Auckland weekend road trips: 20 perfect getaway ideas

There are so many awesome weekend road trips from Auckland that it can be difficult to settle on just one. Don’t worry though - our Kiwi travel experts are here to help!

We’ve compiled this list of the 20 best weekend road trips ideas from Auckland to include the following:

• Drive time from Auckland

• Distance from Auckland

• Information about the best attractions and sights

Just take your pick and away you go!

20 Weekend Road Trips From Auckland

1. Rotorua

Distance from Auckland: 227km

Drive Time: 2hr 40min one-way

Rotorua is recognised as one of the best places to experience traditional Maori culture in New Zealand. Take a weekend road trip to this lakeside town and get lost in the stunning native landscape. Your first day can be spent visiting a living Maori village and exploring the geothermal geysers (hopefully you get to see an eruption). But before you return to Auckland, make sure you soak in the natural hot spring and rejuvenate for the week ahead.

2. Lake Taupo

Distance from Auckland: 272km

Drive Time: 3hr 15min one-way

The shimmering blue waters of Lake Taupo are the perfect place for a weekend road trip from Auckland. Stay in the charming town of Taupo and take a scenic cruise around the lake so that you can see the extraordinary Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings that stand at 14m tall. Then take a casual Sunday stroll to the thundering Huka Falls before unwinding in the town’s geothermal hot springs.

3. Napier

Distance from Auckland: 411km

Drive Time: 4hr 50min one-way

Sitting on the edge of Hawkes Bay is the historic Art-Deco city of Napier. Wander through the streets and admire the beautiful buildings that have been restored to reflect the popular architectural styles of the 1930s. While you’re there, don’t be afraid to over-indulge at one of the many fine wineries or fancy restaurants around town.

4.Coromandel Coast

Distance from Auckland: 168km

Drive Time: 2hr 20min one-way

The Coromandel Coast is easily the most popular weekend road trip from Auckland. It’s home to NZ's best beaches, famed for its white sands, crystal-blue waters and unique rock formations like Cathedral Cove (one of the most photographed locations in the country). After a day exploring the surrounding rainforests on the Driving Creek Railway, kick back and watch the sunset in a self-made sand spa at Hot Water Beach.

5. Tauranga

Distance from Auckland: 205km

Drive Time: 2hr 31min one-way

Tauranga is a flourishing port city that is becoming an increasingly popular weekend getaway destination from Auckland. The Strand waterfront is lined with cafes, pubs and clubs where you can enjoy a coffee or a few stiff drinks. During the day, you can take a hike or catch some rays at Mount Maunganui, one of the country's best beaches just a 15-minute drive from Tauranga. And if you’re travelling with kids, take them to see the Hairy Maclary sculptures or book a local dolphin tour.

6. Bay of Islands

Distance from Auckland: 237km

Drive Time: 3hr 45min one-way

A few hours drive north of Auckland is the Bay of Islands, a cluster of 140 subtropical islands renowned for their untouched beauty. Numerous historical towns and sites can be found in the area, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed nearly 200 years ago. Be sure to spend some time taking a cruise or jet boat tour around the islands and snap a shot of the famous Hole in the Rock.

7. Hamilton

Distance from Auckland: 121km

Drive Time: 1hr 20min one-way

Set upon the banks of the mighty Waikato River is Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city. It is also the gateway to some of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Hobbiton Movie Set where you can take guided tours around some of the distinctive Lord of the Rings sets. The second day of your weekend road trip can be spent exploring the five amazing garden collections at the renowned Hamilton Gardens. Alternatively, you can see over 600 native and exotic animals at the Hamilton Zoo - the largest zoo on NZ’s North Island.

8. Cape Reinga

Distance from Auckland: 409km

Drive Time: 5hr 30min one-way

An Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip is perfect for those wanting to see the northernmost tip of New Zealand. From the beautiful historic lighthouse, you can look out over the merging point of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This place is of historical significance to Maori culture and is recognised as the point where spirits depart to the next life. On the way home, cruise along the famous 90 Mile Beach highway if you’ve got a 4WD vehicle.

9. Matakana

Distance from Auckland: 70km

Drive Time: 50min one-way

Matakana is the perfect Auckland weekend road trip if you enjoy the finer things in life, like wine and cheese! The streets of this quaint little city are packed with some of the best restaurants in the country. After a delicious meal, wash down your food with a class of award-winning Chardonnay or Sauvignon from one of the local wineries. And if you want to take some of the delicious local produce home for yourself, be sure to check out the Farmers’ Market open each weekend.

10. Piha Beach

Distance from Auckland: 43km

Drive Time: 45min one-way

Piha is only a short road trip from Auckland and is very popular with those looking for a more adventurous weekend getaway. Take your pick from a tonne of cosy accommodation options along the seafront and spend a day or two learning to surf. The dramatic black-sand beach is backed by rugged mountainous terrain where visitors can hike or take on some rock climbing or abseiling.

11. Russell

Distance from Auckland: 235km

Drive Time: 3hr 40min one-way

Russell is an awesome road trip for those wanting to learn more about Maori culture and NZ’s colonial history. Built in 1843, Russell was the first European settlement in the country and still retains its original layout and street names. Admire historic buildings like the Christ Church (NZ’s oldest church) and take a step back in time as you dine at the Duke of Marlborough (NZ’s first hotel, bar and restaurant).

12. Kerikeri

Distance from Auckland: 244km

Drive Time: 3hr 20min one-way

Kerikeri is another beautiful town in the Bay of Islands. It’s the perfect weekend road trip from Auckland for those wanting to learn more about the area's historical significance. Wander through lush green gardens and visit the oldest standing buildings in NZ. Then turn your attention to the Kororipo Conservation Site where fearsome Maori chief Hongi Hika once ruled a well-preserved village in the early 1800s.

1. Gisborne

Distance from Auckland: 480km

Drive Time: 6hr one-way

Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the sunrise each day - but it’s also one of the best weekend road trips from Auckland for those looking to simply kick back and relax. Follow the wine trails around the local region and try what the locals call “the best Chardonnay in New Zealand”. Then sit down at a waterside restaurant and enjoy a gourmet meal as you watch the sunset over the surrounding beaches.

14. New Plymouth

Distance from Auckland: 358km

Drive Time: 4hr 30min one-way

Nestled at the foot of snow-capped Mount Taranaki is the coastal city of New Plymouth. Those who are feeling a little lazy might be interested in meandering around the city’s beautiful gardens, parks, galleries and museums. For those feeling a little more energetic, you may want to take on the 13km New Plymouth Coastal Walkway or hike Taranaki - both have spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area.

15. Waiheke Island

Distance from Auckland: 49km

Drive Time: 2hr one-way

Load your car aboard the ferry in Auckland and take a half-hour ride to the stunning Waiheke Island - recently rated by Lonely Planet as one of the best regions to visit in the world. Once on the island, the 55km loop road will take you around the whole island in about 3 - 4 hours. Along the way, stop and soak in the sun on one of the island’s beautiful beaches or whittle away the afternoon at one of the many boutique wineries.

16. Waitomo

Distance from Auckland: 190km

Drive Time: 2hr 15min one-way

This quaint little village is one of NZ’s most popular tourist destinations, internationally renowned for its Glowworm Cave system. Book a walking or boat tour in advance and witness how thousands of native glow worms light the dark caverns below Waitomo. You can then spend your second-day black water rafting inside the caves or snap some photos at the extraordinary Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

17. Whangarei

Distance from Auckland: 160km

Drive Time: 2hr 10min one-way

A short road trip north of Auckland is Whangarei - a vibrant and artistic city surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest. Hike to the summit of nearby Mount Parihaka, once home to the largest Maori fortified village in NZ. Follow up with a visit to the towering Whangarei Falls, one of the most photographed spots in the country. Finally, finish your weekend with a seafood dinner at the waterfront marina and browse the local galleries.

18. Raglan

Distance from Auckland: 155km

Drive Time: 1hr 50min one-way

If you’re after an ocean getaway, you can’t beat a weekend road trip from Auckland to Raglan. This sleepy seaside town is perfect for those wanting to simply enjoy the sun and sand. Take your time perusing the local cafes and galleries whilst you let off some steam. And if you’re a surfer, be sure to pack your board and make the most of Raglan’s world-class left-hand surf break!

19. Puhoi

Distance from Auckland: 45km

Drive Time: 30min one-way

A short drive north of Auckland is the tiny historic village of Puhoi - famous for being settled by Bohemian immigrants from the Czech Republic in the 1860s. The village’s Bohemian traditions still run strong today and you can learn all about the town’s history at the Puhoi Heritage Museum. Alternatively, you can enjoy a casual stroll along the beautiful Puhoi River or grab some grub at the Puhoi Pub established in 1879.

20. Wellington

Distance from Auckland: 643km

Drive Time: 7hr 30min one-way

It’s probably best to save this Auckland to Wellington road trip for a long weekend - you’ll be glad you gave yourself extra time! New Zealand’s quirky capital city is renowned for being a cultural and artistic hub. Whilst in town, visit the highly-rated Te Papa Museum and ride the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views over the city. Then wander down Hannah’s Laneway and try a bit of the gourmet takeaway on offer. If you time your road trip accordingly, you may even be able to catch one of the exciting theatre productions or festivals that give Wellington its artsy reputation.

Are You Ready for a Weekend Road Trip from Auckland?

Equipped with our ideas for weekend road trips from Auckland, hopefully, you’ve found the perfect one! But have you thought about everything else that comes with planning a getaway?

If you need to hire a caravan, motorhome or campervan in Auckland, the best way to do it is with Camplify. Sort through heaps of privately-owned camper vehicles so that you can find the one that is just right for you! Plus, you also get comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance included in your booking.

You may also need to sort some camping accommodation whilst you’re in the city. No worries - just be sure to check out our list of the best camping grounds near Auckland.

Finally, if you finish your weekend getaway and decide you’re up for another adventure further afield, check out our list of longer Auckland road trip ideas.