The Auckland to Gisborne drive is one of the most scenic and adventure-filled drives in New Zealand's North Island. The route is packed with must-visit destinations; from hot pools, waterfalls, and gorges, to amazing wineries and gorgeous hiking trails.
Don’t have the headspace to plan a whole road trip? Follow our comprehensive itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out on the important stuff on your North Island journey!
With our wide range of vehicles to pick up in Auckland, you’re free to choose your own adventure. You’re also free to pick the travel companion that’s right for you and your loved ones.
So, let’s get you GOing!
Trip distance: 499 km
Days: 3-4
Car recommendation: Large cars/SUVs or Hybrid vehicle
Suitable for: Foodies, wine-lovers, adventurers, families or couples
The drive from Auckland to Gisborne will take you between 6-7 hours to drive (499km).
But with so much stunning scenery and things to do, the journey is as worthwhile as the destination. That’s why we’ve crafted this 3-4 day itinerary to make sure you get the most out of every leg!
Kia Ora from our award-winning employees! We are passionate about New Zealand and have put together our insider local tips to GO the extra mile for our customers!
There are some lovely quiet beaches and walks around where I live in Whangaparaoa, one of them being Shakespear Park. Only a short drive from Auckland, often early in the morning you will be the only person on the beach.
If it’s a nice day out then I will usually meet up with friends and head out to one of the many beaches around Auckland. Mission Bay is already great as the views of Rangitoto are amazing, but if I’m feeling like a drive, we will head up to Orewa and get lunch at one of the restaurants there. The walk along the beach is always welcome after too!
A large, scenic park filled with waterfalls, ponds, and beautiful trees; McLaren Falls Park is a fantastic spot for nature lovers. Within the park, you’ll find several trekking trails and plenty of picnic areas, making it a perfect day out. visitors can also camp overnight, setting up tents to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. At night, take a stroll through the forest to witness the magical glow of the famous glowworms lighting up the darkness. Tip: The park closes early, so if you want to see the glowworms, it’s best to stay in the campground.
I did the Mt Maunganui walk when I visited Tauranga and it was great. It is about 45 minutes to walk around the base of the Mount. You can see waves crashing onto the rocks and there is an option to climb the steps to the summit for a breathtaking view of Tauranga. If you are lucky, you may have a chance to see a seal named Oscar. It was living on the rocks around the base of the Mount.
As one of New Zealand’s most happening places, Auckland is the perfect combo of metropolitan and natural. So whether you’re a city-slicker, outdoor enthusiast, or self-professed wine connoisseur, there’s something here for you.
With this vast amount of attractions to explore, we recommend giving yourselves at least 1-2 days here.
Chasing a thrill? Why not Sky Jump off the iconic Auckland Sky Tower? 192 metres above ground level, this challenge isn’t for the faint of heart, but makes for some great memories and legendary stories to take back home!
For those who want the sights but not the scares, you can also walk around the ledge of the tower. The views across the city are truly unlike anywhere else.
For the cultured, this art gallery is the perfect place to visit if you want to soak in world-class local and international exhibitions. Take a break from the outdoors and immerse yourself in art for the arvo.
Home to wildlife sanctuaries, crystal clear beaches, wineries, and an active volcano, Hauraki Gulf is a must-visit destination on every New Zealand bucket list. From spotting dolphins and catching a wave at the surf beaches, to enjoying delicious wine and luxury dinner cruises, this one can’t be missed.
Fondly known as the “Island of Wine”, Waiheke Island is the perfect spot for a long lunch or a wine tour. Take in spectacular views and explore the island while savouring local wine and delicious food. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the simple life!
New Zealand's youngest and largest dormant volcano cone, Rangitoto Island is our top pick for kayaking during sunset before paddling back in under the stars.
See the black lava lakes, spot the emerald islands of the Hauraki Gulf, and take in the largest pohutukawa (New Zealand's Christmas Tree) forest in the world!
Whether you take a tour or go out on your own, this is one for the books (and the whole family!)
Just 40 minutes from Auckland, Pokeno is a small town that’s much more than just a pit stop! It’s a destination of its own.
A town known for its bacon and ice cream? That’s a green light from us!
Locals from all over New Zealand and international tourists flock to these eateries. Using only local pigs, Pokeno Bacon specialises in handmade pork goods.
Looking for something a little sweeter? Wander a little further down the road and get yourself a world-renowned 15-scoop of ice cream while you’re there. Just remember, sharing is caring!
Settle in for a spot of fishing at Waikato River or take the kids for a cycle around the famous Waikato trails. Just note that while the majority of the ride is easy, the 100km bike trail is split into 5 sections - each named after a lake created by hydro dams - with certain parts only being suitable for fit and experienced riders.
You can spend almost a whole day exploring the river and each new natural delight it unveils. However, there’s still more of the Island to explore! So, let’s move onto the next leg of the journey.
Located in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga boasts a diverse range of activities and attractions for any budget! Take your pick of the following well-known activities, or go off-road and find what calls you. So long as you have a GO Rentals car, there’s nowhere you can’t GO.
Just a 30-45 minute hike to the summit, this iconic volcanic cone features breathtaking views of Tauranga and its surroundings. Think white sand surf beaches everywhere you look and 360 scenes of the Bay of Plenty.
The main beach at this volcano’s “Mount” has been voted one of the top 5 best beaches in New Zealand by Trip Advisor in 2024. This award was delivered for a good reason. It is the perfect place to catch a wave, bodyboard, spend the day people-watching on the beach, or have fun however your heart desires.
While you're at the Mount, visit Pilot Bay for some serenity. Unlike the surf and turf of the Mount, this calm bay is a good place for relaxed swimming and paddleboarding.
Within the Bay of Plenty, Whakatane is rich in Maori culture and known for its natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting significant sites or relaxing in hot springs, Whakatane offers something to remember.
Ohope Beach spans an impressive 11km of golden sand, abundant sunshine, and safe waters. It's a great choice for family swimming or a lazy day on the beach under the rays.
If you're after a bit more action, paddle or kayak around the bird nesting sites of Ohiwa Harbour. You can't go wrong with whatever you choose to do with your day!
Meaning the “Footprints of Toi”, Nga Tapuwae o Toi is a gorgeous walking trail featuring native forests, sites of historical significance, unreal coastal views, and scenic reserves.
Stop at one or all three trails that this area boasts. The walkways are accessible and suitable for all fitness levels! For those looking for a challenge, the entire length of the tracks is 16km (and would take around 5-6 hours to complete), but they can be tackled in sections for those less inclined or time-pressed.
Protected under the Department of Conservation (DOC), Moutohora is one of Aotearoa’s best-kept secrets. The splendour of the area is often explored through guided walking or kayak tours, but you can traverse the wildlife sanctuary your own way.
Spanning 143 hectares, the sanctuary is located on a remnant volcano and is home to many of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds, and reptiles! Native icons you may be able to spot include dolphins, blue penguins, seals, and a host of colourful birds.
Sometimes, one hotspot for natural beauty and native fauna isn’t enough. Luckily, we have another option on this leg of the journey to visit. Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park is not only a biodiversity hotspot, it’s also a must-see forest.
Engulfed by towering trees and gushing rivers, the national park is known as a local treasure and is consequently protected by the DOC.
The final destination - Gisborne - caps off our itinerary of destinations in New Zealand's North Island to visit. With so many fun things to do and beautiful places to see, it's nearly impossible to tire of.
A sacred mountain of the Ngati Porou people, Maunga Hikurangi is also the first place in the world to see the sunrise! You may have to get up early to catch the glorious sight of the morning’s rays, but the photo opportunity will be worth it!
While up there, you can also take the chance to delve into some history. Learn the meaning behind the magnificent nine carvings located at the peak, imbued with meaning that any local expert or tour guide would be happy to explain.
Itching to dive into New Zealand’s watery depths? This reef is the perfect opportunity to make this dream a reality.
Head to the shallow reefs at low tide with tour guides and swim up close with the stingrays and eagle rays. These majestic creatures won’t be the only ones you get a chance to see, so be ready to spend the whole day marvelling at what the sea has to offer.
Grab a boogie board and slide your way down Rere Rockslide. While the name may suggest a hard landing, it is actually a 60-metre-long slope that opens into a 4-metre-deep swimming hole. Rere truly is New Zealand’s most thrilling natural waterslide!
However, make sure you check the weather before heading here, and ensure you’re a confident swimmer to avoid any trouble!
Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway to Gisborne wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Tolaga Bay Wharf. Stretch your legs along reputedly the longest wharf in the Southern Hemisphere (660m!) and keep your camera handy.
Besides being utterly beautiful, Tolaga Bay is notoriously where Captain Cook sailed in to meet the Te Aitanga a Hauiti tribe when he first reached New Zealand. So, take the moment to draw in the echoes of history before heading to our last suggested attraction.
Top off a day of sun and surf at a local brewery or winery, the true New Zealand way. We suggest Sunshine Brewing since they serve up hand-crafted beers and tacos when the stomach rumblings hit!
While the Auckland to Gisborne drive is a fun-filled one, we’ve got some road trip tips to make sure it’s a safe one. After all, safety comes first, no matter the adventure at hand.
Our Snap Happy Photo Competition has customers revv’d up about how far they can go in a modern car hire in New Zealand! Submit a cool photo of your GO travel memory and be in with a chance to WIN up to $500 back from your booking too.
A beautiful sunrise captured from the majestic Kaipara Hills. I am a repeat customer of GO Rentals and cannot fault the exceptional service I receive every time.
This photo was taken today at the Rere Falls, during our 4-day short driving vacation to Gisborne. As always, this time too, a GO Rentals car is our inevitable choice for a hired car companion. They have always been providing us with a reliable option of a car, suitable to our needs and budget. This time it is this RAV4 Hybrid. We decided to include it in this photo. Thank you GO Rentals!
It was an awesome day to stop in a GO Rentals reliable rental Ute. Ohope Lookout Point on my way to Gisborne.
Our GO Rental Car allowed us to GO anywhere and do anything - including GOing out of our comfort zone and spending some time glamping in gorgeous Whakatane!
The best part of a Kiwi road trip is the freedom of the open road. With GO One-Way Rentals, you can gear up for an epic North Island trip, without the stress of returning to your starting point in time for drop-off.
Pick up a one-way Auckland to Wellington hire car for your drive to Gisborne and continue the road trip vibes to our Wellington Airport branch for drop-off.
One-way rentals are a great way to maximise your trip before you have to step on the breaks.
The Auckland to Gisborne drive is an adventure of a lifetime! With activities and attractions catered to every budget, preference, and interest, it’ll be a road trip worth raving about for years to come!
But when you’re navigating a new country for the first time, it’s natural to feel a little cautious. Not to worry though, GO Rentals will be your trusty travel companion. With 24-hour roadside assistance included in your Total Road Care package and basic car insurance coverage, you can rest assured that we’ll never leave you stranded!
Our GO App makes it easier than ever to reserve a vehicle, book a shuttle from our Auckland Airport branch, and even check in faster.
Don’t forget to enter our Snap Happy competition and go in to WIN up to $500 back from your rental booking when you submit your travel snaps to our photo comp!
Get GOing with us today.
