Date: March 2026 - Coromandel, NZ

For the final stretch of our New Zealand road trip, we made our way to the coast and into the rugged beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula. Our first stop was a DOC (Department of Conservation) campsite at Waikawau Bay on the remote eastern side. Reached only by a long gravel road, the journey in felt like part of the adventure itself. The campsite—one of the largest DOC sites in the country—is beautifully simple, with just long-drop toilets and cold showers. Thankfully, the weather was on our side, and after warm, sunny days, even the cold showers felt refreshing rather than daunting.

We spent three blissful days there, quickly settling into the rhythm of coastal life. Mornings began with long walks along the wide, sandy beach, often with hardly another soul in sight. Afternoons were for swimming in the surf and exploring the shoreline, and evenings brought the simple pleasure of cooking up fresh tuatua (clams) we’d gathered ourselves. It was peaceful, unspoiled, and exactly the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate the basics.

With the forecast promising more sunshine, we decided to keep heading north to Port Jackson, right at the very tip of the peninsula. Once again, it was a gravel road all the way—winding, narrow, and occasionally hair-raising—but every bump and bend was worth it. The DOC campsite there is nothing short of idyllic, with pitches set right on the edge of the beach. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up to uninterrupted ocean views felt like the perfect finale to our Coromandel adventure.

Port Jackson also offered plenty to explore beyond the campsite itself. A stunning coastal walk winds along the shoreline, offering sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding hills, and just a short drive back down the road we found several great fishing spots off the rocks. Casting a line into the clear blue water paid off—we caught a couple of snapper and kahawai, which made for a fresh and memorable final dinner. It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable trip.