Two days along the Bay of Plenty from Waihī to Te Kaha
A coastal drive on SH2 and SH35 past Mauao, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki to the Pōhutukawa Coast.
- Distance
- 270 km (168 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 56 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 9
- States
- New Zealand
- Updated
- May 10, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 270 km (168 mi) with 9 stops, from Waihī Beach to Raukokore Church. About 2 h 56 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New Zealand
Route description
From Waihī, take the short road to Waihī Beach for a morning walk, then rejoin SH2 along the shore of Tauranga Harbour via Katikati. The drive to Tauranga takes about an hour and a half in total. The Elms Mission House sits on the Te Papa peninsula; check the tour times before going and combine it with a coffee in the centre.
Cross to Mount Maunganui for Mauao, where the base track circles the dome in about an hour and the summit track takes about 40 minutes. Parking near the base fills early on summer mornings, so aim to arrive before 9 am. The holiday parks near the beach are popular, and the main road can be slow in January. Book a pitch ahead and carry sun protection for the climb.
Continue east on SH2 through Te Puke and Paengaroa to Whakatāne, about 1.5 hours from Tauranga. Ōhope Beach is a 10-minute drive east and has an eleven-kilometre stretch of sand. Swim between the flags in summer. From Whakatāne follow SH2 through the Waioeka area to Ōpōtiki, the last town with full services before the cape, about 60 km further and 45 minutes by road.
East of Ōpōtiki, SH35 follows the Pōhutukawa Coast, with bays and headlands. The road to Te Kaha is about 80 km and takes about an hour and a half, with narrow sections and one-lane bridges. Raukokore church stands on a point about 40 km further, and fuel is scarce in between. Fill the tank at Ōpōtiki, and check the NZTA site for slips and closures before you leave town, since the coast road is exposed to storms.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Waihī Beach
NatureWaihī, New ZealandA nine-kilometre surf beach that runs from the village to the Bowentown Heads, with patrolled swimming in summer. A short walk at the north end leads to a lookout over Tauranga Harbour. Rips can be strong, so swim between the flags.
- 246 km
Tauranga
New Zealand - 31 km
The Elms Mission House, Tauranga
HistoryTauranga, New ZealandA mission station from the 1830s with a house, chapel and gardens on the Te Papa peninsula, among the oldest surviving buildings in the Bay of Plenty. Tours run on set days, so check the hours before arriving.
- 49 km
Mauao (Mount Maunganui)
ViewsMount Maunganui, New ZealandA 232-metre volcanic dome at the end of the peninsula, with a summit track of about 40 minutes and a base track around the foot. Sunset light suits the climb. Park at the base in the early morning, since the lots fill in summer.
- 596 km
Whakatāne
New Zealand - 67 km
Ōhope Beach
NatureWhakatāne, New ZealandAn eleven-kilometre white-sand beach with pōhutukawa at its eastern end and a harbour behind, a short drive from Whakatāne. Swim between the flags in summer. A scenic reserve on the headland has short walks and bird calls.
- 725 km
Ōpōtiki
New Zealand - 855 km
Te Kaha
New Zealand - 930 km
Raukokore Church
HistoryTe Kaha, New ZealandA small white Anglican church from 1894 standing on a coastal point above the sea, a landmark of the East Cape coast road. It is usually open to visitors. Please stay respectful during services and take care at the roadside stop.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Waihī Beach → Whakatāne · 152 km · 1 h 40 minOn the way: Tauranga, The Elms Mission House, Tauranga, Mauao (Mount Maunganui).
- Day 2: Whakatāne → Raukokore Church · 117 km · 1 h 17 minOn the way: Ōhope Beach, Ōpōtiki, Te Kaha.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June–August and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Two days along the Bay of Plenty from Waihī to Te Kaha?
2-day road trip of about 270 km (168 mi) with 9 stops, from Waihī Beach to Raukokore Church. About 2 h 56 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Two days along the Bay of Plenty from Waihī to Te Kaha?
We suggest 2 days: about 2 h 56 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Two days along the Bay of Plenty from Waihī to Te Kaha start and end?
It starts in Waihī Beach and ends in Raukokore Church.
Which states does Two days along the Bay of Plenty from Waihī to Te Kaha pass through?
New Zealand.
When is the best time for Two days along the Bay of Plenty from Waihī to Te Kaha?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June–August and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
