The 309 Road meanders through the Coromandel Hills hiding a trove of treasures. It connects Whitianga to Coromandel Town making for an adventurous route between East and West. The drive makes for a great day trip in either direction and can be accessed by most vehicles despite much of the 309 Road being unsealed. It is windy and narrow in places so please take care and be prepared to stop at a moments notice.
EGAN PARK
Egan Park is the second picnic area you will come across near the Whitianga end of the 309 Road. The first one is smaller and maybe more commonly known as The Waterhole. There you will find some great tree ropes for swinging into the river. Egan Park is signposted so it is easy to locate. There are plenty of picnic tables and idyllic spots alongside the river where you can enjoy a swim and some leisurely time. Both parks have toilets and either would be a welcome stop to stretch your legs if nothing else.
WAIAU KAURI GROVE
This grove is something special with a number of giant kauri trees that are nearly six centuries old. Surely one of the most impressive kauri groves in Aotearoa New Zealand. Here you get a glimpse of what the forests were once like when these magnificent trees thrived throughout the upper north island. From the 309 Road it is a 10-minute walk into the grove.
WAIAU WATERFALL
Waiau Waterfall is just a short drive down the road from the Kauri Grove and a very short walk from the roadside carpark. In the summertime, this is an idyllic swimming spot with a large pool at the bottom of the falls surrounded by lush bush. In the cooler months, it is worth the stop just to see the water cascading over the rocks.
MOTURERE (CASTLE ROCK)
Moturere (Castle Rock) is a 525-meter-high mountain that has been a popular rock-climbing location in the past. From a distance, the mountain is a very distinctive peak that doesn’t quite look like it belongs which intices curiosity in the adventurous type. However, in September 2018 two people lost their lives on the mountain so local iwi, Ngāti Huarere, implemented an indefinite rāhui (ritual prohibition) on Motutere. To reach the base of the mountain is a short drive up Castle Rock Road which is best suited to 4WD vehicles. Although it may be ok to drive to the base of the mountain please respect the rahui and do not attempt to climb Moturere.
THE WATERWORKS
This gem is a ‘must-do’ if you are travelling the 309 Road or staying in Coromandel Town. The Waterworks is a quirky theme park that will keep all ages entertained for a hours with more than 70 contraptions and attractions to see and interact with. Even better you can spend a whole day here enjoying the bush surrounded grounds with picnic areas, BBQs, a swimming hole as well and a cafe and shop. So much fun to be had here!
STU AND HIS PIGS
Between The Waterworks and Coromandel Town be sure to drive with care as you near a straight that is home to a drove of pigs under the care of a man called Stu. You will see pigs of all ages, sizes and colours and the piglets are just the most gorgeous creatures. If you are lucky enough to meet Stu or his brother who both live in the area be sure to say hello, they are both friendly folk as are the pigs. Definitely something a little unique to experience.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE 309 ROAD
STAY IN WHITIANGA
Whitianga is the main hub of the Coromandel and a popular base for many who visit and explore the area. There are plenty of options for accommodation in Whitianga from hostels to luxury apartments. I prefer hostel accommodation and have stayed at a couple of hostels in Whitianga, both were great! Turtle Cove is close to town, beds are really comfy, they do complimentary breakfast and hosts Jill and Eric are really lovely! On the Beach Backpackers is a YHA hostel and just like it says, it is right by the beach. Also, not too far from town, this place offers free boogie boards, kayaks, and spades for digging at hot water beach.
STAY IN COROMANDEL TOWN
A quaint little town located on the west coast of the Coromandel and quite a different experience to Whitianga. Although, not as big as Whitianga there are still a lot of options for accommodation in Coromandel Town. One place I have stayed and would highly recommend is Anchor Lodge. You will find a range of accommodation options here from dorm beds to family suites. The outdoor spa and pool are a very welcome way to relax at the end of the day.
The Coromandel has so much to offer and the 309 Road is just one little gem to explore! For a complete Coromandel Road Trip Itinerary check out what Christine from Travellers With Time has put together.
If you are deciding on where to head after the Coromandel why not check out The Top Things to do in the Bay of Plenty and Six of the Best Day Trips from Auckland.
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