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Pacific Coast Highway: Thames to Coromandel, Thames Coast, Waikato
Photo: Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Waikato, New Zealand Auckland, Waikato and the Coromandel

Pacific Coast Highway: Thames to Coromandel

SH 25, Thames Coast Road, Kapanga Road · Thames → Coromandel

Twisty34 mi1 hr 5 min3,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 700 ftOne way
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The drive

This is the Pacific Coast Highway north of Thames: State Highway 25 from Thames to Coromandel town, 55 km (34 mi) in just over an hour. The Firth of Thames is on the left the whole way, and the road runs close to it, through bays and cliff-edge bends under pōhutukawa.

North of Thames the road passes Te Puru, Waiomu and Tapu, with beach settlements tucked between headlands. The trees hang over the road in places, and they flower around December.

The road becomes more dramatic just before the town, with a lookout above Manaia and Coromandel harbours. Coromandel is known for its heritage kauri architecture and the Driving Creek Railway.

Along the way

  1. Thames
  2. Coromandel
Elevation
3,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 700 ft
ThamesCoromandel
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
ThamesCoromandel
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The road is narrow in places and winding, and it is busy with holidaymakers, especially around Christmas and New Year.
  • Slips have closed this coast road after storms, so check NZTA's journey planner in wet weather.
  • The drive ends in Coromandel town on Kapanga Road, the town's through road.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journey Planner.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Thames Coast drive to Coromandel take?

State Highway 25 from Thames to Coromandel is 55 km (34 mi) and takes about 1 hr 5 min without stops.

Is the Thames Coast road twisty?

State Highway 25 along the Thames Coast has mostly moderate curves with three twisty stretches, and it is narrow in places.

When do the pōhutukawa flower on the Thames Coast?

The pōhutukawa along State Highway 25 flower around December, which is why they are called New Zealand's Christmas tree.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

All 8 drives in Waikato, New Zealand ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Pacific Coast Highway: Thames to Coromandel, from Thames to Coromandel