Auckland to Wellington: complete road trip itinerary

An Auckland to Wellington road trip is your ticket to some of New Zealand’s most remarkable geographic sites and cultural experiences.

Our team of travel experts have put together this Auckland to Wellington road trip itinerary so that you can hit up all of the North Island’s:

• Best sightseeing spots and attractions.

• Best food stops.

• Best Holiday Parks and Camping Grounds (both paid and free).

Along the way, you will bury your feet in golden sands and swim in crystal clear waters. You’ll relax in natural geothermal spas and soak in hot mud baths for hours. If you like, you can take a long hike through volcanic mountains, past emerald lakes and spectacular waterfalls. Finally, however, you’ll come to the creative hub of Wellington - where you’ll find some of NZ’s best casual dining and tourist attractions.

The ultimate Auckland to Wellington road trip

Total drive time:

One-way: 11hr 30min (876km).

Arrive in Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city! Known as the City of Sails, it is famous for its seaside setting and mountainous surroundings.

Auckland is a great base camp for road trips all around the North Island. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking up a vehicle, with nearly 100 privately owned campervans and motorhomes available for hire on Camplify. Plus, some of the best holiday parks and campgrounds around Auckland are only a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

The city of Auckland is itself recognised as one of the country’s top 10 tourist destinations. Nature lovers can take advantage of the countless scenic walks on the nearby islands of Rangitoto, Waiheke and Tiritiri Matangi. And history buffs will kick themselves if they miss out on Auckland Museum, recognised as one of the best museums in the Southern Hemisphere.

Day 1: Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula

Drive time: 2hr 30min

Distance: 170km

Any Kiwi will tell you that the first stop on a road trip from Auckland to Wellington should be the Coromandel Peninsula. This area is beloved by locals for its 400km expanse of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, misty mountain forests and laid back vibes. Kick off your shoes and spend the afternoon exploring some of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks.

Park at Hahei visitor car park and walk down to the sandy beaches of Mercury Bay, where you will find Cathedral Cove. This naturally formed white rock archway leads into a magnificent cavern and is a must-visit for all tourists. A 5-minute drive from Cathedral Cove, you will find Hot Water Beach. From below the beach’s golden sands, warm spring water bubbles up to the surface. Dig yourself a natural spa bath and relax as you take in the breathtaking views.

Paid camping:

• Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park (4.5/5 stars)

• Facilities: Beachfront access, modern bathroom blocks, clean communal kitchen, laundry, TV lounge and more.

• Price: $18 for unpowered sites and $22 for powered sites.

Free camping:

• Freedom Camping Little Bay (4.5/5 stars)

• Facilities: Drop toilets, picnic tables and trash cans.

• Location: 1hr north of Coromandel.

Day 2: Coromandel to Rotorua

Drive time: 3hr

Distance: 210km

Another of New Zealand’s most popular geographical sites, Rotorua is famed for its bubbling hot mud pools, therapeutic hot springs and spurting geysers. After you adjust to the sulphuric smell, you have the choice of either relaxing in a thermal spa or adventuring through ancient volcanic forests. But don’t forget to check out the cultural experiences on offer as well.

Just a 20-minute drive out of Rotorua you will find one of New Zealand’s most exciting geothermal attractions. Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland has a wide array of walking tracks (45-90 minutes long) that wind their way through world-famous landmarks such as the Champagne Pool coloured springs, bubbling mud pools and wide volcanic craters.

In the afternoon, head to Tamaki Maori Village, recently named one of the Top 10 Experiences in the World and the most awarded cultural experience in New Zealand. Take an adventure back through time as you make your way through the fully recreated traditional village. A wide array of live performances and interactive experiences bring ancient traditions and the stories of proud warriors to life.

Paid camping:

• Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park (4.2/5 stars)

• Facilities: Free hot thermal pools, modern bathroom block, clean communal kitchen, laundry, TV lounge, swimming pool and more.

• Price: About $25 for powered sites.

Free camping:

• Trout Pools Reserve Campground (4.1/5 stars)

• Facilities: Drop toilets, river walks.

• Location: 25min from Rotorua.

Day 3: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

Drive time: 2hr

Distance: 170km

Continue heading south from Rotorua and you will come to Tongariro National Park - New Zealand’s first national park. Opened in 1887, this park encompasses three famous volcanoes and now enjoys dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both cultural significance and outstanding natural value. Within the park, you can take your pick from several walking tracks that will take you past emerald lakes, steaming volcanic crates and ancient lava flows.

The 19.4km Tongariro Alpine Crossing is recognised as one of the best hikes in the world. However, if you feel like something a little shorter, the Taranaki Falls Walk is only 6km (2hr return) and extremely popular. It leads you to the 20m tall Taranaki Falls, which spectacularly tumble over the edge of a 15,000-year-old lava flow.

If you continue on the Taranaki Falls Walk, you will merge onto the 17.6km (6hr return) Tama Lakes Walk. Along the way, you will pass through tussock and alpine herb fields before reaching the emerald waters of the lower and upper Tama Lakes. These lakes have formed in old volcanic craters and are some of New Zealand’s most iconic geographic attractions.

Paid camping:

• Whakapapa Holiday Park (4.5/5 stars)

• Facilities: Hot showers and communal bathrooms, kitchen, free WiFi, shuttle bus, laundry, drying room, shop and more.

• Price: From $22 per night ****

Free camping:

• Ruatiti Domain (4.8/5 stars)

• Facilities: River access, drop toilets, tap water and BBQs.

• Location: 35min from Tongariro National Park

Day 4: Tongariro National Park to Wellington

Drive time: 4hr

Distance: 330km

At the southern tip of the North Island, you will find Lonely Planet’s “coolest little capital in the world” - Wellington. Like Auckland, Wellington is famous for its natural surroundings and cultural experiences. However, Wellington is also renowned for being a trendy hub of creativity.

The city streets are lined with cosy cafes that serve home-brew coffee and craft beer breweries that pour world-class ales. Should you get peckish, you are always within walking distance of some of New Zealand’s best casual restaurants, night markets and food trucks. And once you’re done grubbing, why not take a walk along the waterfront promenade or the sandy beaches.

A road trip to Wellington wouldn’t be complete without a charming ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car. Leaving from the city centre, the cable car takes you on a gentle 5-minute ride past the colourful timber houses of the surrounding hillside terraces. At the top, you will find the Wellington Botanic Gardens and a lookout that provides spectacular views of the whole city.

Once you return to the city centre, you must visit the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum - New Zealand’s national museum and art gallery. Since opening in 1998, Te Papa has attracted over 1.5 million visitors each year. It’s recognised as the best museum in NZ thanks to its cutting-edge interactive exhibitions and vast collection of both traditional and modern Kiwi artwork. Entry is free for all visitors, making this attraction a must-visit.

Paid camping:

• Camp Wellington Campervan Park (4.7/5 stars)

• Facilities: Hot showers and clean bathrooms, free WiFi, kitchen and lounge area, waterside views and more.

• Price: Sites from $25 per night.

Free camping:

• Evans Bay Marina Self Contained Camping (4.2/5 stars)

• Facilities: Tap water, dump station and public toilet.

• Location: City centre.

Your Next Road Trip

After you’ve completed your Auckland to Wellington road trip, you can either continue to the South Island by ferry or return north via the east or west coast of the North Island.

If you do return to the City of Sails, we highly recommend that you continue your road trip north from Auckland to Cape Reinga. On your way to the northern tip of New Zealand, you will pass the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic township of Russell and a number of the county’s best beaches and waterfalls. The best part is, this return trip can be completed in as little as 3 days - perfect if you’re in a rush!