Road Trip New Plymouth to Auckland Drive: 20 Amazing Stops

The New Plymouth to Auckland drive is a long, beautiful road that takes you past some of the most unique locations on the entire North Island. From glow worm caves to iconic film sets, the most fun destinations in all of New Zealand are just waiting on the road for you.

But if you don’t know where exactly you should go on your holiday, don’t worry. GO Rentals has a perfect itinerary for your journey. We’ll make sure you don’t miss out on hidden gems or must-do activities while you're in New Zealand.

Ending your journey in Auckland? With our one-way rental program, you can organise a drop-off at the GO Rentals branch of your choosing. This means you can create your ideal trip without having to head back to your starting branch.

With over 6 hours of driving time, there’s plenty to see on the road to Auckland. Book a vehicle today and let's get you GOing!

Quick Stats

Trip distance: 500 km
Days: 3-6
Car recommendation: Large cars/SUVs or Hybrid vehicle
Suitable for: Families, couples, nature lovers, and adventure seekers

Road Trip Map

How long is the New Plymouth to Auckland drive?

Heading straight to Auckland from New Plymouth should take roughly 4 and a half hours to complete. Even if you aren't sightseeing, you should never try to drive for this long without rest breaks.

This route from New Plymouth is home to some fascinating hidden gems like the Forgotten World Highway or the Otorohanga Kiwi House. Our itinerary will take you through a slightly longer route, but we assure you, the trip is well worth your time!

We recommend giving yourself 3-6 days to comfortably see everything without a stressed schedule. Buckle up and get ready for a journey you'll never forget.

New Plymouth to Auckland Tips from our Local Staff!

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!

Selah from HQ IT Team

During my visit to New Plymouth, two places completely stood out, and I highly recommend them to anyone exploring the region. The is a stunning 11km path along the Tasman Sea. Walking or biking here is such a relaxing experience, with beautiful views of the coastline at every turn – it’s a great way to soak in the seaside charm. Another highlight for me was Mount Taranaki. There are trails for everyone, whether it’s a short walk like the Ngatoro Loop or the longer, more rewarding Pouakai Crossing, which offers incredible views of the mountain reflected in the tarns. It’s a magical place that showcases the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty. If you’re in New Plymouth, don’t miss these!
Joe from HQ Fleet Team

The Hillsborough Car Museum just outside of New Plymouth is a great way to spend a chill afternoon while making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s got a Luge track, a Bathurst themed mini golf course, a huge array of Holden cars and memorabilia on display, all topped off with an onsite café so you can make sure to get your caffeine fix.
Gemma from the Auckland City Branch

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!
Michael from HQ IT Team

Gibbons Track First Lookout Point – This is a fantastic half-day hike in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. It starts at the Whatipu car park and winds through dense forests, mountains, and rivers. Here’s a tip: you can return along Whatipu Beach, though it’s still a long walk, taking around 3 hours. The full loop covers about 19 kilometers. In spring, Whatipu Beach is covered with thousands of wild yellow lupine bushes, making September to November the perfect time to hike this trail and catch the lupines in bloom.

1
Arrive in New Plymouth

Before you head on the path to Taumaranui, be sure to spend a day or two in New Plymouth. New Plymouth is the largest city in the Taranaki region, and the centre of local cultures, arts and events.

Here are some must-see sights while you’re in the city:

Pukekura Park

Pukekura Park is a beautiful 128-acre park right in the heart of New Plymouth. Enjoy some time in one of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens. Admire local fernery and display houses while you walk through garden estates.

Pukekura Park is also home to some of New Zealand's famous native wildlife. See the famous large eels in the fountain lake, or take a moonlight walk to see hedgehogs, hear whistling tree frogs and more.

Puke Ariki Museum

Puke Ariki Museum is the main knowledge hub of New Plymouth. This combination of library, research centre and museum is the best place to immerse yourself in the region's heritage and culture. Enjoy exhibitions dedicated to the profound effects of kapa haka, or honour local heroes like Dalvanius Prime.

The Taranaki Research Centre also has an excellent collection of reference books and archives detailing the stories and legends about the region, as well as artifacts and relics.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

Take the time to stretch your legs before you hit the road. The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is a gorgeous 13.2km path that extends all along the New Plymouth coastline. Whether you’re running, cycling, skating or using an e-scooter, the walkway will provide beautiful views with plenty of access points along the way.

If you need a quick break from the shoreline, you can also find outstanding artwork and farmlands along the path. Or, take a quick break at the picnic tables on the East End playground.

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

Find the region’s most bold and courageous contemporary art in the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. The strikingly designed metal building will be hard to miss as you approach.

Home to artist Len Lye’s artwork across multiple media, the museum is a public, free-access experience showcasing fresh ideas from New Zealand and the world.

The Gallery is world-famous for its absolute commitment to contemporary art of the Pacific region. Exhibits include stunning expressions of local culture, short films and animations and hands-on experiences.

2
New Plymouth to Taumaranui, via Forgotten Highway (188 km - 3 hours and 4 minutes)

Take the road less travelled to enjoy one of New Zealand's most interesting hidden gems. This longer route to one of the largest towns in the Ruapehu district will take you through the wild and untamed roads of State Highway 43, better known as the Forgotten World Highway.

The Forgotten World Highway

Enjoy a 3-hour drive through New Zealand's oldest heritage trail and the only unsealed highway in the nation's network. The Forgotten World Highway is a 155 km road through sub-tropical rainforests untouched by civilisation.

If you need a quick break from the long drive, the highway goes through plenty of charming towns and villages.

Forgotten World Adventures

Forgotten World Adventures is your best way to learn more about the fascinating history of the ‘Forgotten World’ and experience the area for yourself. Travel by an abandoned railway while your guide shares the details of New Zealand's pioneering history.

Lauren's Lavender Farm

Lying right beside the Whanganui River, Lauren's Lavender Farm is a beautiful and tranquil attraction offering coffee, in-house lavender products and booked activities. Take a break from the highway and admire the stunning lavender fields while enjoying a coffee at the farm's cafe.

Please note that the cafe is closed for the winter period.

Taumarunui Holiday park

For some amazing accommodation in Taumaranui, check out the Taumaranui Holiday Park. It's perfectly located on the banks of the Whanganui River. That makes it the ideal location for any water-based activities on your agenda.

It offers tent sites as well as full self-contained family units, perfect for any traveller.

3
Taumarunui to Otorohanga (101 km - 1 hour and 17 minutes)

After spending the night in Taumaranui, you're ready to kick off the second leg of your journey. This is a fairly short drive, but you'll want to save yourself plenty of time to take in all the sights along the way and at your final destination.

Waitomo Caves

Take a quick detour on your way to Otorohanga to visit the Waitomo caves. There are three caves that make up this network; the Glow Worm Cave, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave.

The Glow Worm Cave is the most famous of the three, offering an astonishing experience as you travel through the cave and admire chambers like the Cathedral. Then, you'll enjoy a boat ride to the stunning glow worm grotto.

You don't want to miss out on the other caves, either. Ruakuri is the largest of the three and offers an impressive experience itself. Aranui is most famous for an incredible array of stalagmites and stalactites.

Best of all, you can get a multi-cave combo deal allowing you to enjoy all three caves at a discounted rate.

Otorohanga Kiwi House

What's a trip to New Zealand without seeing the famous Kiwi? Otorohanga Kiwi House is an amazing place to get up close and personal with these delightful creatures.

Don't miss out on an informative keeper talk session to learn everything there is to know about the Kiwi. Otorohanga Kiwi House is also home to other famous New Zealand birds like the kea, kaka and kakariki.

Ed Hillary Walkway

This walkway in Otorohanga is named after the famous mountaineer who scaled Mount Everest in 1953. The walkway is dedicated to displaying iconic pieces of New Zealand culture. From the haka to the pavlova, it's a great way to learn more about the country.

4
Otorohanga to Hamilton (56.5 km - 47 minutes)

Whether you've stayed the night in Otorohanga or are continuing on your journey on the same day, there's plenty to get excited about as you approach the home stretch.

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens offers one of the most enchanting experiences you'll find on New Zealand's North Island. Whether you join a tour or just browse these gardens yourself, you'll be treated to gardens celebrating different time periods like Ancient Egypt and Renaissance Italy.

Or, you can check out Te Parapara, the world's only traditional productive Maori garden. It's a fascinating insight into Maori culture throughout history and today.

Zealong Tea Estate

Love a cup of tea? You won't regret checking out Zealong Tea Estate. It's the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand, and it offers a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

You can take a guided tour with a range of tea-tasting options. You can also book accommodation on the site to really soak in the atmosphere.

Hobbiton Movie Set

If you love the Lord of the Rings, you simply cannot miss out on a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Go back to the place where Frodo's journey began with guided tours through this 12-acre movie set.

See famous Middle Earth sights like Bag End, Bagshot Row and the Green Dragon Inn. There's also a range of add-ons available for your tour, like a lunch combo and a more extensive behind-the-scenes tour.

Kiwi Balloon Company

Now that you're in the stunning Waikato region, there's no better way to take it all in than with a hot air balloon ride. The Kiwi Balloon Company is based in Hamilton and offers an unparalleled perspective of the surrounding area.

Jump on board and get ready for the most Instagrammable moment of your journey.

5
Hamilton to Auckland (129 km - 1 hour and 57 minutes)

Get ready for the final leg of your journey. You're on your way to New Zealand's largest city, an urban hub with plenty of things to do. Make sure to head off bright and early to take on this drive and have plenty of time to enjoy what Auckland has to offer.

Cornwall Park

You might think that the natural delights of your trip are over, but you'd be very wrong. Cornwall Park is a stunning location offering beautiful oak trees as well as a large number of grazing sheep and cattle.

You can explore the best of Cornwall Park by following the Cornwall Park Loop Path.

Weta Workshop Unleashed

Want another epic cinematic experience on your New Zealand road trip? Head to Weta Workshop Unleashed in Auckland SkyCity. This is a 90-minute movie tour where you'll get to interact with mock film sets, fantastical yet realistic characters and so much more.

It's an amazing time for film lovers of any age.

Museum of Transport and Technology

New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum can teach you a lot about the history of transport in the country. It includes interactive exhibitions, a historic village and a ride on a heritage tram. It's the perfect way to sprinkle a little education into your North Island road trip.

Auckland Botanic Gardens

While you're in Auckland, don't forget to check out these stunning botanic gardens. Some of the most popular areas include the African Plants Garden, the Edible Garden and the Harakake Collection.

Best of all, Auckland Botanic Gardens offers free entry, with guided tours available for a fee.

New Plymouth to Auckland road trip tips?

As you get ready for your New Plymouth to Auckland adventure, here are a few road trip tips to keep in mind:

Toll roads:
When driving around Auckland and the surrounding area, you may find yourself on one of New Zealand's three toll roads. Fortunately, with GO Rentals' Total Road Care package, we cover the cost of all your toll road travels including admin fees.
Road rules:
Remember that New Zealand's road rules might be slightly different compared to what you're used to. Check out our tourist's guide to NZ road rules for the information you need for a safe journey.
Plan ahead:
The route we've suggested for this drive takes you to some more rural locations. This means you should prepare for limited mobile coverage at times. Use our road trip planner tool to help you choose the perfect route for you, and make sure you have your fuel stops earmarked.
GO Rentals perks:
If you're taking on this journey with GO Rentals, don't forget to take advantage of the perks that come with your rental. That includes 8 cents off per litre at all participating Mobil fuel stations, and 24-hour roadside assistance included with your Total Road Care package if anything goes wrong on your trip.

New Plymouth to Auckland Through the Lense of our Customers

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.

Michelle

We had to take a detour on our North Island trip and go to the west coast instead of the east because of the storm's impact and found ourselves in New Plymouth. On our first night there, we walked from our motel to the beach to catch this beautiful sunset! Couldn't have gotten there without our rental car from GO Rentals :)
Thien

I am very grateful to GO Rentals for their excellent service. The quality of the service was outstanding, and the car was new and in great condition, which made my road trip in New Zealand’s North Island an amazing experience. I would like to especially thank Sarah for her enthusiastic support and prompt responses to my questions about the car rental via email. Here’s a stunning photo I took while hiking at Mt. Taranaki (Pouakai Circuit Reflective Tarn). I will definitely continue to support and use GO Rentals’ services for my road trip in the South Island in December 2024.
Jeremy

When a wrong turn becomes the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. It's the reason I love exploring by car. Pictured somewhere between Waitomo and Rotorua.
Vijay

It’s our first time driving around in another country as a married couple! We loved our experience with GO Rentals. The car we rented was well-maintained, reliable, and just everything we imagined it to be.

One-Way Rentals Fueling Road Trips

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 Wellington to Auckland hire car for your drive to Auckland.

You can even have a full New Zealand road trip with one-way rentals to our Christchurch or Queenstown branches. One-way rentals are a great way to maximise your trip before you have to step on the brakes.

Get GOing on a North Island Adventure

Whatever your dream New Zealand road trip looks like, GO Rentals is here to help make it happen. Our Total Road Care package includes complimentary callout service for all types of breakdowns, coverage for government road taxes and payment for any toll roads you travel on.

We also offer basic insurance included in the price of all rentals, with optional upgrades available.

Want to make your journey even smoother? Use the GO App. It helps you take care of everything from vehicle reservations to booking airport shuttles to our branches.

If you're ready for an epic journey in New Plymouth, Auckland and beyond, book with us today.

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