Search New Zealand Car Rentals

Pick up from:
Drop off to:
Search now for the best car rental deals
Home › Itineraries › Drive Auckland To Wellington

Drive Auckland To Wellington: 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Your Ultimate North Island Road Trip

Keen for a legendary Auckland to Wellington road trip? You’re in for a good one with our 7-day itinerary. From rolling farmland to buzzing cities, this North Island route packs in the best bits of Aotearoa. Whether you're ticking it off for the first time or just haven’t done it in a while, there’s plenty to see—and a few surprises too! Before you set off, grab a reliable rental car from Omega, throw your bags in the boot, and hit the road.

Distance

Auckland to Wellington KMs total around 980, via the scenic route.

Number Of Days

7 days.

Auckland skyline May 2024 2

Auckland To Wellington Overview

Road Trip Essentials

  • Omega hire car with comprehensive insurance
  • Personal devices, charger, cables, power bank
  • Water, reusable water bottles, snacks
  • Layered clothing & rain gear
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat, sunnies, sunscreen & insect repellent
  • Download Gaspy to find the cheapest petrol stations
  • PetroPal Key Tag for fuel discounts at Z stations

Highlights

  • Tongariro National Park and volcanic landscapes
  • Lake Taupo—New Zealand's largest lake
  • Rotorua's geothermal activity and Polynesian Spa
  • Wellington Cable Car and Te Papa museum
  • Māori cultural experiences

Rental Car Recommendation

We’ve got a wide selection of well-maintained vehicles for your New Zealand road trip:

  • Economy Hatchbacks & Sedans: Perfect for couples or small families wanting fuel efficiency for longer drives
  • SUVs & 4WD Vehicles: Ideal for groups, longer road trips or more rugged terrain
  • Premium Vehicles: For those seeking a bit of extra leg room

Your Drive from Auckland to Wellington at a Glance

Day
Location
Distance
Travel Times
1
Auckland to Coromandel
170 Kms
2.5 - 3 Hours
2
Coromandel to Tauranga
240 Kms
4.5 Hours
3
Tauranga to Rotorua
70 Kms
1 hour

Day 1: City Vibes & Coastal Drives - Auckland to Coromandel

Auckland skyline May 2024 2

What To Expect 

Big-city energy leading to winding, bush-lined roads and ocean views that make you want to slow down and stay awhile.

Highlights 

  • Auckland's iconic Sky Tower and waterfront 
  • Thames coastal road scenery 
  • Coromandel town's artisan charm 
  • Driving Creek Railway mountain views 

Places To Stay 

  • The Church Accommodation, Hahei 
  • Fern Lodge, Coromandel Town 
  • Anchor Lodge Motel 
  • Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park 

Places To Eat 

  • Colenso Café 
  • Umi Sushi & Donburi, Coromandel 
  • Peppertree Restaurant, Thames

Things To Do

Where To Refuel

  • Z Tauranga Central 
  • BP Waihi Road 
  • Caltex Paeroa 

Kick things off with a wander around Auckland’s iconic city centre, grab a couple of coffees for the road, then set off for Coromandel. Once you’re out of the city, it’s all green hills, pohutukawa-lined coast, and spectacular views that make you want to pull over for a photo every ten minutes. Thames is a handy spot for a bite or a proper flat white, and if you’re into a bit of history, the old goldmine tour is worth a look. From there, the coastal drive to Coromandel town is pure magic—twisty roads, native bush, beach stops,and a few artsy places along the way.

Learn More About Auckland

Not in a rush to leave the City of Sails? You’ll find loads to do before you kick off your road trip. From kayaking to canyoning and swimming with dolphins, Auckland’s packed with ways to entertain the whole family.

Here are a few of our top picks:

  • AWOL Canyoning Adventures
  • Take Off with Auckland Seaplanes
  • Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
  • Fergs Kayaks Experience
  • Skydive Auckland Adventures

Day 2: Bay Bliss - Coromandel to Tauranga

1280px Walking up Mount Maunganui 09 5645002843

What To Expect

Coastal chill with a city twist—think beach walks, summit climbs, good coffee, and a buzzing harbour town that’s got plenty going on. 

Highlights 

  • Kaimai Range lookout 
  • Mount Maunganui 
  • Waihi Beach strolls

Places To Stay 

  • Trinity Wharf, Tauranga 
  • Pacific Palms Resort 
  • The Mount Backpackers 
  • Wanderlust NZ 

Places To Eat 

  • The General, Mt Maunganui 
  • Clarence Bistro 
  • Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market

Things To Do 

  • Summit walk up The Mount for panoramic views
  • Relax on Papamoa Beach 
  • Visit Tauranga Art Gallery

Where To Refuel 

  • Z Tauranga Central 
  • BP Waihi Road
  • Caltex Paeroa

Cruise from Coromandel through the Kaimai Range—it’s a bit of a climb, but the views are 100% worth it—then roll into Tauranga, one of the fastest-growing spots in the country. Mount Maunganui (we call it The Mount) is the star of the show. Hike to the top for killer views, or stick to the beach for a swim and a scoop of something delicious and cold. Or grab a serve of fish and chips and sit by the water, soaking up the vibes. But don’t skip Tauranga itself—this laid-back harbour city has enough coastal charm to make you consider extending your stay.

Day 3: Geothermal Wonders - Tauranga to Rotorua

img 1713665356 4040 1436976 tbd asset aWxvdmVrZWxseQo CropResizeWzk0MCw1MzAsOTAsImpwZyJd

What To Expect

Volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity.

Highlights 

  • Te Puia geothermal park
  • Redwoods Treewalk 
  • Polynesian Spa 

Places To Stay 

  • Regent of Rotorua 
  • VR Rotorua Lake Resort 
  • Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park 

Places To Eat

  • Atticus Finch 
  • Eat Street 
  • Capers Café 

Things To Do 

  • Whakarewarewa Māori Village 
  • Explore the Redwoods Treewalk 
  • Relax at Secret Spot Hot Tubs 

Where To Refuel 

  • Z Fairy Springs 
  • Mobil Rotorua Central 
  • Caltex Te Ngae 

On Day 3, you’re heading inland to Rotorua—where the ground bubbles and steams. The drive from Tauranga is pretty cruisy, and before you know it, you’re in New Zealand’s geothermal playground. Rotorua dishes up more than just world-famous bubbling mud pools and hot springs. You’ll find proper cultural experiences, like hangi feasts or a haka that’ll leave you with goosebumps. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, the Hobbiton Movie Set is just an hour away! 

Learn More About Rotorua 

If you’re craving more activities than sinking into hot pools or enjoying cultural experiences, Rotorua’s packed with ways to crank things up a notch.

Check out a few of our top picks: 

  • Scenic flights to Mount Tarawera
  • White Water Rafting
  • Outdoor KartSport circuit
  • Rotorua Canopy Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it worth driving from Auckland to Wellington, or should I consider a different mode of transport?

Flying might get you there faster, but you’ll miss a whole lot along the way! Driving gives you the freedom to explore in your own time—coastal detours, country towns, and more. The road from Auckland to Wellington is packed with epic views and local gems you won’t see from a plane window. If you’ve got the time, it’s 100% worth it—and with an Omega rental, you’re sorted for the journey.

2. What is the distance from Auckland to Wellington by car in KMs?

The direct Auckland to Wellington distance in KMs if you’re going straight down State Highway 1 is 680 KMs. But where’s the fun in that? Take the scenic route like we’ve mapped out in our 7-day itinerary of Auckland to Wellington, and you’re looking at around 980 km. Yes, it’s a bit longer—but you’ll cruise through coastal roads, volcanic hotspots, and small-town gems that show off the best of New Zealand’s North Island.

Where Will the Road Take You Next?

From bubbling mud pools to big city vibes, this Auckland to Wellington road trip proves the North Island's got plenty going on—and you’ve only scratched the surface. Keep exploring and check out our itinerary for the great North Island road trip, or enjoy an epic drive from windy Welly to sunny Napier. Wherever you’re off to next, Omega’s got the wheels to get you there. Trusted by locals and visitors, we’ll see you right. Hire a car today.

Book your rental car online with Omega Rental Cars

Book Now