Auckland Driving Routes, Self-Drive Tour
Experience New Zealand your way. Our experienced team will create a sensational customised New Zealand self-drive holiday around your interests and travel preferences. Book your best car hire, accommodation and activity options in one go!
Start your New Zealand holiday in Auckland and take a self-drive tour of New Zealand. From Auckland, you could drive to many key areas like Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Taupo, Whakatane, Waiheke, Kaitaia and Gisborne.
You have two options:
View the recommended routes listed below. Click on the routes to read a summary.
Each route is made up of several days. You can read a detailed description of each day, along with links to availaible options, like accommodation, attractions and activities, tours, transport and visitor information.
View more driving routes:
One-Way Trip From Auckland - Driving Routes
Auckland - Rotorua - Napier (4 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Napier
This four day journey from Auckland to Napier will give you a taste of the North Island's special experiences.
Includes: Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Taupo and Napier.
Auckland - Rotorua - Wellington (5 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Wellington
Experience the volcanic heart of the North Island with this straight-down-the-middle route from Auckland to Wellington.
Includes: Auckland, Hamilton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, Palmerston North and Wellington.
Auckland - Taupo - Wellington (5 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Wellington
Volcanic action and vineyards are key features of this five day itinerary that takes you from Auckland to Wellington.
Includes: Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, National Park, Napier, Hastings, Masterton and Wellington.
Auckland - Whakatane - Napier (5 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Napier
Experience every kind of seaside scenery on this epic coastal journey from Auckland to Napier via the East Cape.
Includes: Auckland, Thames, Coromandel, Whitianga, Whangamata, Tauranga, Whakatane, Opotiki, Te Araroa, Gisborne, Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) and Napier.
Auckland - Napier - Wellington (6 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Wellington
Take the beach lover's route from Auckland to Wellington, and enjoy a side serving of vineyards along the way.
Includes: Auckland, Thames, Coromandel, Whitianga, Whangamata, Tauranga, Rotorua, Opotiki, Gisborne, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North and Wellington.
Return Trip From Auckland - Driving Routes
Auckland - Waiheke - Auckland (3 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Auckland
Explore the areas around Auckland by ferry and by car - Waiheke Island, Warkworth and Orewa are all within easy reach.
Includes: Auckland, Waiheke Island, Orewa and Warkworth.
Auckland - Taupo - Auckland (4 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Auckland
Enjoy a return trip to Taupo and discover some of the North Island's most unique features, including geothermal parks and caves.
Includes: Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Taupo and Waitomo Caves.
Auckland - Kaitaia - Auckland (5 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Auckland
Tour both coasts of Northland, from Auckland to Kaitaia and back. Discover beaches, marine adventures and magical native forests.
Includes: Auckland, Orewa, Warkworth, Whangarei, Paihia, Kerikeri, Kaitaia and Dargaville.
Auckland - Rotorua - Auckland (6 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Auckland
This six day route takes you on a round trip to Rotorua, leaving plenty of time for exploration at each destination.
Includes: Auckland, Thames, Coromandel, Whitianga, Whangamata, Tauranga, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves and Hamilton.
Auckland - Gisborne - Auckland (8 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Auckland
Over eight days, 'The Great New Zealand Touring Route' takes you to beaches, snowy capped mountains, geothermal areas, Māori culture, and wineries.
Includes: Rotorua, Waitomo Caves and Taupo.
Auckland - Wellington - Auckland (10 Days)
Start Auckland / Finish Auckland
See the best of the North Island on a trip that takes you clockwise from Auckland to Wellington and back.
Includes: Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, National Park, Napier, Hastings, Masterton and Wellington.
