The Coromandel Loop

With its beautiful scenery and curving rhythm the Coromandel Loop is a favourite for Kiwi riders. The Loop is a challenging ride, which means the things that make it enjoyable also make it risky. That’s why you need to keep your head in the game.

The Coromandel Loop is made up of two loops:

• Northern Loop (187.8km)
• Southern Loop (129.7km)

It is recommended to stop regularly on your ride, so be sure to check out our handy map of the Coromandel [PDF, 1.2 MB] with distances between main towns and rest stops so you can start planning.

Your pre-ride checklist

• Make sure the bike’s ready for a long journey
  Check your tyre treads and pressures, chain tension and lube, engine oil level, brake pads, suspension and fastenings.
• How are your riding skills?
  “Practice makes perfect” applies to riding as much as anything. To improve your skill level and confidence, or to take your riding to the next level consider taking a Ride Forever course.(external link)
• Make sure you’ve got the right gear
  Full-face helmet, gloves, suit with body armour and back protector, proper riding boots.
• Check your route map [PDF, 1.2 MB] and plan your stops in advance.
  You’re going to have to rest and rehydrate to keep your head in the game.
• Think about an overnight break
  It’s a long road and there’s plenty of places to stay in the Coromandel.
• Check the weather forecast(external link)
  Be prepared to postpone if things look bad.
• Check the road conditions
  Take a look at the NZTA Traffic page(external link) or follow the NZTA Waikato BoP Facebook(external link) page for live updates and planned road works.
• Check for local events(external link) that may affect your ride.

Tips for staying upright

• It’s safer to ride the Coromandel loop clockwise if you can, especially in winter when there may be more gravel and the road is damp.
• Perfect your cornering – brake on the straight when you’re upright, set up a slow, wide entry and then roll the throttle on smoothly through the corner for a faster, tighter and safer exit.
• Keep your head on your side of the centreline on right-handers.
• Watch out for other road users – sightseers, cyclists, drivers.
• Ride at your own pace, especially if you’re part of a group.
• Take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate.

How we've made the Loop safer

A series of safety improvements have been implemented to reduce the number and severity of crashes involving motorcyclists on this route. 

Northern Loop safety improvements

Construction has begun on a $2.5 million project to install a range of treatments aimed at keeping motorcyclists safer on the Northern Coromandel Loop. The safety improvements should be completed by mid-December 2017. View media release.

Frequently asked questions

• Why are safety improvements focused on motorcyclists needed for SH25 Northern Coromandel?
• How many motorcyclists have been killed or seriously injured on this section of road?
• Where is the route?
• What kind of safety improvements are being made?
• When will the safety improvements be completed?
• How do you know these kinds of improvements are going to be successful?
• What has been learned from the safety improvements focused at motorcyclists to the Southern Coromandel loop?
• Are motorcyclists supportive of these improvements?
• What is the summer motorcycle education campaign going to focus on?
• What is Safer Rides about?
• Where does the project fit in the Government’s wider Road Safety Strategy?
• What else is being done on roads in other regions to improve motorcycle safety?

Share your experience

Riding the Loop really brings motorcyclists together. Share your experiences on social media with the hashtag #livefortheloop.

Project partners

This project involves partners working with the Transport Agency including: ACC(external link), Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council(external link), NZ Police(external link), Waikato Regional Council(external link), Thames-Coromandel Council(external link), Hauraki District Council(external link) and motorcycle user groups.