The outermost part of the Coromandel Peninsula contains some of the wildest and roughest gravel roads in New Zealand. They’re so infamous that some car rental companies won’t even allow their vehicles to be driven there.

Rugged Roads at the Top of the Peninsula

Coastal gravel roads connect the far northern tip of the peninsula, including routes to Port Jackson, Fletcher Bay, and Stony Bay.

These roads have a reputation: narrow, winding, and occasionally littered with the remains of crashed cars. They’re also frequented by locals who drive them fast — “like f#%kwits,” as a local coffee shop owner colorfully described it.

Over the Ridge to Kennedy Bay

We chose the lesser-traveled route from Coromandel Town to Kennedy Bay via the spectacular Tokatea Lookout, perched on the crest of the mountain ridge.

The area is peppered with walking tracks and remnants of old gold mines — reminders of the peninsula’s gold rush past.

From the lookout, the road drops steeply down the mountain along a winding, narrow gravel track toward Kennedy Bay. On the way, we passed the entrance to a local marae, painted red and decorated with traditional Māori carvings.

A Detour to Little Bay

We continued along the coast and through forest to the stunning Little Bay Beach. It was completely deserted when we arrived, though we imagine it must be spectacularly busy in summer.

The baches here looked like very luxurious versions of the more humble Kiwi bach — classic holiday homes with a serious upgrade.

Along the Coast to Waikawau

Next stop was Waikawau Beach, before the road turned inland again through spectacular countryside and rolling farmland.

Coffee Stop in Colville

We stopped in Colville at the quaint Hereford ‘n’ a Pickle Cafe for lunch. Great coffee and fresh scones — exactly what you want after a long morning on gravel roads.

Back to Coromandel Town

From there we headed south along the western coast, passing more spectacular scenery before eventually arriving back in Coromandel Town.

An epic day on even more epic Coromandel roads.