This road trip itinerary is from Auckland to Wellington via Rotorua, Taupo, and Hawkes Bay and will take 3 to 4 days, with an option to extend it if you have more time. The total trip takes approximately 777km of non-stop travel. It will take you to stunning coastlines, pristine inland lakes, geothermal wonders, world-class wineries, and Māori cultural experiences along the way. We have made a list for you to experience all the top attractions so that you won’t miss anything on your trip.
Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua
Drive from Auckland: Roughly 3 hours (227km)
Cambridge
Drive south from Auckland on State Highway 1 through lush farmland and native forest to Rotorua. To break up the 3-hour drive, Cambridge is a great spot to stop for lunch and to stretch your legs. This quaint town has several delicious eateries and boutique stores for you to explore.
Rotorua
A popular tourist destination, Rotorua is an adventure playground set in exquisite scenery. The smell of sulphur marks the region as a geothermal area. From backpackers to lakeside resorts, luxury options and everything in between, there is accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Rotorua is one of the best places to learn about the Māori people’s history, customs, and beliefs. Visit the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, New Zealand’s most visited Archaeological site to learn about the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption.
Next on the list to explore is Te Puia which spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley. This place is home to the Pohutu geyser, mud pools, hot springs, and the national schools of wood carving. Tour Rotorua’s iconic living Māori village, Whakarewarewa, or take a National Kiwi Hatchery tour.
Day 2: Rotorua to Taupo
Drive from Rotorua: 1 hour (81 km)
Taupo
An hour’s drive the next morning takes you to Taupo, set in native bush on the edges of New Zealand’s largest lake by surface area. This is an angler's paradise with great fishing on back-country rivers, beaches, and Lake Taupo itself. Book a fishing charter, or enjoy other water-based activities like jet boating, sailing, cruising, kayaking or white-water rafting. Take a walking trail, find a quiet spot for a swim, visit hot pools or just soak up the sun on a beach.
Tours to see the giant Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings are popular, or for an incredible geothermal experience, head for the Craters of the Moon walk. Another must-do activity is a visit to the Huka Falls. This incredible waterfall is located a 5-minute drive from Taupo town centre and will leave you in awe when you see how powerful and mesmerising it is.
Take your pick of Taupo township’s array of eateries and drinking establishments for dinner to wind down after an epic day.
Day 3: Taupo to Hawke’s Bay
Drive from Taupo: 1 hour 50 minutes (143km)
After a relaxed breakfast at one of Taupo’s cafes, you’ll be in Hawkes Bay by lunchtime - it’s only a two-hour drive from Taupo. Hawke’s Bay located on the east coast of the North Island is known as New Zealand’s wine country, boasting over seventy wineries. In addition, Hawkes Bay is home to rich cultural sites and remarkable architecture.
Napier
Napier proclaims itself to be the Art Deco Capital of the world, the legacy of an earthquake that devastated the town, with the rebuild reflecting the architecture of the time. Go on an Art Deco walking tour and check out the museum to learn about the earthquake and how this town recovered. Explore Otatara Pa Historic Reserve in Taradale, just outside of town on the way to Te Mata Peak. The reserve has one of the most incredible defensive and settlement complexes in New Zealand. There are beautiful views from Mount Ruapehu to Cape Kidnappers on a clear day. Or simply walk, cycle, or skate along Marine Parade on the way to New Zealand’s National Aquarium.
Napier is the perfect place to be your base while you explore the Hawke’s Bay area. Choose from luxury to budget or backpackers accommodation for your stay.
Havelock North
The Arataki Honey visitor centre is nearby in Havelock North, as is Te Mata Winery and the very popular Black Barn. It’s possible to spend a week visiting all the wineries in this area, so choose a special few and drive safe!
Hastings
If you are travelling with children, Splash Planet is a must-do in Hastings, only a twenty-minute drive from Napier. Finish the day with a meal at Napier foodie hot spots Mister D or Café Tennyson and a glass of local wine.
Day 4: Hawkes Bay to Wellington
Drive from Hawkes Bay: 4 hours 6 minutes (326 km)
On day 4, you will make your way to the capital city Wellington. The drive takes approximately 4 hours without stops. If you would like to break up the journey, there are a couple of worthwhile places to visit along the route.
Masterton
Two and half hours inland on State Highway 2 is Masterton. The top of the list of things to do is to visit Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre. It’s 30 km north of the town, an epic 942 hectares of unfenced sanctuary for native wildlife.
Martinborough
Food and wine aficionados will love charming Martinborough, home to around 20 vineyards, all within walking or cycling distance of the village square. The region is best known for its Pinot Noir. It’s only a forty-minute drive through a stunning landscape from Masterton to Martinborough. If you've got a spare afternoon and it's the right time of year you can pop into the lavender fields and soak up their calm scents!
If you would like to extend your trip, stay in style at Parehua Resort, rent a holiday house, or the Martinborough Holiday Park offers sites for tents and has self-contained cabins.
Wellington
Martinborough’s beguiling vineyards are an hour and fifteen minutes drive away from Wellington City. A friendly cosmopolitan city with a vibrant arts scene set on an attractive waterfront, Wellington is New Zealand’s coffee, craft beer and culinary capital.
Don’t miss the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, entry is free, and you can spend hours exploring different exhibitions about New Zealand. Visit Zealandia - the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary or take a trip on the Wellington Cable Car located in Lambton Quay shopping district to enjoy panoramic views of the city. To refuel after a day of sightseeing head to Cuba Street where you will be spoilt for choice with delicious eateries.
This road trip to remember could be done in an action packed three or four nights or could easily be stretched out to a week.
From all of us at ___Mode, enjoy.
Updated on October 13, 2022.
