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The Coromandel Loop is one of New Zealand’s great slow road trips, linking Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Tairua, Whangamatā, Waihī and Waihī Beach. Expect beaches, galleries, gold-mining history, forest detours, winding roads and plenty of “just one more stop” moments.

Waihī is more than a town on the way to the beach. With gold mining history, Martha Mine, easy walks, rail trail connections, Karangahake Gorge and nearby Waihī Beach, it is a small town with a surprisingly big story.

Thames is more than a toilet stop on the way around the Coromandel. With gold mining history, heritage buildings, coastal walks, art galleries, museums and nearby nature escapes, this old boom town rewards travellers who slow down and look properly

Whitianga is one of those coastal towns that knows exactly what it is. It is a summer beach base, a boating town, a family holiday favourite, a café stop, a gallery wander, a launch point for marine adventures and a place where the day can disappear without much effort. Sitting on Mercury Bay on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, Whitianga works beautifully as both a destination and a road-trip hinge point

Waitomo is famous for glowworm caves, but the best visit goes beyond the underground boat ride. This guide explores guided cave tours, black-water rafting, limestone walks, waterfalls, natural bridges and scenic detours through one of Waikato’s most atmospheric landscapes.

Waikato is made for slower road trips. This scenic drive guide connects surf coast, farmland, river towns, limestone country, heritage villages and quiet backroads across New Zealand’s heartland