A journey from Auckland to Wellington allows you to explore New Zealand at your leisure and discover new areas. Traveling by automobile between the two largest cities on the North Island, Auckland and Wellington, guarantees you don’t miss out on the outstanding cultural, natural, and tourist features. White sandy beaches, boiling geysers, crystal-clear lakes, and soul-soothing hot springs are a few examples. The 653km course takes 8 hours to complete (if there are no stops). Most visitors wish to add extra driving time and proceed to Rotorua after Matamata before continuing to Wellington via Taupo. Fewer alternate routes are less direct and take longer.
Intercity and Nakedbus are two well-established carriers that conduct regular routes. Every day at 7.50 p.m. Intercity departs from downtown Auckland and arrives in Wellington at 6.50 a.m. The travel time is somewhat more than 11 hours. Booking the overnight bus service is a more cost-effective option.
The Northern Explorer leaves from the Britomart Transport Centre in downtown Auckland. The train travels from Auckland to Wellington on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The journey takes slightly about 11 hours. The trip through the magnificent Tongariro National Park is the highlight of the seven stops. Passengers will travel through the volcanic environment depicted in the Lord of the Rings films as Mordor.
You can choose to go for a few days so you won’t rush to see the beautiful sights along this route. Here are some of the best blessings you’ll encounter on your journey.
Auckland
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Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, but once you start exploring, it feels more like a collection of lovely neighborhoods. Stroll around Ponsonby’s chic stores, relax on the beach at Takapuna, and dine at Britomart downtown. Pack a bag, jump in the vehicle, or rent a mobile home and head out of the city to uncover a collection of picture-perfect landscapes and coastlines. Auckland’s lively city offers a cultural experience for those looking for museums and art galleries. Those looking for excitement don’t have to travel far from the town since jet boat excursions in the harbor and leaping from Auckland’s harbor bridge, or Sky Tower are available.
Scenic Hotel Group provides high-quality lodging in central Auckland and near Auckland Airport. The Airedale Boutique Suites, originally the Scenic Hotel Auckland, is strategically placed for quick access to the city’s local attractions. Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport is a perfect position for on-the-go travelers. Public transportation, such as a bus, train or ferry, is an excellent way to move around Auckland. Taxis and uber are also available. They offer a free shuttle service from the airport to our Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our central city hotel, Airedale Boutique Suites, has valet parking.
Rotorua
Rotorua, a destination in its own right, is a geothermal wonderland full of things to do and sits on the geographic fault that produced it. Rotorua’s water and mineral-rich ground are ideal for rejuvenation. The terrain is full of bubbling dirt, rising steam, and colorful mineral elements that will keep photographers busy. It’s a city with excellent Mori cultural exploration opportunities and the Agrodome, a big functioning farm open for tours and shows. If that isn’t enough, it is also a haven for adventure, with luge, zorb, mountain biking, and other activities.
Taupo
If white water rafting, jet boat rides, and sky diving are on your list of holiday activities, Lake Taupo is the place to go. Make time for leisurely kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding to see the spectacular Maori rock sculptures that hang over the lake’s crystal clear waters – you can wash your aching muscles later in one of the thermal hot springs.
Tongariro National Park
Even if you’re not a regular hiker, the 19km trek through Tongariro National Park is well worth the effort, with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, emerald lakes, and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. The hike is certainly possible in a day, taking 6-8 hours to finish, and there are even shuttle services presently to drop you off at the starting line so you can get right into your rental car at the conclusion. Not nearly up to the task of a 19-kilometer hike? There are many shorter treks in the area, for example, a 20-minute trip to the flowing Tawhai Falls or a step to the edge of Mead’s Wall, one of the Lord of the Rings filming locations with amazing views of the valley below.
Hawkes Bay
Hawke’s Bay offers an incredible wilderness experience with its spectacular coastline and extensive expanses of unspoiled native rainforest. Natural features in Hawke’s Bay include lakes, waterfalls, coastal scenery, and animals. The North Island region is known for its beaches separated by rocky seaside cliffs and Te Urewera, New Zealand’s most extensive tract of native rainforest.
Travel to Te Mata Peak for breathtaking panoramas that will help you understand the geography of Hawke’s Bay area. The area’s nature routes are excellent for mountain bikers and hikers, and on a clear day, you can see hundreds of kilometers away from the Ruapehu volcano. Don’t miss Cape Kidnappers, which is home to the world’s largest accessible gannet colony, if nature is your thing. Cape Kidnappers, perched on the edge of rocky shoreline, is a must-see location in the Hawke’s Bay region. You can arrive here in various ways, including on foot, a tractor-trailer, a 4WD, or in a kayak.
The strange city of Napier emerged following a significant earthquake, resulting in many exquisitely preserved 1930s architecture. As a result, entering Napier’s bustling city center is like entering a time machine. Admire the Mahia Peninsula’s breathtaking shoreline. The Mahia Peninsula has vast to offer, including pristine sandy beaches, stunning vistas along the road and from several treks, and a surfer and diver’s paradise. You may even witness a rocket launch from Rocket Lab if you’re lucky. The deviation from the regular tourist path won’t be regrettable!
Wellington
Wellington receives 750,00 visitors each year attracted by the city’s art, culture, and appreciation of fine coffee. It’s a little resort that packs a punch thanks to its lovely harbor, lively waterfront, and strategically situated attractions. Explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s interactive national museum, to get the whole Coolest Little Capital experience. The Pacific Cultures area is spectacular, with over 13,000 objects on display. Paddle a carved waka (canoe) around the harbor for a practical traditional Mori experience.
The numerous art galleries vying for your attention in Wellington indicate no shortage of creative inspiration. Even more coffee shops exist to persuade you that a Wellington brew is superior to a Melbourne one. There is only one way to learn!
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Wellington?
The best time to visit Wellington is from December to February, when the weather is at its finest. However, remember that this is also the busiest time of year, so accommodation and flights may be more expensive. March to May and September to November are also good times to visit, as the weather is still pleasant and there are fewer crowds. The winter months of June to August can be chilly, but you’ll find lower prices on accommodation and flights.
What is the best way to get around Wellington?
The best way to get around Wellington is by public transport. The city has an excellent bus network, and trains and ferries also run regularly. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, it may be worth investing in a Hop card, which gives you unlimited travel on public transport for a certain period. You can also explore Wellington on foot or by bicycle.
Auckland to Wellington by train
The Overland Train between Auckland and Wellington is one of the most scenic rail journeys in New Zealand. The journey takes around 12 hours, so you can sit back and relax as you take in the stunning scenery of the North Island. The train stops at several key towns and cities along the way, including Hamilton, Taumaranui, National Park, Ohakune, and Palmerston North. You can also upgrade to a First Class ticket for an even more comfortable journey.
Auckland to Wellington by bus
If you’re on a budget, taking the bus is a great option for getting from Auckland to Wellington. The journey takes around 11 hours, and several daily services are available. You can also take your bike on the bus, which is a great option if you plan to cycle in Wellington.
Can you drive from Auckland to Wellington in one day?
It is possible to drive from Auckland to Wellington in one day, but it’s not recommended. The journey is around 600 kilometers, and there are several stops along the way that you’ll want to make time for. Plus, the drive can be quite tiring, so it’s better to break it up into two days if possible.