Au-Ni core-shell nanorods (NRs) and Au-Pt-Ni core-sandwich-shell NRs are synthesized and exhibit high activity for selective H2O2 production via direct oxygen reduction. The epitaxial growth with coherent lattice fringes allow for the tuning of the oxygen reduction pathway. Moreover, a selectivity of 95% and mass activity of 192.9 A g(-1) noble metal are achieved using Au-Pt-Ni NRs at 150 mV overpotential.