The Coromandel Peninsula is about 120 kilometres southeast of Auckland by road. The main route runs south through Paeroa to Thames, then up the western coast or across to the eastern side. The drive from Auckland to Thames takes about ninety minutes; to Whitianga via the longer eastern route takes about two and a half hours.
Whitianga Aerodrome (WTZ) receives small aircraft flights from Auckland, operated seasonally. For most visitors, a car is the only practical option.
The roads over the Coromandel Range connecting the western and eastern coasts are steep and winding — the 309 Road and the Coromandel Road are both scenic but slow. Allow more time than the map suggests.