Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Districts

What you told us

• We heard strong support for expanding services to more towns.
• Respondents were highly interested in weekend services and regional connections.
• Your key priorities were access to medical services, support for elderly and non-drivers, and affordable travel options.

How did community feedback shape the final decisions?

• Respondents preferred extending the Thames Connector to Ngatea rather than keeping the current schedule.
• The responses confirmed removing the Paeroa leg of the Eastern Connector and redirecting savings to further extend the Thames Connector to Paeroa, ensuring a new connection between Paeroa and Thames (via Ngatea).

What’s coming

Short term

• Thames Connector (70) will be reduced from five to three return trips per day.
• But with new extensions to reach Ngatea, Kerepehi, Turua and Paeroa (two return trips per day, Monday to Friday).

Medium term

• Thames Connector (70) will return to five return trips per day.
• New weekly district services to/from Thames (once a week, two return trips per day) will begin for these places:
  • Paeroa via Ngatea, Kerepehi and Turua
  • Waihi via Paeroa
  • Whiritoa via Whangamatā
  • Whitianga via Tairua
  • Coromandel Town.

Long term

• Weekend services added to Thames Connector (Saturday and Sunday).
• Increased frequency for district routes:
  • Most towns will have three return trips per day, five days a week.
  • Whitianga and Coromandel will have two return trips per day, five days a week.

View the full report for Thames-Cormandel and Hauraki Districts