Billy Connolly Drives New Zealand

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Day 1 : Auckland to Paihia

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Auckland - Orewa	0.5 hr	36	23
Orewa - Warkworth	0.5 hr	27	17
Warkworth - Whangarei	1.25 hrs	99	62
Whangarei - Paihia	1 hr	71	44
Totals for Day	3.25 hrs	233	146

Auckland - Orewa

36 km (23 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It's a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.

At the beginning of your journey, you'll drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland's North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland.

Before you reach Orewa, you have the option of taking an exit that leads to Silverdale and Gulf Harbour. Silverdale is famous for its factory and outlet stores. Gulf Harbour, at the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, has a breathtaking golf course. Beautiful beaches can be found up and down the peninsula.

The town of Orewa spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.

Orewa - Warkworth

27 km (17 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

Driving north, you'll pass Hatfield's Beach before coming across Waiwera, which means ‘hot water’ in Māori. The hot springs are the main attraction in this small, seaside village.

The next place of interest is Puhoi, a town originally settled in 1863 by immigrants from Bohemia. Cheese is the local claim to fame—buy some for your next picnic.

Enjoy native forest and farmland scenery all the way to Warkworth, a pretty town located on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it's easy to explore the many attractions of the district—surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

Warkworth - Whangarei

99 km (62 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Warkworth is a pretty town on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it's easy to explore the attractions of the district—surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

A drive through the Dome Forest will lead you into the rural service town of Wellsford. From here you can take a side trip to Pakiri—a great beach for surfing and horse treks.

Kaiwaka is the next town on the map—pause here if you like Dutch cheese. At this point consider an eastern detour past the spectacular beaches of Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach and Waipu Cove.

Just before Whangarei a right turn will take you to the Marsden Point oil refinery. The visitors' centre has an interesting display that explains the refining process.

Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you'll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.

Whangarei - Paihia

71 km (44 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

A series of small settlements will lead you north. Just before Kawakawa, a side road runs to the glow-worm cave at Waiomio. Take a rest stop in Kawakawa, because it has a remarkable public toilet designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser.

From here the road to the Bay of Islands becomes quite twisty, but you'll enjoy some delightful scenery along the way. A short detour takes you to the port of Opua, where cruise ships often call.

The resort town of Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.