A road trip from Auckland to Wellington is a fantastic way to see the North Island. This 2-3-day itinerary takes approximately 9 hours of non-stop travel, which equates to roughly 719 km of distance. Along this route, you are spoilt for choice with places to explore, from beaches, glow worm caves, alpine mountains to the capital at the end. This guide recommends roughly 3 days to experience all highlights along the way, but you can extend this itinerary to suit your trip.
Day 1: Auckland to Raglan
Drive from Auckland: Roughly 2 hours (155km)
Raglan
Take State Highway 1 south of Auckland and follow the signs for Raglan. It’s a two-hour drive to this lively, creative town and surfing mecca. Boutiques and cafés make it an interesting stop – you can buy handmade leather goods from Soul Shoes on the Main wharf, and if you’re lucky, meet the shoemaker who has been working his magic since 1973.
Raglan’s Manu Bay is rumoured to have the longest, most consistent left-hand break in the world. Learn to surf with the Raglan Surfing School, go for a swim, or book a rock climbing, glow-worm canyoning and caving experience with Raglan Rock.
There is accommodation for every budget here, but if you’re after an eco-option or something a little different try Solscape, just outside of town.
Day 2: Raglan to Whakapapa Village
Drive from Raglan: Roughly 3 hours (226 km)
Waitomo / Waitomo Caves
After breakfast head inland, skirting the beautiful Pirongia Forest Park and passing through small farming towns to Waitomo. It’s an hour and a half drive from Raglan.
A visit to the famous Waitomo Caves is a must-do. Book a tour ahead of time to adventure through an underground wonderland of cave systems, subterranean rivers, and glow worms.
National Park
The next destination on your itinerary is National Park Village, an hour and a half drive from Waitomo. Once you leave the lush green of the native bush, you will be in awe of the alpines and tussocks that reign supreme on the Plateau here. Get ready for the first sighting of that snow-capped mountain peak – it's a moment to remember!
Set in a dual World Heritage site, National Park Village is your base for ski sports and other outdoor activities in the Tongariro National Park. It’s home to three volcanoes and a plethora of stunning alpine walks.
Whakapapa Village
Lodges, chalets, Air BnB and backpackers are plentiful in the National Park village. Whakapapa Village is tucked into the lower western slopes of Mt Ruapehu and is known as the gateway to the Whakapapa ski field. You might want to book accommodation for two nights here to get a full day of outdoor activities.
Day 3: Whakapapa Village to Wellington
Drive from Whakapapa Village: Roughly 4 hours (338 km)
Ohakune
A stunning 30-minute drive from Whakapapa Village is Ohakune. The township and its surrounds boast plenty of activities, accommodations, shops, and restaurants attracting visitors all year round. If you are there during the winter season, the Tūroa ski field is a 30-minute drive from here.
Another must-do activity in Ohakune is a Canoe experience. Book with Canoe Safaris for a fun-filled trip on either the Whanganui River or Rangitikei Rivers. You can also go on a horse trek or adventure to the mysterious Bridge to Nowhere.
Tongariro Crossing – Optional
Regarded as one of the best one-day hikes in the country, the track is immersed in dramatic and stunning scenery. On the track you can see three volcanic peaks including Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu. Remember the crossing is in an alpine environment therefore the weather conditions are unpredictable. Make sure you are prepared and check the weather forecast. It is recommended to allow 7-8 hours to complete the hike. You can freedom walk or book an experienced guide on the Tongariro Crossing website.
Both Ohakune and National Park Village have daily Tongariro track transport. The walk starts at the Mangatepopo end and crosses alpine meadows before climbing up through a moon-like landscape into the incredible rainforest to the Ketetahi end of the track to the shuttle pick-up.
Ohakune to Wellington
Drive from Ohakune: 3 hours 45 minutes (288 km)
From Ohakune travel down the coast to join State Highway 1. It’s three and a half hour's drive to Wellington. If you are looking for a rest stop, take a slight detour to Foxton Beach for lunch and a bottle of the famous Foxton Fizz.
Wellington
The windy capital city is known for its rich arts culture and wild weather. Wellington’s city centre is easy to explore on foot The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is a must do, entry is free, and you can easily spend hours exploring the number of different exhibitions. Head for Leeds and Cuba Streets for a colourful shopping and dining experience. If you have time book a tour of the Weta Workshop to see how movies such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and King Kong were brought to life. Or wander through Zealandia – the world’s first fully fenced eco-urban sanctuary.
Happy travels from all of us at _Mode!
Updated on October 12, 2022.
