Emile writes:
I’m new to any long-distance cycling, but since buying a hybrid and some panniers, I am really feeling the urge to cycle from Auckland city to Coromandel.
Presumably cyclists aren’t allowed on the skirts of the motorway (but are allowed on the highway?) I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to find routes/rules/tips for this journey? I think the main issue I face is getting out of Auckland. Any help appreciated.
Emile is right in that cyclists aren’t allowed on the motorway — but there are many cyclable roads that run parallel to the motorway. However, these aren’t the best sorts of roads to take if you’re doing the long-distance cycling thing.
This is my recommended route for Emile: From the Ferry Building in the CBD, I’d take a ferry to Beachlands headed towards the East Coast Road (which is amazing pretty) and onto SH25 towards Coromandel. Do you have any other suggestions and tips?
That look like a pretty good route to me — catching the ferry is a good idea as cycling out of Auckland is a real car-fest (unless you set out very early, in which case it is fine).
Another beautiful option is to take the ferry all the way to Coromandel (Nakedbus had $10 ferry deals when we did this, may still do?) and save the cycling for around the peninsula
It's more back country tho, and very few shops – if a multi day trip plan on taking sufficient food. Or fishing gear 
And most of it is gravel/metal rd so comfy tyres are a must.
It's well worth the trip
Jaz, the ride from Clevedon then around the firth of thames really is worth doing — it is quiet, right by the sea, often near bush, loads of seabirds and some great stops along the way. For a beginner, I;'d say it is better than the windy, unpopulated roads of the coromandel (though those are great too…).
You folks are forgetting that the route TO there is also much less steep than the routes IN the Coromandel area
I have a friend who pretty much did that exact route. The ferry to get out of Auckland is the way to go.
The straights across the plains to Thames are the least fun and you will want to stay well left with lots of fast-moving traffic on that section.
Likewise time your ride from Thames north to avoid rush-hours and holiday weekends as although very scenic it is narrow and twisty in places.
The above options sound good. here's another. Take the train from town to Takanini, then cycle to Clevedon and on down the Miranda coast. (I've broken the journey in 2 and stayed one night at Miranda Shorebird centre on one trip; another time we stayed at the Orere Point camping ground. It's a lovely time to ride up the west coast of the Coromandel as the pohutukawas are starting to flower…
Thanks for all of the suggestions! I'm going to look at ferrying to Coromandel, and biking to Port Jackson and/or beyond – as I can stay in Colville, so can take my time. Will take pics and post here.
I did this trip and recommend spending the night at the Miranda Shore Bird Centre for super cheap, after having a soak at the Hot Springs – primo!