| Aka Aka |
|
| Starting point |
Papakura Autobahn |
| Distance |
96-136 km (one-way) |
| Gravel |
None |
| Petrol |
Available at Kopu, Thames |
| Toilets |
Available at Waitakaruru, Thames |
| Lunch |
Waiomu Beach Cafe |
The road north of Thames is one of the highlights of New Zealand motorcycling, running along the coast of the Firth of Thames on a narrow twisty road with pohutukawa trees hanging over the water. It gets battered by storms regularly, and sometimes there's a bit of loose gravel on the corners, so it needs to be ridden with respect. Slow cars can be a pain along this road as there aren't many places for safe passing.
Suggested route
| Notes | Directions | Alternatives |
|---|
| |
Papakura BP at the Motorway Service Centre |
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↓1.5 km |
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Drury motorway exit. Turn right onto State Highway 22. |
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↕750 metres |
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Turn left onto Great South Road. |
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↕8.5 km |
|
|
| |
Immediately after passing under the motorway, veer left onto Bombay Road. |
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↕1.5 km |
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Turn left onto Paparata Road. |
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↕3.0 km |
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| |
Turn right onto Pinnacle Hill Road. |
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↕6.5 km |
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| |
Take the exit to Mangatawhiri and Miranda. |
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↕5.7 km |
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Veer left onto Mangatangi Road. This becomes Miranda Road. |
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↕12.1 km |
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Turn right at the T-junction to stay on Miranda Road. This becomes Front Miranda Road. |
See the Kaiua loop for alternative ways of getting to this junction |
| |
↕7.2 km |
|
| There are public toilets at this junction. |
Turn left at Waitakaruru onto State Highway 25. |
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↕18.1 km |
|
| There are public toilets at 402 Queen St in Thames. |
Turn left at the roundabout towards Thames. Continue on State Highway 25 through Thames |
|
| |
↕20.1 km |
|
|
Arrive at Waiomu |
|
This route is about 96 km one-way. If you want a longer ride, go a further 40.2 km along State Highway 25 to Coromandel township. The road is coastal at first and later turns inland with views over the Firth of Thames. The town has petrol, toilets, several cafes, and a good bakery.
Return the same way to Waitakaruru, then either stay on Highway 25 and then Highway 2 to get back to Auckland quickly, or go back to Miranda and follow the Kaiua loop route in either direction.
Photos
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| Waiomu Beach Cafe |
Waiomu |
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| View from a rest area further north on SH 25 |
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