Getting There and Away

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
A view of the beach and the Te Pare Point Pa site on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand, from the north.
Luke Harries, Wikimedia Commons

Auckland and Hamilton serve as the primary transport hubs for reaching the Coromandel Peninsula. Thames, located at the base of the peninsula, acts as a key transfer point for local bus services.

By Rental Car:

Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula.

  • From Auckland: Expect a drive of approximately 2 hours 16 minutes to 2 hours 26 minutes to Whitianga (around 190-191 km), with estimated fuel costs ranging from NZ$50-NZ$85. To Hahei, the journey is about 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (around 170-176 km), with similar fuel costs of NZ$50-NZ$80.
  • From Auckland Airport (AKL): Driving to Whitianga takes approximately 2 hours 12 minutes (about 180 km), costing around NZ$50-NZ$80 for fuel.
  • From Hamilton: The drive to Whitianga is approximately 2 hours 9 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes (about 178-185 km), with estimated fuel costs of NZ$50-NZ$80. To Hahei, plan for approximately 1 hour 58 minutes (about 163 km), with fuel costs ranging from NZ$45-NZ$70.

By Shuttle Service:

Dedicated shuttle services provide direct transport.

  • Go Kiwi Shuttles operates daily services between Auckland City/Airport and various Coromandel towns, including Whitianga and Hahei.
  • Auckland Airport to Whitianga: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours, with fares typically between NZ$65-NZ$140.
  • Auckland City to Whitianga: Approximately 4 hours, with fares typically between NZ$65-NZ$95.
  • Auckland to Hahei: Approximately 3 hours 35 minutes, with fares between NZ$55-NZ$85.
  • An additional fee of approximately NZ$15 may apply for door-to-door service in some areas.
  • Coromandel Adventures offers shuttle services between Whitianga and Coromandel Town, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes and costing NZ$25-NZ$35.

By Bus (InterCity) with Transfers:

InterCity offers bus routes to Thames, a gateway to the Coromandel.

  • From Auckland to Thames: The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
  • From Hamilton to Thames: The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours.
  • From Thames, you will need to arrange onward transport to Whitianga or Hahei via a local shuttle service or taxi, as InterCity does not provide direct services to Coromandel Town from Thames.

By Air (Regional Flights):

For quicker access, regional flights are available.

  • Flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Whitianga Airport (WTZ) can take approximately 2 hours 4 minutes, with estimated costs ranging from NZ$450-NZ$550. Whitianga Airport (WTZ) serves Whitianga and the surrounding area.

By Ferry (Currently Suspended):

The Fullers360 ferry service from downtown Auckland to Coromandel Town (Hannafords Wharf) is currently on hold. This service is not operating for the 2023/2024 and 2025 summer seasons due to staffing shortages, making it an unavailable option for direct travel to the peninsula at this time.

Check out our other pages on Coromandel Peninsula (Whitianga/Hahei)

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