Ready to escape and GO on a breathtaking road trip packed with hidden gems? Our 3-day itinerary along the Wellington to Whanganui drive promises stunning coastal views, lush countryside and some unique stopovers.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a weekend wanderer, we’ve compiled a guide with everything you need for an epic adventure. With GO Rentals as your sidekick, you’ll have a hassle-free journey with plenty of perks. Think exceptional convenience and eco-friendly rides.
Buckle up and get ready to discover the magic you’ll experience on the Wellington to Whanganui drive.
Trip distance: 217 km
Days: 3
Car recommendation: Hybrid or electric vehicle
Suitable for: Adventurers, families and nature lovers
The Wellington to Whanganui driving distance is around 217 kilometres. With no stops, you could get it done in around 2.5 to 3 hours. However, with so many scenic spots and attractions along the way, we recommend extending your journey over three days to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. This trip brings you along the stunning west coast of the 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!
Mt Makara / Makara peak and Mt Kaukau. These are large hills near Wellington City centre. We can see the whole of Wellington City from the top of the hills. Some tourists are only looking for short hikes in nature near Wellington, so I would recommend this spot because the hills are only a 15- to 20-minute drive from the CBD and will only take a 90-minute return walk. These spots are good to know how close Wellington is to our beautiful nature.
One of my favourite things to do during the winter is to visit the Wellington Zoo and meet our latest additions to the zoo, the snow leopards – they’ve been with us for a year now. A 10-minute drive from there are some beautiful cafes at Lyall Bay with beautiful views and beautiful food. And then, for a lovely winter’s night, you can take a walk around Oriental Parade and see the fountain light up and see the beautiful lights of the waterfront in Wellington.
Pinnacles Track Wairarapa - Adopt the pace of nature while exploring the beauty of the landscape and the excellent view of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke. The walk can take 2-4 hours depending on the track you choose.
There are some great beaches to visit near Whanganui including South Beach, Kai Iwi Beach, and Castlecliff Beach.
Welcome to New Zealand’s vibrant capital city.
Nestled between rolling hills and a harbour, it’s easy to see why Wellington is the perfect starting point for your adventure. Before you hit the road, spend your first day soaking in Wellington's culture, bustling atmosphere, and natural beauty.
Wellington is the hub of arts and culture in New Zealand. The city is home to galleries, live music venues and theatres. The waterfront area is a great place to walk or go for a bike ride. It’s also a popular site for festivals and other events.
Wellington's food scene includes an array of cafes, restaurants, and craft breweries. In fact, Wellington has more cafes per capita than New York City.
There are also great outdoor activities. Try hiking to the Mount Victoria lookout, which is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Wellington is a city that loves to celebrate. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might be able to enjoy events like Wellington On a Plate. It’s New Zealand’s largest culinary festival and is held every August.
Below, we detail some of our picks for must-sees when you’re in Wellington.
Kick off your journey with a visit to Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand. Dive into the country's history, art and natural environment at this museum.
It’s the ideal way to get acquainted with New Zealand's rich cultural heritage and learn stories of the indigenous Maori people.
You’ll also start getting an overview of the natural wonders of New Zealand, so it’s a must-see attraction.
A short drive from the city centre, this urban ecosanctuary is dedicated to preserving New Zealand's unique wildlife.
Stroll through the lush environment, and you’ll spot rare birds like the kaka and catch a glimpse of the reptilian tuatara. This serene city escape gives you a taste of the natural beauty that awaits you on the rest of your journey.
You can’t say you’ve fully experienced Wellington without a ride on the iconic cable car. This historic funicular takes you from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn lookout, boasting panoramic city and harbour views.
At the top, you can spend some time at the Cable Car Museum or the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Your second day on the road will take you from Wellington through the Kapiti Coast and then the rolling farmlands of the Manawatu region. This part of your drive will let you enjoy a diverse mix of coastal beauty, small towns, and cultural stops.
The driving distance takes around 2 hours to cover, with stops along the way to break things up.
Say goodbye to Wellington as Paraparaumu Beach, a favourite local getaway for locals, greets you.
The hour-long drive takes you along the coast for views of the Tasman Sea and Kapiti Island.
Once you arrive at Paraparaumu Beach, walk along the sandy shore or take a boat tour of Kapiti Island, a bird sanctuary. You can also have a picnic on the beach or grab something to eat at one of the many local cafes in the area.
Next, continue north to Levin, a small town but still a bustling hub in the Horowhenua district. The driving distance is around 37 minutes, and you’ll see plenty of quaint farmland and homesteads.
Levin is a great spot to explore local shops, or you can stop at one of the many roadside stands to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables.
For kids, the Levin Adventure Park is definitely worth a visit.
Your last drive for the day is to Palmerston North. This lively university town is about 48 km away.
While there, visit the Victoria Esplanade, a park with stunning gardens. You can also check out the Manawatu River Pathway, which is packed with playgrounds and natural features to enjoy.
Learn about the history of rugby in New Zealand at the New Zealand Rugby Museum. After a day of exploring, settle in for your evening in Palmerston North, and grab dinner at local favourites like Nero and Little Savanna.
The final day of your unforgettable road trip takes you from Palmerston North’s vibrant streets to the historic city of Whanganui. Enjoy this leisurely drive with charming rural towns and memorable attractions.
Today's first step on your drive is in Feilding, a town known for its friendly residents and agricultural heritage. It’s just a short drive to Feilding from Palmerston North, going through the countryside dotted with farms set amidst the rolling hills.
Feilding is famous for its weekly farmer’s market, which offers a selection of delicious produce and artisanal items.
If you happen to be there on a Friday, go by the Feilding Sale Yards, one of the biggest operational stockyards in the Southern Hemisphere. To learn about the area's rich history, visitors can head to the Coach House Museum.
Next is the small historic town of Ratana, named after religious leader Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana. The drive here is serene and takes 50 minutes.
This fascinating town is the home of the Ratana faith, an fascinating part of cultural and political life in New Zealand. Ratana Church is an important spiritual site for followers of the faith.
Although the church itself is private, its remarkable exterior architecture is well worth making the visit.
It’s time for the final leg of your journey. Make your way to Whanganui, one of the oldest cities in New Zealand. It’s a short but beautiful drive from Ratana to this riverside city.
New Zealand Glassworks gives a glimpse of the local creative arts scene. Watch live glass-blowing demonstrations, explore the glass art, or even try making your own piece in a workshop.
Take the Durie Hill Elevator, the only public underground elevator in the country. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the area. Climb the War Memorial Tower for even more stunning vistas.
This is an architectural landmark and a place of remembrance. Look at the striking modernist architecture and reflect on the memorial honouring those who served in the World Wars.
The museum showcases a large collection of Maori artefacts, natural history exhibits and colonial history. It’s the perfect place to learn about the region's past and the cultural heritage of the local community.
End your day with a walk along the Whanganui River. If you have time, you can also take a short boat tour to explore further.
Take a drive or a guided tour along the Whanganui River Road for a more extended adventure. This scenic route follows the river upstream, passing remote villages and historic sites.
Before you hit the road for your Wellington Whanganui drive, here are some tips to help you have a smooth, enjoyable journey on the beautiful roads of New Zealand.
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This trip in New Zealand is a family trip, therefore, car rental choosing is one of the main factors. The Toyota RAV4 from GO Rentals is beyond our expectations, the car condition is perfect, and very confident to drive on this road trip. Staffs are very friendly and professional; the location and facility are very convenient. Most Recommended for Family Trip!
This former quarry site is now part of the Te Kopahou Nature Reserve. There is an interesting Visitors Centre and an appealing beach walk. This is one of the many locations we could not have visited without our trusty Mitsubishi ASX from GO Rentals.
Thank you GO RENTALS lovely helpful Wellington staff ... this is us returning from Skate NZ National Championships held in Palmerston North, a quick stop on the Kapiti Coast.
We drove from Wellington to Palmerston North with GO Rentals. Such a great ride.
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 Whanganui and continue the road trip vibes to our Auckland branch for drop-off. One-way rentals are a great way to maximise your trip before you have to step on the breaks.
Throughout your Wellington to Whanganui adventure, let GO Rentals be your perfect companion. We provide not just a vehicle, but a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
With GO Rentals, you don’t have the anxiety that comes with extra charges based on how far you drive. Our rentals come with unlimited kilometres, allowing you to explore and take as many detours as you like.
You can use our GO Rentals App to book a car and check in faster! You can also use it to control the Tesla vehicle features and access your GO Rentals booking at any time.
Every GO Rentals vehicle includes 24-hour roadside assistance with our Total Road Care package. If you have any issues on the road, help is a call away.
With our fleet of car rentals in Wellington, you can travel in comfort and style. Explore every corner of this beautiful route with complete peace of mind when you travel with GO Rentals.
