A Long Weekend in Coromandel: 3 Day Itinerary
Friday to Monday in Coromandel Town, Without the Drive from Auckland
The Friday to Monday ferry schedule was made for long weekends. Sail from Auckland’s Viaduct to Hannaford’s Wharf, hop on our free shuttle to Coromandel Town and spend three relaxed days exploring, with wheels from Mad Campers whenever you want them.
The ferry runs Friday to Monday until 27th November, then daily until Easter. Scooters are $80 per day (single rider, Coromandel Town only) and cars start from $90 per day. Here is how we would spend the weekend.
1. Friday: Sail and Settle In
Catch the ferry from the Viaduct and grab a seat outside for the trip across the Hauraki Gulf. At Hannaford’s Wharf, take the free shuttle into Coromandel Town, check in and pick up your hire from our depot at James & Turner (or first thing Saturday if you arrive late). Dinner and a drink at the Star & Garter, a lively historic pub on Kapanga Road, is the perfect way to start.
2. Saturday: Town, Trains and Treasures
Start at the Coromandel Information Centre on Kapanga Road, then wander the main street and its historic buildings, including James & Turner, trading since 1889. Ride the Driving Creek Railway to the Eyeful Tower lookout, have lunch on Wharf Road, then walk the Kauri Block Walk, which starts next to 356 Wharf Road and climbs to an old pa site with sweeping views. Finish with mussels or seafood for dinner in town.
3. Sunday: On the Water, or Further Afield
For a slow day, join a Mussel Safaris trip on the harbour in the morning, enjoy a long lunch, and visit the Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery in the afternoon. If you have a hire car, you could instead head north to Papa Aroha Scenic Reserve for a bush walk and a swim, then keep exploring the coastline.
4. Monday: A Final Coffee and Home
Pack up, enjoy one last coffee on Wharf Road, then return your car or scooter. Catch the shuttle to Hannaford’s Wharf and the ferry back to Auckland.
The Bottom Line
A long weekend in Coromandel is easy when the ferry does the hard part. Pick a scooter if you plan to stay in town, a car if you want to see more, or mix the two across the weekend.
Ready to plan it? Book your scooter or car with Mad Campers, and add the free shuttle when you book your ferry.
