A car is essential. The peninsula has no rail and limited bus services — InterCity runs from Auckland to Thames, and some shuttle services operate between Thames and Whitianga in summer, but to access Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Kauaeranga Valley, or the northern tip without a car is difficult.
The main road runs up the western coast to Coromandel Town, then over the range or around the northern tip to Whitianga on the eastern coast. From Whitianga the road runs south past Hahei and Hot Water Beach to Tairua and eventually to Whangamata. Most roads are sealed; the 309 Road across the range is sealed but steep.
In peak summer, Cathedral Cove access is limited by a shuttle bus system; vehicles cannot drive to the trailhead.