead of travel. For more information please see here.

The short drive from Coromandel Township to Whitianga takes you via the scenic coastline of Whangapoua Harbour and the Kuaotuna beach. For beach lovers there are plenty of side roads to often deserted golden sand beaches and bays. Whitianga sits on Mercury Bay on the eastern coast of the Coromandel peninsular, Captain Cook arrived there in 1769 to observe the transit of Mercury and hence the bay was named. This small bustling town once played a major part in the kauri logging industry with over 150 million metres of timber being exported between 1830 and the end of the century. The Whitianga museum, housed in the old dairy factory displays an interesting collection designed to relay engrossing tales of the time. Today the town has a many cafes and craft shops with its income derived mainly from tourists. The summer months bring visitors to enjoy fishing, surfcasting and swimming along the palm fringed beaches. But the largest attraction is probably the big game marlin fishing with many charters available to hunt in the rich waters of the Pacific Ocean. On the other side of the harbour is Australasia's oldest stone wharf from where a passenger ferry takes visitors to the delightful Cooks Beach just a 5 minute walk along the road. Nearby is Buffalo Beach, named after H.M.S. Buffalo, a ship taking convicts and settlers to South Australia that blew aground in 1840.

Explore the volcanic coastline with its many caves, blowholes and golden beaches all from the comfort and safety of an ex coastguard 28 ft cruiser. Departing from Whitianga Wharf journey past the towering Shakespeare's Cliffs and historic Cooks Beach. Visit Cathedral Cove and the islands in the marine reserve. There is also a chance to swim with the abundant fish in the reserve (on board snorkel gear provided - don't forget your swimsuit and towel). For those who prefer to stay dry an underwater camera relays images to an onboard TV.

Today you'll go south from Whitianga through a countryside rich in produce. Along the way, you'll encounter roadside stalls filled with seasonal fruit, such as avocados, kiwifruit, oranges and apples. The drive takes 2.5 hours but be sure to leave time for sightseeing as there are many fascinating places to stop. Head towards the coast and take a detour to Hot Water Beach where geothermally heated water bubbles up from the ground. Continue on through rolling farmland and coastal scrub to reach the resort town of Whangamata. Take in its endless surf and sandy beaches and marvel at the dense rainforest. You'll go through historic gold mining town - Waihi - still operating an open cast gold mine and from here its a short journey to Tauranga, your destination for the night.

Nestled on one of the country's largest natural harbors, Tauranga shines as the vibrant heart of the Bay of Plenty region. Just a quick 10-minute drive down the highway lands you on the iconic shores of Mount Maunganui beach. With its prime location in a region buzzing with marine activity, don't miss out on the thrilling fishing, sailing, and dolphin tours. For those craving inland adventures, Tauranga's lush rainforests beckon, boasting hidden gems like McLaren Falls and the beloved local's favourite Kaiate Falls, complete with its refreshing swimming hole. Scale the heights of Papamoa Hills Cultural Regional Park for breathtaking views stretching from the coast all the way to Mount Maunganui. Looking to explore the city on foot? Take a leisurely 9km stroll along the Waikareao Estuary loop, winding through marine reserves and scenic boardwalks. And of course, no trip to Tauranga is complete without a jaunt to the sun-kissed strand. In summer, it's buzzing with energy – perfect for a pit stop at Bobby's Fresh Fish Market to savor some of the day's catch in delicious fish and chips. For a dose of culture and creativity, wander over to the Historic Village, where a treasure trove of art awaits, from tattoo studios and record stores to artist galleries and traditional Māori showcases. And when hunger strikes, Tauranga's culinary scene delivers. Start your day right with breakfast delights at cozy spots like You & Me or Elizabeth Cafe & Larder, and come evening, indulge in the flavors of Italy at the ever-popular Sugo. Tauranga invites you to savor every moment of its coastal charm, cultural richness, and culinary delights – an adventure waiting to be savored at every turn.

Tauranga city and Mount Maunganui cover a large area and is well set up for walkers. Explore the many parks and reserves that are easily accessible throughout the city, many of these tracks and trails are connected which makes it easy to take in the sights of Tauranga. Choose from coastal walks with sweeping views of the harbour and nearby islands, or take a trip inland to check out our waterfalls, scenic lakes and parks.

Mauao (Mount Maunganui) Summit Walk
This walk takes about 40-minutes and requires a good level of fitness. Choose from two scenic tracks to reach the 232-metre high summit. The view at the top is worth the effort.
You can see Mount Maunganui’s iconic mountain, Mauao, for miles around – and when you’re standing at its summit, the view is even more impressive.

Mauao (Mount Maunganui) Base Track
Mauao is an iconic landmark and traversing its 3.4-kilometres base track is New Zealand’s single most popular walk. Allow 45-minutes and plenty of time to enjoy the crashing ocean waves and views across to Tauranga and Matakana Island.
The famous “base track” around Mauao in Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand’s most popular scenic walks.
The 3.4-kilometres route will take you full circle around this extinct volcano and can be walked in either direction – from the white sand beach beside the ocean right around to the sheltered waters of Pilot Bay and vice versa.

Moturiki (Leisure Island)
This small island sits just off Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach. In the past, it’s been a Māori pā, a quarry, a marine aquarium and a tourist attraction called Leisure Island. Now it’s a protected reserve and a great place to enjoy a walk. This iconic landmark is connected to Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach by a man-made land bridge. A popular walking track will lead you to the northern tip of the island where you’ll find a blowhole which spectacularly shoots water skyward during high tides and large ocean swells. It’ll take you between 5 and 10 minutes to reach the blowhole from Mount Maunganui’s main beach. Follow the well-marked track up the gentle slopes and scramble over the rocks at the top for the best vantage point.

McLaren Falls Park
McLaren Falls Park is 190-hectares of parkland set alongside Lake McLaren and is just 10-minutes by car from Tauranga. The park is popular for camping, kayaking, its disc golf course, bush walks and summertime concerts. It is also home to one of the best botanical collections of trees in New Zealand.
One of the highlights of the park is the waterfall track where you can see glow worms after dusk. Enjoy a short, easy stroll to the picturesque waterfall and spot the glow worms on either side of the track. Part of the waterfall track is also wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly.

Kaiate Falls
Kaiate Falls (also known as Te Rerekawau Falls) is a 30-minute drive from Tauranga. The walking tracks are well-formed, although quite steep in some places. The main track leads to the top, and then to the base of the upper series of falls before continuing downhill to the lower falls. Another track, just below the car park, follows the stream back to the road bridge. Track junctions are well sign-posted.

Heading north along the coast you pass through the small township of Katikati, which has many lovely walks and 44 murals depicting the town's history.  Continue north and you reach the edge of the Coromandel Peninsula and the historic town of Waihi. This old mining town still has an operating open cast gold mine and you can view the workings of the Martha Mine from a vantage point signposted from the town centre. For rail enthusiasts the Goldfields Railway operates passenger trains along a scenic and historic section of track towards Waikino. A suggested detour If you have the time takes you further north to the seaside community of Whangamata then around the Coromandel Peninsula and back down to Thames where you continue on to Auckland (allow an extra 3 hours for this side trip). If you want to head straight to Auckland, stay on State Highway 2 which takes you through the small township of Paeroa.  Paeroa is the birthplace of New Zealand's most famous soft drink L&P, keep an eye out for the giant bottle.  Continue through rolling green farmland and you eventually reach State Highway 1, which will take you into Auckland City.

This sunset tour to the beautiful Rangitoto was rated 'Best Guided Tour in New Zealand' by Wilderness Magazine in 2020, and you will see why. After your safety briefing, you will kayak across the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour where you may encounter Little Blue Penguins and Cooks Petrels on the hunt for dinner. As you reach Rangitoto you will pull up to the wharf and embark on a one-hour trek to the summit, learning about the history of the region along the way from your skilled and passionate guides. As you reach the top you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views. After you make your descent you will be greeted with a Kiwi-style BBQ dinner at the water's edge, before your return paddle back under the twinkling light of the stars and Auckland city skyline.

It is important you read and understand any risks associated with this activity. More information can be found here

Return your rental vehicle to your designated depot before your next adventure.

Bid farewell to Aotearoa-New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!