The best motorcycle roads on the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel is a small peninsula east of Auckland, and it packs a lot of riding into a small space: a coast road, mountain crossings and beach roads, all within a couple of hours of each other.

Up the west coast

The Thames Coast Road runs north from Thames, following the shore bay by bay so it bends in and out with the coastline. The pōhutukawa along the verge are at their best in December. It is narrow in places and carries heavy holiday traffic, so it is a road to enjoy at an easy pace.

Across the ranges

Kopu–Hikuai Road is the main crossing to the east coast, a steady climb with a run of tight bends on both sides. Tairua–Whitianga Road crosses further north through native bush, with a good run of corners in the middle.

The east coast

Whitianga–Kuaotunu Road is a coastal road with long bends, headland climbs and glimpses of the sea. Further south, Waihi–Whangamata Road winds through hills down to the surf beach.

What to know before you go

• Holidays. December and January are very busy. Early or midweek is a different ride.
• Fuel. Fill up in Thames, Whitianga or Whangamata.
• Narrow roads. Several are narrow with blind bends. Keep a margin.

Plan it

Drop pins in the app, choose curvy routing, and it builds a loop along the twistiest roads it can find. Download the offline map pack before you leave.