Many travellers seek out the iconic drives of the US and Australia, but there are plenty of breathtaking drives to be had right in New Zealand, including the country’s very own Pacific Coast Highway. Picture winding through the breathtaking landscapes and hidden treasures of Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, and Hawke's Bay. From the untamed beauty of rugged coastlines to the warm hospitality of charming seaside towns, the Pacific Coast Highway can be experienced year-round and is just waiting to be experienced by the rest of the world.
New Zealand’s Pacific Coast Highway:Day 1: Auckland to Whitianga Begin your journey in Auckland and travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel is home to some of the North Island's most spectacular sights, including world famous Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui-A-Hei. Here the soft white rock has eroded away to create a magnificent archway connecting two secluded coves.
Not far from Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-A-Hei, you'll find a Hot Water Beach. Dig down into the sand a little way and create your own seaside bath from the rising natural spring beneath the surface. As you continue on to Whangamatā, stop to take a kayak tour of Whenuakura Island.
This unusual island contains a tranquil lagoon at its centre, due to the collapse of a volcanic blowhole. Day 2: Whitianga to Tauranga Journey down the peninsula to Thames where you will find one of New Zealand's Great Cycling Trails. Following a historic railway route from Tha.
