Coromandel Peninsula van guide: beaches & camping

Tucked away on the east coast of the North Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, a densely forested and sparsely populated region, is one of the North’s few remaining stretches of truly wild country. Only a few hours from Auckland, the Coromandel is a must-visit on a New Zealand road trip, combining pristine beaches with swathes of untouched bush to explore. Keep scrolling for our complete guide to visiting in a van.

Why visit the Coromandel Peninsula in a van?

New Zealand has a proud reputation as one of the adventure capitals of the world, with the South Island in particular playing host to almost any kind of activity you can dream of (shark boat, anyone?). But there comes a time on every road trip when the tranquil call of nature beckons, and you find yourself wanting to while away sunny days and clear nights in a serene environment.

If this sounds like you, or if you’re anybody else (because the Coromandel is spectacularly cool), the rugged peninsula is a top destination to head to on your van holiday. 400 kilometres of dazzling coastline surrounds a dense rainforest interior, interspersed with charming small towns that exude the relaxed way of life up here. Campsites abound, and with such a small population, you can spend a week on the peninsula without seeing more than a handful of people.

Exploring the great outdoors

With so much unspoilt coastline, we’d be foolish not to point you in the direction of some of the best beaches on the Coromandel. New Chums Beach takes the cake as the most photographed beach on the peninsula, with its crystal clear waters ranking it as one of the best in the country (and possibly the world). Hot Water Beach sits atop natural hot springs, so if you’ve brought a shovel along you can fashion your very own thermal spa from the underground pools right below the sand. Opoutere Beach is one of our favourites, an uninterrupted stretch of white sand lined with towering trees, where the nearest person is a speck on the horizon.

Despite embodying a more rustic way of life, there’s still plenty of fun to be had if you need to scratch the adventure itch. Cathedral Cove is your destination of choice for water activities, with kayak tours setting off to explore the coast, while diving and snorkel trips for beginners or certified divers showcase the rich marine world off-shore.

For land-based fun, the Coromandel has a treasure trove of awesome hikes to explore the untouched wilderness, from the laidback Long Bay Kauri Walk (2.3km), the ocean-hugging New Chums Beach Trail (5km) to the get-a-taste-of-it-all Coromandel Walkway and Mountain Bike Track (20km). Guided tours can also be booked to get an in-depth look at the history of the area, from historic gold mines to native wildlife.

Best places to grab a bite

The remoteness of the peninsula means a van-made meal will often be your best bet (or only choice), but the two major towns in the region, Coromandel and Whitianga do have some great options. For dinner, our choice is Pepper Tree Restaurant in Coromandel, where local seafood takes centre stage with mussels, oysters and calamari bursting with flavour and freshness. Breakfast will see us at Hula, a lowkey cafe on Simpsons Beach in Whitianga where you’ll run into the best English breakfast this side of London.

Best places to grab a drink

For a taste of the vast array of talent hiding in this remote corner of the country, swing past Monkey House Lounge and Cabaret Bar in Whitianga. A well-appointed bar will serve most drinks as you sit back and watch open-mic nights, comedy shows, burlesque and a whole lot more as the sleepy town comes alive. If local brews are more your vibe, don’t miss The Pour House in the seaside town of Hahei. A range of excellent in-house beers are available to satisfy any palate, alongside thin and crispy homemade pizzas.

Campervan facilities in the Coromandel Peninsula

The empty stretches of the Coromandel mean preparation is key on your visit here. Restaurants and cafes are mainly centred on the towns of Coromandel, Whitianga and Hahei , but can be found in the smaller villages as well. Supermarkets are more varied in these towns, so load up before you arrive, or ensure you pass through one of these towns on your journey.

The same rule applies for petrol stations, with the only fuelling stations outside these towns found at Whangapoua, Tapu and Pauanui. There are over 90 public toilets on the peninsula, which can be found here. If your campsite doesn’t have a shower or you’re freedom camping, the Coromandel Township Public Pool has a $5 entrance fee and includes a hot shower.

Road trips from the Coromandel Peninsula

It might feel a million miles from civilisation, but the wild forests of the Coromandel are a short drive from some of the North Island’s most stunning destinations.

• Rotorua (2 ½ hours): head south from the peninsula and into the volcanic interior of the North Island to find the thermal springs capital of the world, Rotorua. The drive takes you right through Matamata, where among other things, you can pay a visit to Hobbiton.

• Auckland (2 hours): if you’ve had enough seclusion and relaxation, and you crave the bright lights of New Zealand’s biggest city, swing around the Firth of Thames to Auckland. There’s plenty of holiday parks and campsites scattered around the bay, where you can easily catch public transport into the vibrant city centre.

• Bay of Islands (5 ½ hours): for those who don’t mind a longer drive, the aptly named Bay of Islands is well worth a visit on your road trip. Find stunning sub-tropical beach vibes at the very tip of the country, or hop on a boat and explore the islands firsthand.

Best places to stay the night on the Coromandel

• Opoutere Coastal Camping: This wild and remote campsite on the east coast celebrates a more alternative way of life, nestled among the rainforest and only a 5 minute walk to the legendary Opoutere Beach. Facilities are basic but encompass all you’ll need for an epic stay in nature.

• Coromandel TOP10 Holiday Park: Perfect for families and those looking for a well-equipped campsite close to the activities and amenities of Coromandel town. Includes a heated pool, undercover BBQ area, and a fish filleting station for those fresh catches.

• Freedom Camping Waiomu: This free spot is located right on the waters edge on the stunning west coast halfway down the peninsula. Only self-contained vehicles are allowed and all campers must follow the parking rules otherwise risk a fine. Cooking facilities, toilets and a cafe are close by, as well as plenty of grass and shade under the pohutukawa trees.

That’s it! You’re all set for an epic road trip around the Coromandel . Camplify has local vans on the peninsula, or wherever else you’re starting your journey from. Grab some more inspiration from our list of New Zealand’s top 6 secret beaches, and check out our 6 day itinerary from Auckland to Wellington to make the most of the North Island. See you out there.