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Wellington - Napier - Wellington

Start Wellington / Finish Wellington
Recommended Length: 5 Days
Distance: 880 km (550 miles)

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Route Summary

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

  Travel Time Km (Miles)
Day 1
Wellington to Martinborough		 1 hr 79 49
Day 2
Martinborough to Napier		 4 hrs 281 176
Day 3
Napier to Taupo		 1.75 hrs 139 87
Day 4
Taupo to Palmerston North		 3.25 hrs 242 151
Day 5
Palmerston North to Wellington		 1.75 hrs 139 87
Totals for Driving Route 11.75 hrs 880 550

A Cross-section of Attractions

A Cross-section of Attractions

You'll enjoy a cross-section of attractions with this lower North Island route.

Depart Wellington and drive over the Rimutaka Ranges to Martinborough, where wine and food is the local focus. Napier offers more vineyard experiences, but you can also discover Art Deco architecture and a fabulous beach front.

The drive to Taupo is scenic, and once there you'll find geothermal parks, excellent trout fishing and lots of hot pools.

The Desert Road takes you past three volcanoes on the way to Palmerston North.

Look for bird sanctuaries and interesting museums as you drive down the Kapiti Coast to Wellington.

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