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:
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.
A series of safety improvements have been implemented to reduce the number and severity of crashes involving motorcyclists on this route.
Safety improvement | Description |
---|---|
Bridge protection | Guardrails installed on bridges and approaches providing protection. |
Delineation improved | The edgeline width has been doubled to 200mm to improve rider awareness of the road. |
Drains improved | Drains reshaped and filled in to remove steep drop-offs. |
Hazard modification | Large concrete drainage pipes on the side of the road were replaced with more forgiving structures. |
Hazard protection | More guardrails at steep drop-offs installed to contain a rider if they leave the road. |
Rescue helicopter landing areas | Installed new helipads so injured riders can receive medical treatment faster. |
Road surface improved | Resealed or treated to create a more consistent surface. |
Sealed property entrances | Entrances sealed along the route to reduce the amount of loose material on the road. |
Signage upgraded | Signs and chevrons upgraded to provide consistency and improve curve readability. |
Trialling perceptual counter measures | Different road markings on deceptive corners, designed to reduce the rider’s speed and improve their lane position. |
Under-run barriers | Motorcycle friendly safety barriers protecting riders from hitting barrier posts. |
Visibility improved | Bank removed to improve rider visibility through corners. |
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.
Riding the Loop really brings motorcyclists together. Share your experiences on social media with the hashtag #livefortheloop.
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.