Best Auckland road trip ideas: 4 perfect routes

It doesn’t matter which Auckland road trip you choose to take, be it to Piha, Wellington, Rotorua or Cape Reinga - you’re guaranteed an incredible adventure along the way!

If you haven’t yet set your sights on Auckland and its surrounding regions, then you’re in for a treat. This North Island city is the perfect starting point for exploring many different areas - each equally as amazing as the next. It’s time to choose your route and have the adventure of a lifetime. Start planning an unforgettable Auckland road trip with our itineraries below.

Auckland road trip ideas

Route 1: Auckland to Cape Reinga

Drive time: 5 hours 33 minutes Distance: 418km

With a 5-and-a-half hour drive, you can either knock this over in one day, or make a stop on the way to break it up. Opua in the Bay of Islands makes the perfect place to stop for the night, where you can go on one of their many cruises and check out the other islands for the day, or even enjoy a spot of dolphin watching.

Here are some of the highlights you can check out:

• Cape Reinga Lighthouse Walk: this is the number of things to do when you arrive in Cape Reinga. It’s a very easy and manageable 10-minute stroll, where you can walk along the cliff’s edge to look out at the seas.

• Taputaputa Bay: this is one of the most scenic beaches in Cape Reinga and has one of the bestcamping grounds in Auckland. It’s the perfect place to spend a night during your stay.

• Te Paki Sand Dunes: it’s the perfect activity for a day, where you can hit the sand dunes and have some adventurous fun.

• Bay of Islands: if you didn’t make the stop at Opua on the way there, then consider stopping on the way back, even if it’s just for a couple of hours to check out the amazing islands.

Route 2: Auckland to Wellington

Drive time: 7 hours 54 minutes Distance: 643km

This one is a bit more of a trek, but it’s well worth it. With almost 8 hours travel time, it’s best to break it up over two days. Taupo makes the perfect place to stop for the night and enjoy some of the outdoor sports on offer. From fishing to jet boating, kayaking, rafting, skydiving and plenty more. If you’re a thrillseeker, this stop is for you. It’s a great Auckland road trip that offers plenty to see and do.

Here are some of the highlights you can check out:

• Mount Victoria lookout: you’ll find amazing views of the wharf and city below. It’s a bit of a walk to get up, but well worth it.

• Head to Cuba street: you’ll find trendy shops, cafes, bars, and plenty of fun places to pop into and check out on the way.

• Wellington Botanical Gardens: It’s free and it’s beautiful, so make the time for this one.

• Ride the Wellington Cable Car: this classic cable car is a must-do on your trip. You can enjoy a ride up from the terminal, right up to the lookout.

• Te Papa Tongarewa: if you’re looking to learn a little about the history of New Zealand, then this is the place to do it. It’s a great museum with so much inside.

• Hamilton: on the way back, make a stop off at Hamilton and enjoy the gardens, galleries and more. ****

Route 3: Auckland to Piha

Drive time: 44 minutes Distance: 40.4km

If you’re looking for a quick trip, where you can stay a few nights and not have to travel too far, then this is the option for you.

Here are some of the highlights you can check out:

• Piha Beach: this is one of the most popular surfing spots in Auckland. It also offers plenty of rugged scenery for you to soak up while you’re there, with some lookouts you can head to the top of for some better views.

• Kitekite Falls: if you’re up for a bit of a hike, you won’t regret this one. You’ll come to an amazing waterfall and swimming hole, with plenty of lookouts along the way to offer some stunning views.

• Waitakere Ranges: this incredible mountain range includes a chain of hills that run 25 km long. You’ll spot plenty of wildlife, enjoy black sand surf beaches and so much more. Unfortunately, thanks to Kauri dieback disease, a number of the tracks have been closed to help protect the wildlife, so be sure to check before you go.

Route 4: Auckland to Rotorua

Drive time: 2 hours 48 minutes Distance: 227km

Another shorter trip that you can still get the most out of when it comes to site-seeing in Auckland.

Here are some of the highlights you can check out:

• If you feel like breaking up the 3-hour trip, then consider stopping off at Hamilton on the way. You can get outdoors and enjoy some bungy jumping or kayaking, so head to one of their amazing gardens.

• Check out the geothermal pools: the best way to explore is from the air, where you can head over Lake Rotoiti and have a soak in the secluded hot pools.

• Waimangu Volcanic Valley: this is an amazing site to explore up close. You can take a walk, or head on a cruise and weave your way around the steaming cliffs as you go.

• Te Puia: get in touch with some Maori culture and learn about their myths and legends at this New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

• Take a mud bath at Hell’s Gate before washing it off in the sulphur spa. It’s an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon.

Set off on a road trip from Auckland

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Then it’s time to hire a campervan in Auckland and take off today.

If you have more time on your hands you might want to consider heading on an Auckland toCape Reinga road trip, or even anAuckland to Wellington road trip to make the most of your time there. With so much to see and do, you could spend weeks exploring this amazing place.