Along the way is a Kauri grove, which unfortunately we did not stop to see, but we did come across a bizarre collection of pigs and chickens on the Coromandel side, just before the waterworks. Besides, this is one of the most special parts of the North Island. But both the 309 and the Tapu to Coroglen roads go across the ridgeline of the peninsula, hence they are bone-shakers, as well as being very narrow in places. From there, he carefully negotiates the journey to Stony Bay, mostly over winding gravel roads framed by dense native bush. If you are renting a car check to see you are covered on this road - some rental car companies dont cover you on certain roads in NZ. It's obviously a very well-kept secret - we have the trail to ourselves. The gravel roads on the Coromandel Peninsula are public roads and therefore are maintained by district council (non-state highways) and Land Transport are responsible for state highways.
It’s a mind numbing vertical drop of hundreds of meters so you might want to give it a miss on a windy day. Located in the north of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand Port Jackson Road is a pretty rugged road. As you will no doubt realize, it is possible to cover this journey in less than three days. You can take the 20km eastern route via Port Charles to commence the walk at Stoney Bay, or the 30km western route hugging the coast north through Fantail Bay and Port Jackson, arriving at the walk’s other access point at Fletchers Bay. Answer 1 of 5: I shall be renting a car to drive in North Island. Steve knows all the best spots to pull over and fill us in on local history, geography and local kiwi conservation efforts in the region.
Northen Coromandel roads Gravel roads from Colville to Port Charles and Port Jackson are the worst in the country, according to Warren Taylor. are gravel roads) notably the 309 Road which connects Coromandel Town and Whitianga.
However, most of the roads are quite narrow and winding so can be rather tiring. The Hertz car rental agreement doesn't allow driving on unsealed roads. I read that road 309 is mainly unsealed. Not all of the roads within the peninsula are sealed (i.e. The road winds through NZ rainforest and is beautiful. Some hire car companies have contracts that specifically exclude driving on these roads.
Maybe the long drive over gravel roads puts travellers off reaching the very tip of the peninsula, but Coromandel Adventures takes care of that for our group.
A true Coromandel experience in itself. Personally I loved this road - but I quite like driving gravel roads and my car was fine with it.
There are also a number of organized tours of Coromandel, such as a day tour from Auckland. About.
There is also a passenger ferry that runs from Ferry Landing to Whitianga. Don't forget your camera with lots of film/memory and fully charged batteries because the end result is worth it. Your journey on the Coromandel Coastal Walkway begins from the moment you start driving on the gravel road north of Colville. Drove the "309" yesterday - its windy and gravel but no problems for an ordinary car - if you have driven on a "US Forest Service" road, you will know what to expect.