The 309 Road
The 309 Road
4
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4.0
381 reviews
Excellent
129
Very good
146
Average
68
Poor
18
Terrible
20
Emma A
Portsmouth, UK121 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
My dad and I drove along The 309 Road in May this year, we knew it was an unsealed road for the most part and that some sections would be more dirt track/gravel than others. There is a sign as you turn onto the road approaching from the Coromandel town end to warn you of this.
It is also windy as others have commented and narrow in places. But if you're prepared for this, comfortable, careful and have a suitable vehicle (we had a suzuki swift, so could have had something a little better but it got through just fine) it's worth it.
As another review said - drive through Jurassic Park. I couldn't have put it better. What a stunning road, gorgeous views of hills and mountain ranges, native bush and several attractions from Kauri Trees to waterfalls and of course Stuart and his wild pigs.
Due to time we were unable to stop and enjoy the walks on offer and I think the Waterworks may have been closed due to low season? It looked open, but couldn't see any visitors. However we did stop to visit the pigs and it was a highlight of our trip.
We met Stuart and stopped to chat with him for 10 minutes, he's such a lovely and charming man with a real passion and love for the pigs, all animals, nature and the great outdoors. He was an inspiration to meet. The pigs were just wonderful and you can see how loved and looked after they are, there were so many of them! Lots of piglets too , chickens and we saw a NZ Heron. I got to have a cuddle with a piglet called Merlin who fell asleep and started snoring in my arms.
Highly recommend driving this road if you have a sense of adventure and have the time to get 'lost' in nature (although you cannot actually get lost on this road, it's one road!)
It is also windy as others have commented and narrow in places. But if you're prepared for this, comfortable, careful and have a suitable vehicle (we had a suzuki swift, so could have had something a little better but it got through just fine) it's worth it.
As another review said - drive through Jurassic Park. I couldn't have put it better. What a stunning road, gorgeous views of hills and mountain ranges, native bush and several attractions from Kauri Trees to waterfalls and of course Stuart and his wild pigs.
Due to time we were unable to stop and enjoy the walks on offer and I think the Waterworks may have been closed due to low season? It looked open, but couldn't see any visitors. However we did stop to visit the pigs and it was a highlight of our trip.
We met Stuart and stopped to chat with him for 10 minutes, he's such a lovely and charming man with a real passion and love for the pigs, all animals, nature and the great outdoors. He was an inspiration to meet. The pigs were just wonderful and you can see how loved and looked after they are, there were so many of them! Lots of piglets too , chickens and we saw a NZ Heron. I got to have a cuddle with a piglet called Merlin who fell asleep and started snoring in my arms.
Highly recommend driving this road if you have a sense of adventure and have the time to get 'lost' in nature (although you cannot actually get lost on this road, it's one road!)
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,626 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Yes it’s bendy & yes it’s unsealed the whole way for 22 odd kilometres from Coromandel to Whitianga but i loved the pure adventure of this secluded drive through exotic tropical rainforest which I never knew existed.
I started from Coromandel side and headed to Whitianga on my way to Hahei where I was staying.
I stopped twice near the beginning & did two walks. The first was an 80m walk to the pretty Waiau Falls which I had to myself, and was surrounded by lush vegetation & the gorgeous smells of the rainforest. The 2nd stop was at the Waiau Kauri loop trail, a 2km circuit that takes you through an ancient grove of giant Kauris. This immersive experience was unforgettable and I enjoyed reading up on the history of the Kauris & counted at least 10 epic trees. These are now protected but many were logged during the World War 2 years for timber to aid the war effort.
The drive was thrilling & felt like I was on a jungle adventure that could lead anywhere & where I could encounter anything. I saw a huge bird of prey on the road at one point and some great glimpses of the fast flowing river below (it was a wet day) and it was raining lightly the whole drive which added to the steamy jungle-like atmosphere.
You do feel quite exposed & at the mercy of nature on this off-road odyssey, so it’s not for everyone, but for me it was an unforgettable part of my NZ road trip.
I started from Coromandel side and headed to Whitianga on my way to Hahei where I was staying.
I stopped twice near the beginning & did two walks. The first was an 80m walk to the pretty Waiau Falls which I had to myself, and was surrounded by lush vegetation & the gorgeous smells of the rainforest. The 2nd stop was at the Waiau Kauri loop trail, a 2km circuit that takes you through an ancient grove of giant Kauris. This immersive experience was unforgettable and I enjoyed reading up on the history of the Kauris & counted at least 10 epic trees. These are now protected but many were logged during the World War 2 years for timber to aid the war effort.
The drive was thrilling & felt like I was on a jungle adventure that could lead anywhere & where I could encounter anything. I saw a huge bird of prey on the road at one point and some great glimpses of the fast flowing river below (it was a wet day) and it was raining lightly the whole drive which added to the steamy jungle-like atmosphere.
You do feel quite exposed & at the mercy of nature on this off-road odyssey, so it’s not for everyone, but for me it was an unforgettable part of my NZ road trip.
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helena V
Nelson, New Zealand37 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We started on the Whitianga side of the R309.
Stopped at the Kauri Trees first. This was a lovely walk and the children aged 21 to 10 had a great excursion. Wear comfortable shoes, a light jacket in case the weather is cool, but once you get walking its warm enough at this time of year.
The walk is short and very easy to do. Not difficult or challenging. Some steps, but not many at all. Lots of beauty and these trees are just Magnificent giants.
Then we drove to the Waterfall. It had a lovely pool and the water was quite fresh, but once in, it was very pleasant. Only the younger kids and my daughter were determined to swim. The walk to the waterfall from the road is 3 minutes!😁 so you can easily carry your togs and be ok.
After the Waterfall, we moved onto The Waterworks. This was an absolute Joy and just an awesome little place with so many fun things to experience. We had loads of laughs and great fun here. The food was delicious and the kids had milkshakes and said they were the best they've had. This is worth the visit! Book online for discount entry, well worth your time. From 21 to 10 years old, everyone was laughing and wanting to do everything they had to offer. What a gem of a place!!
Stopped at the Kauri Trees first. This was a lovely walk and the children aged 21 to 10 had a great excursion. Wear comfortable shoes, a light jacket in case the weather is cool, but once you get walking its warm enough at this time of year.
The walk is short and very easy to do. Not difficult or challenging. Some steps, but not many at all. Lots of beauty and these trees are just Magnificent giants.
Then we drove to the Waterfall. It had a lovely pool and the water was quite fresh, but once in, it was very pleasant. Only the younger kids and my daughter were determined to swim. The walk to the waterfall from the road is 3 minutes!😁 so you can easily carry your togs and be ok.
After the Waterfall, we moved onto The Waterworks. This was an absolute Joy and just an awesome little place with so many fun things to experience. We had loads of laughs and great fun here. The food was delicious and the kids had milkshakes and said they were the best they've had. This is worth the visit! Book online for discount entry, well worth your time. From 21 to 10 years old, everyone was laughing and wanting to do everything they had to offer. What a gem of a place!!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crayeater
Hamilton, New Zealand128 contributions
Jan 2021
This is an amazing and enjoyable road which is unsealed and not really suitable for inexperienced drivers towing a boat, trailer, or driving a camper van. I was surprised to find it the recommended route on Google maps when the sealed Wangapoua/Coromandel road is just as scenic, much safer, and easier road for larger vehicles. There are warning signs that the 309 road is unsealed and narrow at both ends, but there was no similar warning on Google and I wonder how many people don't recognise the difference between the two roads.
I loved my 309 trip as an ex Coro local that had not been home for many years, okay maybe decades. It was a great trip down memory lane but I really couldn't recommend it for all vehicles.
I loved my 309 trip as an ex Coro local that had not been home for many years, okay maybe decades. It was a great trip down memory lane but I really couldn't recommend it for all vehicles.
Written 20 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Relax29492083387
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Couples
This was the most terrifying drive experience that I’ve ever had. We were in a motorhome. I’m shocked that there was no series of warnings at either end of the road for what we were to face. I do remember one notice when you were about to access the road from Whitianga end, which to my recollection just said to take care or words to that affect. As you’re driving, you can’t read any more than a few words. It certainly didn’t indicate danger for trucks or motorhomes or warnings about toad width and conditions from my re collection. And if we didn’t get that information, it just shows the ineffectiveness of the signage. And our Google Maps navigation system directed us this way as the shortest route from Whitianga to Coromandel and posted no earnings. . In my opinion, it’s only suitable for a very very experience, driver for these driving conditions. I’ll never travel this road again and would always take the longer scenic route around the headland.
There were areas of the road edge on the gully side, which looked very undercut, and could’ve given away at any stage in my opinion. That same side of the road was full of huge potholes and to avoid them we needed to go on the other side of this very narrow road. There was barely any metal left on the road - being slippery, greasy mud most of the way. There is a particularly dangerous 3-4 metre long area that was just slushy clay and we barely got traction. I didn’t get to enjoy any of the views as I spent most of the time trying to lean inwards with the sense that we were about to fall off the edge.
Dianne
There were areas of the road edge on the gully side, which looked very undercut, and could’ve given away at any stage in my opinion. That same side of the road was full of huge potholes and to avoid them we needed to go on the other side of this very narrow road. There was barely any metal left on the road - being slippery, greasy mud most of the way. There is a particularly dangerous 3-4 metre long area that was just slushy clay and we barely got traction. I didn’t get to enjoy any of the views as I spent most of the time trying to lean inwards with the sense that we were about to fall off the edge.
Dianne
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JLandMike
Cochrane, Canada774 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Drove this road as we wanted to go to Waterworks and walk the Kauri forest. We did see the pigs but didn’t stop. As others have said, it’s a wild road but we didn’t feel unsafe even in our crappy mini van rental. I can see that in the rain it would enhance the thrill but I’d recommend doing this anyway.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream09279016733
3 contributions
Feb 2020
There are no signs on the Coromandel to Thames road to indicate that these wonderful attractions are here. The road is not brilliant so we were wondering if we were on the right road.
However the waterfall was very pretty, and was signposted. The Kauri walk was a stunning experience, especially being able to actually touch the Kauri tree. The information boards were a nice touch and very informative.
I highly recommend a visit to both these attractions- they are only 5 minutes apart.
However the waterfall was very pretty, and was signposted. The Kauri walk was a stunning experience, especially being able to actually touch the Kauri tree. The information boards were a nice touch and very informative.
I highly recommend a visit to both these attractions- they are only 5 minutes apart.
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah A
London, UK22 contributions
Feb 2021
The waterfalls are a short easy walk from the road and definitely bring your togs on a hot day. The Kauri Grove walk is about 600m up the road and a lovely walk with a round trip of just under 30mins. The trees are majestic and well worth the visit. You drive past the wild pig farm on the way in but unfortunately we think the pigs were all sleeping that day as we only saw a couple.
Written 16 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Acineto
Auckland Central, New Zealand23,984 contributions
Feb 2021
We came through the road to get to the Waiau falls. One the way we passed an area where there were pigs roaming free. Jeep and eye out for the sign as well as the pigs along the road. We also passed by Waterworks to get to the falls.
The road itself was mostly gravel. There were a few areas which were sealed but it was mostly unsealed.
The road itself was mostly gravel. There were a few areas which were sealed but it was mostly unsealed.
Written 11 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WendyMcP59
Pukekohe East, Auckland, New Zealand23 contributions
Mar 2022
Awful road to drive on. Best part was seeing free range pigs roaming round partway along. Won't go again on this road - very windy and mostly gravel/metal surface.
Written 18 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs allowed at some of the places on the 309 road?
Written 6 August 2018
Don't even bother to go on the road. It is a disaster waiting to happen and I agree about the pigs. After mentioning the road to some locals they all asked if we stopped at the wild pigs. We stopped to take photos but didn't get out. All sighed and said thank heavens. They wouldn't elaborate and I was happy not to ask. Still having nightmares about 309. Take your dog somewhere els. I have 4 and wouldn't think about taking them there.
Written 5 September 2018
Is it possible to buy a pig/piglet? If so, how much would it be?
Written 31 March 2018
If you have a nice chat and assure him it would be cared for and not eaten, I think he might be open to the idea. I had several chat with him over a few days, fascinating guy. Last of the hippies! He even sleeps with the pigs.
Written 25 June 2018
I am travelling with my family to NZ in January and am really looking forward to visiting Stu's Wild Pig Farm. I heard that road 309 is gravel and have just booked a hire car which states it does not insure on unsealed roads. If travelling from Coromandel side of 309, would I encounter much gravel road just going to the pig farm and back?
Written 14 October 2017
Hi, Yes its gravel. I would check the insurance policy again jnust in case. From Coromandel end its niot that far in. The pigs are all over the road so be careful. I would also suggest lunch at the Mussel Kitchen which is the first driveway on the right - Coromandel end. Fabulous pot of mussels if you like seafood. Enjoy NZ.
Written 15 October 2017
stus pig farm price and how far from tokoroa
Written 13 August 2016
No price, just an alternate lifestyle who runs a large group of kuni kuni pigs. About 2-3 hrs from Tokoroa. You need to go to the Coromandel area as a destination, great place
Written 14 August 2016
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