Auckland to Napier Drive: Our 11 Best Stops on the Way

Like nearly all of our New Zealand road trips, when Jeff and I set out on an Auckland to Napier drive, we’re never in a hurry. Although it’s possible to complete this drive in just 5 hours, we prefer to stretch it out over several days.

Our two decades as expats in New Zealand have taught us that the journey is just as important as the destination. With an itinerary as eclectic as this one, rushing would mean missing out on the myriad of sights and experiences dotted along the route.

We explore New Zealand from the unique perspective of both tourists and locals, allowing us to share with you the hidden off-the-beaten-path destinations only locals know and the information tourists need to have a great holiday.

Embarking on this road trip, you can pick and choose from our favourite stops as you drive Auckland to Napier.

Auckland to Napier road trip map

All suggested stops in this article are featured on the map either in red (on the main road) or yellow (side trip).

• Direct route: drive Auckland to Napier
  The total drive time with no stops is just less than 5 hours. (add 45 minutes drive time if visiting Orakei Karoko).
• Alternate route Auckland to Rotorua to Napier
  Total drive time is 5 hours 40 minutes, plus you will probably want to spend a night in Rotorua.
• All Stops on the map: Auckland to Napier drive
  If you do it all, the total drive time will be a bit over 8 hours, but you will want to allocate several days for this journey to enjoy the sights.

Car hire (rental)

Unless you are using your own vehicle like we do, you will need to hire a car. We always start at RentalCars. They offer a comprehensive list of multinational and local rental car agents, ratings on specific car types, and agency ratings. Importantly, they often have lower prices than going direct.

Whether you rent from them or not, it’s still the perfect place to begin your search. Click here to compare options and check availability at RentalCars.com.

Auckland: Starting city

Auckland is not only New Zealand’s largest city and the main port of entry for visitors, it is also our home. Therefore, it is often our starting point for most road trips.

If you are an overseas visitor, you will want to spend some time here if you can, either at the start or end of your New Zealand travels.

We have written extensively about Auckland and all our favourite things to do in Auckland here. If I had to pick the top highlights, they would be:

• Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the summit of one of it’s 48 extinct volcanoes. My favourites are either Mt Eden or One Tree Hill. If you are not a fan of the outdoors, head to the top of the Sky Tower.
• Visit one of the city’s impressive museums, my two favourites being the Auckland Museum and the Maritime Museum. If you have kids, don’t miss SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.

Auckland Botanical Gardens

Nestled in Manurewa, we find the Auckland Botanic Gardens a tranquil retreat across an expansive 64 hectares. It’s a highlight in South Auckland.

We enjoy wandering through the diverse array of plant life and themed sections, including the aromatic rose garden, the magnolia garden, and the unique bog garden.

If you have kids, be sure to check out the Potter Children’s Garden or the duck pond, which is perfect for picnics.

Living just north of the city, we typically visit here as a day trip rather than adding a stop on an Auckland to Napier drive.

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens is a site we seldom skip if passing this way. Located along the Waikato River, this place beautifully merges historical, cultural, and natural elements across 20 themed gardens.

The Italian Renaissance Garden and the Japanese Garden of Contemplation are among our favourites, though newer sections like the Ancient Egyptian and Surreal Garden continually draw us back.

We’ve shared our thoughts on Hamilton Gardens in our detailed review here.

Cambridge

Cambridge is the quintessential picture of small-town charm in New Zealand. We love to come here for a weekend getaway as there are plenty of things to do in Cambridge.

Known as the “Town of Trees and Champions,” Cambridge is famous for its thoroughbred stables and training facilities, which contribute to its reputation as the equine capital of New Zealand.

The town is surrounded by beautiful parks and reserves, ideal for hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The nearby Lake Karapiro is a haven for water sports, particularly rowing, where national and international regattas are often held.

Strolling through the town centre, the heritage buildings and quaint boutiques paint a scene straight from a storybook. Cafés line the streets, offering the perfect spots to sit and enjoy the laid-back vibe. If you are passing through on a Saturday morning, don’t miss the fun Cambridge Farmers’ Market.

Side trips west of the direct road from Auckland to Napier

• Otorohanga Kiwi House
  Not just home to kiwis, Otorohanga Kiwi House also features a range of native birds, providing a unique insight into New Zealand’s wildlife.
• Waitomo Caves
  One of the premier natural attractions in New Zealand, the Waitomo Caves tour remains a memorable experience. Drifting quietly under a canopy of glowworms brings the sensation of a starlit night, right underground. Given its popularity, securing tickets in advance is a wise choice. Waitomo Caves is one of the many unique things to do in New Zealand and is considered unmissable by many visitors. Reserve your Waitomo Caves guided tour here.
• Waitomo Caves Adventures
  For the more adventurous, there are some thrilling and unique caving and tubing experiences at Waitomo, like blackwater rafting or a more off-the-beaten-path
  glowworm tour. Reserve your Blackwater rafting or glowworm cave adventure here.

Tirau

Tirau’s inventive use of corrugated iron sculptures to rejuvenate the town provides a quirky and creative stop. It’s ideal for a short visit to explore craft shops, grab a coffee, or admire the artwork.

Unless it’s mealtime, we usually allocate about 30 minutes here.

NOTE: After Tirau, you can choose to:
– Continue along the direct route with your next stop at Orakei Karako.
– Allocate at least a half day for a side trip to Hobbiton in Matamata.
– Follow a slightly longer route and spend some time in Rotorua. You will bypass Orakei Korako.

Side trip to Matamata (Hobbiton)

Here, the enchanting Hobbiton movie set awaits, and if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, it’s probably already on your radar. It’s a magical journey into the world of Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

The detailed set and the immersive experience make this a must-visit for fans, and only available with a tour. Reserve your Hobbiton tour in advance here.

Alternative Auckland to Napier drive to include Rotorua

Rotorua

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland that captivates with its vibrant terraces, steaming mud pools, and silica formations. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is our top pick here.

This city is also a hub of Māori culture and natural beauty, with plenty to explore, from bubbling geothermal parks to lush forests. There are loads of fascinating things to see and do in Rotorua.

And, although it has a reputation for being an expensive place to visit, we have found plenty of free Rotorua activities.

Pro trip: If you are not going to get to Rotorua another time on your trip, I would recommend this alternative route.

Orakei Karako

If you are skipping Rotorua, or even if you are not, Orakei Karako is a fascinating place to see geothermal activity and one of our top North Island’s lesser-known recommendations. I know it’s considered off the beaten path, especially if you went the Rotorua route, but we think it is well worth the visit.

What separates it from some of the other geothermal locations is the vast array of vivid colours, the vibrant terraces, bubbling mud pools, and silica formations. Plus, it is home to one of only two geothermal caves in the world. Reserve your often discounted entry here.

Taupo

Picturesque Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake and Australasia’s largest freshwater lake. It’s a place of stunning beauty and plenty of activities, from tranquil walks along the waterfront to thrilling skydives. You can often get discount skydiving experiences here.

It’s probably best known for Huka Falls, where water plunges over the falls at more than 220,000 litres per second. It’s a must-see, even if you are just driving through. Allocate at least 30 minutes here if you are not spending a night in Taupo.

Ending city: Napier

We have detailed all our favourite things to do in Napier here and in the surrounding Hawkes Bay region here. Our top three are:

• Take a walking tour guided by Napier’s Art Deco Trust. We loved our tour so much that we wrote a separate art deco tour review. Book in advance to ensure a spot, and don’t forget to check for discounts on the art deco walking tour here.
• Visit the National Aquarium. Reserve your entry ticket here.
• If you have a car, take a drive out to TeMata Peak and enjoy the views.

Continue your North Island discovery

Driving the length of the country year after year gives us ample opportunity to explore the country fully. Here are a few more itineraries.

• Exploring the Best Stops on a Napier to Wellington Road Trip
• Auckland to Cape Reinga: New Zealand Road Trip Tips
• East Cape NZ Driving Itinerary: Gisborne to Opotiki Road Trip
• Enjoy an Auckland to Wellington Drive with These Stops
• Wellington to New Plymouth Road Trip With 7 Epic Stops
• Or check out all our New Zealand itineraries: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures

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Where will you stop on your Auckland to Napier road trip?

For more on New Zealand, start here: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures, or you might like …

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