The 309 Road

Twisting gravel crossing of the Coromandel Range famed for its many bends and kauri grove.

The 309 Road runs from Coromandel town up and over the spine of the Coromandel Peninsula toward Whitianga. The central stretch is well-formed but unsealed gravel, winding tightly through native bush past Waiau Falls and a protected stand of ancient kauri. The name is said to come from its tally of corners, and the road is narrow with stream crossings and quirky roadside stops along the way. Mind the loose gravel, the one-lane sections where bush hides oncoming traffic, and slippery surfaces after rain.