From Auckland to Wellington: An 8 Day Road Trip

Start your day with breakfast at a local favorite like Depot Eatery before heading to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where you’ll gain insight into Māori and Pacific Island culture. Take a stroll through the surrounding Auckland Domain gardens, then make your way downtown to the Sky Tower for panoramic views over the city and harbor.

For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at Viaduct Harbour, followed by an afternoon ferry ride to Devonport, a charming seaside village where you can browse boutiques, climb Mount Victoria for city skyline views, and relax with coffee by the beach. Return to Auckland in the evening for dinner at a top restaurant such as Cassia or Ahi, then take a leisurely walk along the waterfront.

Spend the morning on Waiheke Island, reached by a 40-minute ferry from downtown. Explore boutique vineyards, olive groves, and beaches, with time for a wine tasting and relaxed lunch overlooking the sea.

In the afternoon, return to Auckland and visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki or take a walk up one of the city’s volcanic cones, such as Mount Eden, for sweeping views of the skyline and harbor. As evening sets in, head to the lively Britomart precinct for dinner and perhaps a rooftop cocktail, soaking in the city’s vibrant energy before wrapping up your Auckland stay.

Today you’ll travel from Auckland to Rotorua, taking a scenic morning drive through the Waikato region’s lush farmland and rolling green hills. Stop in Matamata for a guided tour of Hobbiton, where you can wander among the hobbit holes, see the Party Tree, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn—a treat even for non-fans.

Continue on to Rotorua, arriving by late afternoon. Known for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture, Rotorua is the perfect place to relax—whether at the Polynesian Spa, strolling the bubbling mud pools at Kuirau Park, or enjoying a traditional hangi dinner and cultural performance. It’s a full, rewarding day that blends iconic film history with some of New Zealand’s most unique landscapes and experiences.

Today we’ll continue our journey through New Zealand, driving from Rotorua to Tūrangi. Start the morning at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park, exploring steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and perhaps enjoying a therapeutic mud bath.

Continue south to Huka Falls, a spectacular waterfall just outside Taupō, where you can take a short riverside walk and feel the power of the rushing water. After grabbing lunch in Taupō, drive toward Tongariro National Park, taking in the dramatic volcanic landscapes and alpine scenery along the way. End the day in Tūrangi by checking into the The Olive Rabbit Boutique Bed & Breakfast, where you can relax and unwind after a full day of exploration.

Today we’ll drive from Tūrangi to Wellington—a longer journey, but one that’s rewarded with the charm of New Zealand’s capital city. Depart in the morning with a short detour to the Tongariro Crossing viewpoints, where you can take in dramatic volcanic landscapes, then stop in National Park Village for a coffee or snack.

As you continue south through the scenic Rangitīkei and Manawatū regions, enjoy the rolling hills, river valleys, and farmland, with the option to pause in Bulls or Palmerston North for lunch. By evening, you’ll arrive in Wellington, check into your accommodation, and unwind with a stroll along the waterfront or Cuba Street before enjoying dinner at one of the city’s lively cafés or restaurants.

Begin your exploration of Wellington with breakfast along vibrant Cuba Street, known for its eclectic cafés and street art. From there, make your way to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, where interactive exhibits highlight the country’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

Spend the afternoon strolling the waterfront promenade, browsing galleries and boutiques, before riding the historic Wellington Cable Car up to the Botanic Garden for sweeping city views. Wander back down through lush garden paths, then cap off your day with dinner at one of Wellington’s acclaimed restaurants such as Logan Brown, Ortega Fish Shack, or Charley Noble, followed by a nightcap at one of the city’s excellent craft beer bars.

Start the day with a scenic walk around Mount Victoria Lookout, where panoramic views showcase the harbor, hills, and surrounding coastline. Continue to the seaside suburb of Oriental Bay for a relaxing stroll along the beach and a casual waterfront lunch. In the afternoon, dive into Wellington’s cinematic side with a behind-the-scenes tour of Weta Workshop, where movie magic from The Lord of the Rings and beyond comes to life.

As evening falls, enjoy dinner at Hippopotamus for fine dining with harbor views, or keep it lively with a casual meal along Courtenay Place, perhaps ending the night with a live show or performance in this artsy, energetic capital.

This morning, wake up and savor your final moments in Wellington—perhaps with a leisurely breakfast at a local café or a short stroll along the waterfront. Take in the fresh harbor air and the city’s vibrant energy one last time before heading to the airport for your onward journey.