The Auckland to Napier drive is a road trip full of remarkable landscapes, urban centres, and unforgettable attractions. Like any good self-driving holiday, the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
Whether you’re flying into Auckland Airport or picking up a car in Auckland City, this drive is your ticket to iconic sights. With so much to see and do, we’ve created a list of 20 must-visit stops to turn your drive into a road trip for the memory books.
Want the freedom to travel entirely at your own pace? GO Rentals has you covered with one-way rentals. We allow you to pick up your vehicle at one location and drop it off at a different one. That means you can carry on this road trip all the way to Wellington or a South Island location.
So, buckle up and let’s get GOing on your epic adventure!
The straight-line drive from Auckland to Napier takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes via State Highway 1 and State Highway 5, covering a distance of 415 km.
However, if you’re keen to turn this drive into an epic road trip, our itinerary offers a more scenic adventure. While it adds a bit of time to your journey, the trade-off is well worth it.
Get ready to GO on this epic journey through New Zealand’s North Island.
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!
One of my favourite places to visit in Auckland would be Cornwall Park and then climbing up One Tree Hill, especially in Spring time, you can see the lovely cherry blossom trees so it’s really nice if you want to take some photos or have a picnic there.
Camping on Motuihe Island – If you can brave the cold nights in the shoulder seasons, you have the chance to have the whole island to yourself!!
Hamilton Gardens is a great place to take in the beauty of the fauna and flora of NZ nestled around the Waikato River. Grab a picnic and your walking shoes and spend a couple of hours exploring the creativity around the multitude of garden concepts. My fav is the Italian Renaissance Garden. Helps to forget that you are in the middle of a city! It's always worth a stop when passing through H-Town.
If you're ever in Rotorua, I highly recommend stopping by Ali Baba's Tunisian Cuisine for a unique dining experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, it offers a delightful taste of North African flavors, with fresh, aromatic dishes that are perfect after a day of exploring Rotorua’s geothermal wonders. Whether you're enjoying the hot pools or taking in the vibrant culture, this restaurant is a hidden gem that adds an unforgettable touch to your visit.
As you leave the buzz of Auckland behind, the drive to Hamilton is a quick and easy cruise through beautiful countryside and charming small towns.
This hidden gem features 20 hectares of woodland trails, ponds, and open spaces. It’s a tranquil location found just outside Hamilton.
It’s the perfect spot for a quiet picnic or some birdwatching. Best of all, it’s free to visit, so you can take a break from driving without breaking the budget.
Hamilton Gardens is an internationally renowned attraction featuring themed gardens that transport visitors from all over the world.
Wander through the Italian Renaissance Garden, the tranquil Japanese Garden of Contemplation, and the fantastical Surrealist Garden.
There’s something to delight every visitor. It’s a perfect stop if the first leg of your road trip has you seeking some serenity.
If you’re looking for a spot to unwind, Hamilton Lake Domain (also known as Lake Rotoroa) is the place to be. It offers scenic walking tracks, playgrounds for the kids, and plenty of picnic spots surrounding the lake.
With a whopping 101 hectares of space, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after a lengthy drive.
The Classics Museum in Hamilton is home to over 100 vintage cars and motorbikes, making it a must-visit for petrolheads and history buffs alike. With ultra-rare collectibles and a number of restored beauties, the exhibits offer a glimpse into the evolution of motoring.
You can also grab a bite to eat at the on-site Jukebox Diner, serving classic milkshakes and burgers. It’s the perfect pit stop to refuel.
This short drive is packed with some of the North Island’s most iconic attractions. You’re on your way to some of the most stunning natural beauty in all of New Zealand, and there’s even time for a stop-over in Middle Earth.
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a magical attraction requiring a detour on the way from Hamilton to Rotorua. Even if you’re not a Lord of the Rings fan, stepping into this enchanting world is an experience like no other.
Wander past the charming Hobbit holes, stroll the green pastures of The Shire, and grab a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Guided tours provide fascinating behind-the-scenes details, making this stop truly unmissable.
Found once you reach Rotorua, the Redwoods Treewalk is a magical experience that blends nature and adventure. Walk among towering Californian Redwoods on a network of suspension bridges and platforms, some reaching heights of 20 metres.
At night, the forest transforms with a stunning lantern light display, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. It’s a peaceful yet thrilling way to experience the natural beauty of the region up close.
Step back in time to the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, New Zealand’s most famous archaeological site.
The village was destroyed during the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera. Today, you can explore the excavated remains and learn about the people who lived there. The site also features a museum, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic walking trails.
If you’re looking to experience Rotorua’s famous geothermal activity, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a must-visit.
Known for its vibrant, otherworldly landscapes, this geothermal park is home to bubbling mud pools. You also don’t want to miss the famous Champagne Pool and its bright orange rim.
You also need to check out Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily at 10:15 AM and can reach a height of up to 10-20 metres. It’s a surreal stop that showcases a unique side to New Zealand’s natural world.
As you approach the home stretch of your journey, this short but beautiful drive will present many more opportunities for adventure and wonder.
Just outside Taupo, the Craters of the Moon geothermal park feels like stepping onto another planet. Follow the wooden walkways through a surreal landscape of mud pools and hissing craters.
It’s an incredible way to experience the Taupo volcanic activity up close. Take an hour-long walk around the site to soak up everything it has to offer.
The nearby Craters Mountain Bike Park is an amazing location for mountain biking. There are more than 50 km of trails going through pine forests and geothermal landscapes.
Prepare to be blown away by the sheer power and beauty of Huka Falls. At this location, the Waikato River narrows dramatically into a thunderous 11-metre drop, pushing 220,000 litres of water per second.
Stand on the viewing platforms to feel the spray and snap some epic photos, or take a jet boat tour to get a closer look.
Lake Taupo is a must-visit for its sheer size and stunning beauty. Formed by a volcanic eruption that happened thousands of years ago, the lake today is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or even taking a boat cruise to see the famous Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay.
If you’re after something more relaxed, find a lakeside café or picnic spot and enjoy the incredible views of the water with the snow-capped peaks of Tongariro National Park.
For a dose of history and culture, visit the Taupo Museum and Art Gallery. This small museum tells the natural and cultural history of the region in beautiful ways. Highlights include a traditional wharenui (Maori meeting house) and a range of captivating art exhibitions.
For the final leg of your trip, you’re on your way to the city of Napier. Known for waterfront beauty and unique art deco stylings, you’ll be bursting with excitement to reach this gorgeous location.
Napier is famous for its stunning Art Deco architecture, which resulted from the city’s rebuilding after a 1931 earthquake. Take a guided art deco tour to discover beautifully restored buildings, learn about the history behind this iconic style, and marvel at Napier’s colourful streetscapes.
Located along Napier’s waterfront, the National Aquarium of New Zealand is home to an incredible array of marine life, both local and exotic.
Walk through the underwater viewing tunnel, where you’ll come face-to-face with sharks, stingrays, and schools of fish. You can also head to Penguin Cove to observe these beautiful creatures.
For breathtaking views of Hawke’s Bay, head up to Te Mata Peak, just a short drive from Napier in Havelock North. At 399 metres high, the peak offers panoramic views of the vineyards, rolling hills, and the Pacific Ocean.
Whether you’re driving to the summit, hiking the scenic trails, or mountain biking, Te Mata Peak is an unmissable stop for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike – especially at sunrise or sunset.
For a sweet and educational stop, visit the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre in Havelock North. Learn about the fascinating world of honeybees, watch live bees at work, and sample a variety of delicious honey products. Don’t leave without picking up a jar of your own to take home!
Before you GO on this adventure, here are four essential tips to make your Auckland to Napier road trip as smooth and stress-free as possible:
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We picked up our car from Auckland Airport - threw in our bags and headed to Hobbiton. What a fantastic day and brilliant way to start a holiday in NZ. We had a blast. Make sure you have lunch there too.
Our GO Rentals Mitsubishi ASX proved to be the perfect travelling companion, taking us through the amazing Taupo Volcanic Zone & beyond.
We just completed a marvellous stay in Taupo and Tongariro and decided to drive along the scenic route back to Napier. According to our GPS this route added 45 minutes to our trip compared to the usual #5 highway, but the scenery was breathtaking and worth every added minute... not to mention that there is very little traffic.
After what seemed like an ever-ascending drive, spectacular views from Te Mata Peak was our reward.
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 Napier and continue the road trip vibes to our Wellington branch for drop-off.
One-way rentals are a great way to maximise your trip before you have to step on the brakes.
The Auckland to Napier drive is much more than a journey from point A to point B. With our itinerary or some assistance from our road trip planner, you can squeeze in all the stopovers you need for a dream getaway.
Ready to kick things off? With GO Rentals, you can pick up your car at [Auckland City](/rental-car-locations/auckland-city/ or Auckland Airport and hit the road stress-free. Need flexibility? Our one-way rentals make it easy to plan your trip your way so you can focus on the fun, not the logistics.
Other perks of GOing with us include our Total Road Care Package, which offers 24-hour roadside assistance, toll road freedom and coverage for all government road taxes. You can also use the GO App to make a booking and check-in faster, all from the palm of your hand.
So, what are you waiting for? Get GOing and let the adventure unfold.
