New Zealanders enjoy a huge advantage over people in many other parts of the world. Where they must travel long distances to sample a fantastic driving experience, we can simply head out of town. Even our largest city is close to one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand – the Coromandel Peninsula, with its spectacular landscapes and varied country roads.
It’s well worth planning a Coromandel day trip or weekend excursion in your BMW. Here’s a taste of what you can expect.
The first section of motorway south of Auckland gives way to the smoothly undulating curves of State Highway Two on the stretch to Thames. As long as you avoid a holiday weekend, this is pleasant, uncomplicated country driving through placid farming country.
When you get past the old gold-mining township of Thames, the landscape changes. A steep range covered with native bush rises on one side of the coastal road while the Firth of Thames practically laps at the highway on the ocean side. The twists and turns will keep you fully occupied at the wheel until the idyllic settlement of Coromandel Town comes into view.
Stop here for a coffee or bite to eat. You may not want to leave – but you should. This is where the real driving begins.
Point your BMW towards Matarangi, and get ready for the pristine blacktop to start serving up surprises. A long hairpin left-hander combines with a tighter right-hander, followed by an exhilarating hill climb. Feel the car’s response when you steer into a mix of fast-paced corners, blind bends and semi-switchbacks that will keep you focused on the task. The corners seem relentless, but then you hit the descent towards Te Rerenga, where the verdant bush surrounds you with its aura of peace. You may even feel tempted to throttle back and enjoy the scenery a little.
The driving is smoother on the longish stretches of country road to the beach towns of Matarangi and Kuaotunu. You could then head onto Whitianga, Coroglen, and more mountain road adventures, or turn towards world-famous Hot Water Beach. Dig yourself a spa in the sand and relax in the thermal spring-fed waters that seep to the surface for two hours either side of low tide.
Then it’s time to brush the beach sand off your feet, get back behind the wheel and return to the delights of civilisation. Alternatively, book yourself into a B&B in Whitianga or Coromandel Town. A landscape this pleasurable to drive through would surely tempt any BMW enthusiast to stay a little longer.
