WHITIANGA – TAURANGA (via Whangamata)

Driver Information
New Zealand ItinerariesTravel Distance is approximately 168kms (105 miles).
Allow at least 2.30 hours drive time (not including stops).
Part of the Pacific Coast Highway

After a revitalising stop-over in Whitianga for the evening you will hopefully awake feeling refreshed and vibrant as you start on the second day of your fabulous North Island tour of New Zealand’s scenic coastline.

Today you will get the opportunity to view some of the most prettiest beaches in the country as you travel to Tauranga.

Some notable stops along the route to Tauranga include:

WHANGAMATA
An unique combination of rainforest and beaches creates a diverse scenic wonderland in this awesome area of the Coromandel. From mountain biking and surfing to big game fishing or beach surfcasting, this is an enjoyable and relaxing place to stop for awhile on your journey.

OPOUTERE BEACH
A very popular swimming and surfing beach boasting 5km’s of impressive white sand located in the Whangamata region.

HAHEI
New Zealand ItinerariesAnother attractive beach for your to submerge your toes into the soft white sand. The beach is fringed with Pohutukawa trees, making for a beautiful photo opportunity. Stop for a swim or a refreshing walk along the beach.

CATHEDRAL COVE
Considered one of the “must visit” sites along the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is only accessible via boat or on foot and is a fabulous walk if you take the track which begins at the northern end of Hahei.

WAIHI
Enjoy some time in New Zealand’s most famous gold mining town and wander around the historic wooden buildings, enjoy shell collecting along Waihi Beach and its sweeping 9km’s of white sand, go fishing or visit a modern operating mine producing gold and silver!

TAURANGA CITY
This top destination is located on the East Coast of the North Island and offers visitors a wide selection of activities, attractions, accommodation, restaurants and cafes, along with some more amazing Kiwi beaches!

You will find some fabulous restaurants and cafes for your evening dining during over-night stay. Tauranga also has a great range of accommodation, including holiday parks, motels, hotels and holiday homes to suit your budget. During the busy summer season we suggest you pre-book your accommodation.

Highly recommended Tauranga tourist attractions include…

Longridge Fun Park – A great family attraction park where you can take a Jet Boat ride on the Kaituna River, drive a 4WD Hill Hopper on a specially designed off-road track or take a guided tour of the Kiwifruit farm. Located on State Highway 33 in Te Puke, this is a ‘must do’ for family travellers.

Mount Maunganui – Part of the sunny Bay of Plenty and a short drive from central Tauranga, ‘The Mount’ offers a wonderful surf and swim beach, shopping centre, boutique shops plus beach front restaurants and cafes.

Mills Reef Winery – This major Tauranga landmark is home to the creation of award winning New Zealand wine and is set on 20 acres of landscaped grounds. Along with wine tastings, visitors can enjoy dining in the award-winning restaurant.

Tauranga Spas & Thermal Pools – Aquavida offers sauna and thermal mineral pool facilities along with massage and beauty therapy services within a relaxing natural parkland setting a short drive from central Tauranga.

Tandem Skydiving – Imagine experiencing a freefall from 12,000 feet! Depart from Tauranga Airport and enjoy the thrill of a lifetime with a variety of jumps heights, ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 ft. Make sure you keep your eyes open to enjoy the aerial views ranging from Mt Ruapehu to the East Cape!

Swim With Dolphins – Dolphin Seafaris is a Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activity offering eco-tours in a safe and enjoyable enviorment so you can watch and swim with wild dolphins in the Bay of Plenty area.
New Zealand Itineraries: North Island Suggested Itineraries

Our modern self-drive travel Itineraries have routes specifically for the North Island as well as the South Island, ranging from 5 to 11 days, plus there are some travel routes that take in both the North and South Island’s. Our range of travel itineraries include information regarding travel distances and time to ensure that you can make the best of your time in New Zealand, no longer how short your visit!

  • 5 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 6 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Coromandel, Coromandel – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua and Rotorua – Auckland
  • 6 Day Itinerary (route 2): Auckland – Dargaville, Dargaville – Kaitaia, Kaitaia – Paihia, Paihia – Whangarei and Whangarei – Auckland
  • 7 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Napier and Napier – Wellington
  • 8 Day Itinerary: Wellington, Wellington – Masterton, Masterton – Wellington, Wellington – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim and Blenheim – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Coromandel, Coromandel – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Gisborne, Gisborne – Napier, Napier – Taupo, Taupo – Rotorua, Rotorua – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 2): Auckland – Whangarei, Whangarei – Paihia, Paihia – Hokianga, Hokianga – Auckland, Auckland – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 11 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua, Rotorua – Gisborne, Gisborne – Napier, Napier Taupo Napier, Napier – Wellington, Wellington – New Plymouth, New Plymouth – Waitomo and Waitomo Caves – Auckland