aUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON

VIA NEW PLYMOUTH

Tall, narrow Bridal Veil Falls cascading into a pool surrounded by native bush near Raglan, a stunning waterfall stop on the Auckland to Wellington route.

Rugged rock outcrops and calm green waters perfect for kayaking in Raglan, a top adventure stop on the Auckland to Wellington route.

1. Auckland to Raglan

Head west to Raglan, a relaxed surf town famous for Manu Bay, where one of the world’s longest left-hand breaks rolls in. Raglan’s creative vibe is everywhere — from boutique shops to seaside cafés. Don’t miss Bridal Veil Falls, a 55-metre plunge waterfall just a short walk through lush forest. Overnight: Raglan.

2. Raglan to Hamilton Gardens

Leave Raglan and make a stop at the internationally acclaimed Hamilton Gardens. Unlike traditional botanic gardens, this award-winning attraction is designed as a journey through themed worlds — from an Italian Renaissance garden to a tranquil Japanese Zen court and even a quirky Surrealist garden. After exploring, continue south. You can either overnight in Hamilton or head closer toward Waitomo for the next day’s cave adventure. Overnight: Hamilton or Waitomo..

Formal Italian Renaissance Garden with central fountain, lion statues, neat hedges, and white pavilion at Hamilton Gardens, a stylish stop on the Auckland to Wellington drive.

Whimsical green archways and surreal plant shapes in the Surrealist Garden at Hamilton Gardens, a unique attraction along the Auckland to Wellington drive.

Three Sisters rock formations with dramatic cliffs and black sand beach near New Plymouth, a scenic coastal highlight on the Auckland to Wellington road trip via Taranaki.

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge in New Plymouth with its white arches and walkway under blue sky, seen on an Auckland to Wellington car journey.

3. Hamilton to New Plymouth

Begin the day at the famous Waitomo Caves, where glowworms twinkle like stars on a silent boat ride through limestone caverns. From Waitomo, continue west and follow the rugged coastline toward New Plymouth. Along the way, stop at the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock, striking sea stacks rising out of the Tasman Sea (best seen at low tide). Arrive in New Plymouth, a lively coastal city framed by the stunning silhouette of Mount Taranaki. Take a sunset stroll along the Coastal Walkway and admire the futuristic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. Overnight: New Plymouth.

4. Explore Taranaki

Dedicate the day to Egmont National Park, where trails wind through lush forest to waterfalls, alpine ridges, and panoramic viewpoints. Easy options include Dawson Falls, while serious hikers can take on sections of the Pouakai Crossing, with incredible views of Mt Taranaki reflected in tarns. Back in town, explore the Len Lye Centre (modern art + architecture) or wander Pukekura Park’s gardens and lakes. Overnight: New Plymouth.

Illuminated purple waterfall surrounded by lush greenery at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, a must-see natural attraction for road trips from Auckland to Wellington by car rental.

Reflective stainless steel exterior of Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth, a must-see modern art destination during an Auckland to Wellington road trip via New Playmouth

Cape Egmont Lighthouse set against the snow-capped summit of Mount Taranaki, showcasing dramatic coastal and mountain scenery on the Auckland to Wellington route via New Plymouth.

Reflective globe sculpture on Whanganui River lawn under clear blue sky, a modern artistic attraction during an Auckland to Wellington road trip.

5. New Plymouth to Whanganui

Drive south on Surf Highway 45, hugging the Tasman coastline and passing surfing villages. Stop at Cape Egmont Lighthouse for one of the best views of Mt Taranaki’s perfect volcanic cone. Continue to Whanganui, a riverside town rich in history. Ride the 1919 Durie Hill Elevator (New Zealand’s only underground elevator) to its lookout tower. The Whanganui River, legally recognised as a living being, offers jet boating and kayaking adventures. Overnight: Whanganui.

6. Whanganui to Wellington

Head south through the farming heartland and towns like Bulls and Foxton before reaching Wellington. Explore the capital’s vibrant waterfront, quirky Cuba Street, and take in sweeping views from Mount Victoria Lookout. Overnight: Wellington.

Traditional Dutch windmill in Foxton, New Zealand, under a blue sky, featured as a must-see stop on an Auckland to Wellington road trip.

Art deco MLC Building on a sunny Wellington street, surrounded by city life and traffic, seen on an Auckland to Wellington road trip.

Wellington Cable Car passing through green ferns with panoramic city and harbor views, seen during an Auckland to Wellington road trip.

Troll statue from The Lord of the Rings at Weta Workshop in Wellington

Explore Wellington

Start the day at Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, with interactive exhibits on Māori heritage, New Zealand history, and natural wonders. Film lovers can then join a Weta Workshop tour, where you’ll see props and models from The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and more. Take the historic Wellington Cable Car (running since 1902) to the Botanic Gardens and enjoy the views, then finish with a sunset at Mount Victoria Lookout. The site was once used as a WWII defence post and today offers sweeping panoramas over the harbour and hills – a fitting finale to your journey. Overnight: Wellington (or onward journey).