Auckland to coromandel

bmoy003

hey i am quite new to cycling, and have just recently got my first road bike. I am hoping that this year me and a mate will be able to cycle from Auckland to Whitianga.

I'm guessing there are a few people around who have done it before and perhaps you could help me with a route to take.

We were also unsure as to whether we should make it a two day trip and just cruise or do it in one.

any help would be appreciated especially on how to best get out of auckland, and a route eg through maranda or not?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

62vette

Definitely go via Clevedon-Miranda, so much less traffic, and it has to be one of the more scenic coastal rides that way.

Depending on how steep you like your hills and how far you want to ride, I guess you have three options from Thames/Kopu.

1. Coromandel-Whangapoua - REALLY steep, and about 90+km from Kopu
2. Kopu-Hikuai-Tairua - two long hills but not as steep, probably 70-80km from Kopu
3. Head to Paeroa and Waihi and ride round via Whitianga - the longest route, but less long hills apart from Pumpkin Hill after Tairua, which is the easiest of all the hills.

I'd be inclined to do it as two days unless you are prepared for a 200k+ day.

bmoy003

thanks man... i was beginning to think that no one would reply .

thanks for your help.

62vette

It's pretty quiet in this part of the forum. But at least it's not wall to wall polls though like the Bike Cafe, that gets a bit tedious.

bmoy003

im guessing that many of you have probably been around the coromandle on your bikes. i got a few other questions

are the roads alright to ride my road bike on? I know they will probably be a bit bumpier than what i am used to but basically will my bike survive?

any areas that roads are horrid? and that i should try to avoid?

my friend and I are aiming on going on a road trip sort of holiday... 5-7 days (ish) about 80km/day on average with minimal gear... any advice?

62vette

All the roads I mentioned are sealed, but you can't guarantee you won't get some road works. I drove through a long section of roadworks on SH2 this morning somewhere between Paeroa and Maramarua. The pre-Christmas rush is on for resealing.

If you're wanting to get to some of the beaches etc, there are a few unsealed access roads - I think the last bit into Hot Water Beach was unsealed, but it's 10 years since I've been there.

If you're carrying much gear on a road bike, I'd avoid the hill from Coromandel to Whangapoua as it is pretty steep. Or be prepared to walk some of it, but take some jandals to walk in so you don't munt your cleats if you have clipless pedals.

Take your time, and enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of places to stop for coffees and muffins - or beers and pies.