Wellington to New Plymouth Road Trip With 7 Epic Stops

Embarking on a Wellington to New Plymouth road trip offers the option of a less than 5-hour straight-through drive or an adventure filled with hidden gems. The last time we did it, we took three days, and it was like flipping through the pages of an enchanting storybook.

Despite the relatively short distance, the drive from New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington to Taranaki region is a favourite of ours. The ever-changing landscapes range from the dramatic Kapiti Coast to the tranquillity of Whanganui or the natural wonders surrounding Mt Taranaki.

Every turn seems to reveal something unexpected: a quaint café, a breathtaking lookout, or a regional museum that we believe is one of the best in the country.

It’s not merely about getting from Wellington to New Plymouth; it’s about savouring each moment and each kilometre. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply in need of a peaceful escape, this route unfolds with opportunities to connect with both the land and its history.

Join us and discover why our Wellington to New Plymouth road trip is not just a journey but an adventure that captures the spirit of New Zealand.

Key stops on our Wellington to New Plymouth Road Trip

• Wellington
• Kapiti Coast
• Levin
• Foxton
• Bulls
• Whanganui
• Hawera
• Stratford
• New Plymouth

Wellington to New Plymouth map

The map highlights the route we took.

Starting city Wellington

Wellington, the vibrant capital of New Zealand, is the perfect starting point for our adventure. Nestled between rolling green hills and the sparkling waters of a picturesque harbour, the city pulses with creative energy, evident in its lively arts scene, innovative cuisine, and bustling waterfront.

The city holds a special place in our hearts, as it’s not just a hub of culture and beauty, but it’s also where one of our daughters lives. Each visit becomes a cherished reunion, making Wellington’s already captivating landscape glow a bit brighter through our eyes.

Suggested activities: We have detailed all our favourite things to do in Wellington here, but the four that top our list are:

• Te Papa
  The National Museum of New Zealand, where the country’s history comes alive in brilliant detail.
• Weta Workshop
  This is the award-winning creative home to Lord of the Rings creations and so much more. Reserve your Weta Workshop tour here.
• Wellington Botanic Gardens
  We often take the cable car to the top where we enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city before walking back down through the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
• Parliament
  If you haven’t done it before, we recommend booking a free tour of parliament. Check out their official website for tour options and booking details

What to see and do At each of our Wellington to New Plymouth road trip stops

Once we leave the capital and begin our journey between Taranaki and Wellington, we can either drive straight through or make some key stops.

Kapiti Coast

The Kapiti Coast, with its stunning scenery, offers a treasure trove of activities. If you’re planning to stay overnight, consider Raumati Sands Resort where we stayed. Nestled close to the beach, this resort features spacious, self-contained units with beautiful views—perfect for a relaxing escape. Reserve your stay at Raumati Sands Resort here.

Either way, don’t miss:

• Nga Manu Nature Reserve
  We loved this dense, green nature reserve with its easy-to-follow trails leading to a few aviaries, a nocturnal house, a bushwalk, and an impressive lookout point. A non-profit charitable trust, they have a successful breed and release program and are one of the places to see kiwi in New Zealand. If you want a more personal experience, check out this guided evening kiwi encounter. The tour takes participants out to a private enclosure for Kiwi viewing in the evening. Reserve your night adventure here.
• Paekakariki Hill Road Lookout
  It didn’t take us long to understand why this is often considered one of the most beautiful coastal roads in New Zealand. The well-paved, windy Paekakariki Hill Road took us first up to a lookout and then down the other side. Even in the rain, the view was impressive all the way.
• Kapiti Island
  Just a short boat ride from the mainland, Kapiti Island is a nature reserve known for its rich Maori history and as a sanctuary for rare bird species, including the elusive kiwi. A visit here offers a tranquil retreat with stunning natural beauty, engaging guided tours that highlight the island’s ecological and cultural significance, and overnight options that look for kiwi. Reserve your overnight visit to Kapiti Island here or check for discounts on the ferry to Kapiti Island here.

Levin

We haven’t been here since our kids were pretty young, but I still remember their excitement when we saw the Levin Adventure Park. It’s a paradise for little ones and a great family stop.

Not only is it filled with fun ranging from ropes courses and climbing walls to skating or sand volleyball courts, but it also has a miniature train that offers free train rides from 1.00pm – 3.00pm on weekends and holidays.

Foxton

We just drove straight through on our recent New Plymouth to Wellington road trip, but had we turned off the road, just one block, we would have seen the De Molen windmill built in 2003. This working flour mill is a perfect replica of a Dutch stone mill from the 17th century.

If you want more, there is an inexpensive ($3 per person) self-guided tour option or check out their official webpage.

Sanson

We like to stop here for coffee at this adorable cafe built in a former church. It is aptly named “Church Cafe.” It’s right on the main road, so we can’t miss it.

Bulls

When passing through the town of Bulls, be sure to read shop names and signs. A few of our favourites are: Read-A-Bull (library), Social-A-Bull (town hall), Relieve-a-Bull (toilets) and Const-A-Bull (police station). Everywhere we looked, the town’s name is cleverly played on with signs, and we couldn’t help but chuckle at their pun-loving spirit.

The town’s motto is “a town like no udder,” and the puns are everywhere. It’s as if the whole town is in on a joke that never gets old. We loved how every business seems to have embraced this theme, turning an ordinary stop into an unforgettable, laugh-filled visit.

Whanganui

As we drove the other way on our last trip, Whanganui was our first overnight stop on our New Plymouth to Wellington road trip. We loved the place we stayed, with its high ceilings and elegant decor. A classic New Zealand pub hotel, we recommend the Rutland Arms Inn. Reserve your stay at Rutland Arms Inn here.

We stayed here not because we needed a driving break after only a couple hours, but rather because there are so many amazing things to do in Whanganui.

If you are rushing through, there really are two must-sees here. We loved our riverboat cruise, and the Durie Hill tunnel and elevator are pretty unique.

Durie Hill tunnel, elevator and tower

This heritage-listed 213m tunnel leading from the riverfront into the hill opened in 1919. At the end of the tunnel, you can ride a 66m elevator up to the top (for a nominal fee). Here, you will want to walk up one of the two towers (observation platform or memorial tower) to enjoy spectacular views of the river winding through the city.

Enjoy a riverboat cruise

The Whanganui River, New Zealand’s longest navigable river, was once vital for regional trade. Today, two historic riverboats offer tours that are relaxing and scenic, passing lush hills and historic sites. Although competitors, their schedules don’t overlap, making your choice dependent on when you visit. We recommend adding a riverboat tour to your Whanganui itinerary.

• Motor Vessel Wairoa
  We chose the Motor Vessel Wairoa and absolutely loved it! The ship’s historical features were intriguing, but what truly made our tour memorable was Captain Sam’s deep knowledge and his fascinating, entertaining stories. Originally built in the UK, the Wairoa became part of the Hatrick & Co Whanganui River Steamer fleet in 1904. While updated to meet modern safety standards, the vessel retains its original charm. Learn more or book your Motor Vessel Wairoa tour here. 
• Paddle Steamer Waimarie
  Currently running two-hour tours on the weekends, we have no first-hand experience, yet. We do know it is New Zealand’s only authentic coal-fired passenger paddle steamer in operation. It operated on this waterway 100 years ago and was relaunched in 2000 after a full restoration after 50 years at the bottom of the river. Today, the tour includes both live and recorded commentary. Learn more or book your Paddle Steamer Waimarie tour here.

Hawera (Tawhiti Museum)

Make time for this one. The Tawhiti Museum may seem like just another small-town museum, but it’s not. It’s the brainchild of one very artistic and talented man.

This museum is no ordinary place; it uses life-sized exhibits and incredibly detailed dioramas to tell the local history, making us feel as though we had stepped back in time. We were especially captivated by the Traders and Whalers exhibit, which uses a boat ride to enhance the storytelling experience.

You can read more on it and other things to do nearby and on the optional coastal loop and long way around Mt Taranaki to get to New Plymouth here: 34 Fantastic Things to Do in Taranaki Region, New Zealand

Stratford

Charming in its own right, Stratford was exactly what we expected from a town themed around William Shakespeare. It’s also home to TET King’s theatre, the first theatre in the southern hemisphere to have talking movies. We loved it so much, we stayed here for a few days and wrote about the best things to do in Stratford here.

The top two highlights would be:

• Watch the famous Romeo and Juliet scene at the Stratford glockenspiel.
• Stroll through King Edward Park with its beautifully maintained gardens and playgrounds.

Ending city New Plymouth

My current favourite city in New Zealand, there is plenty to do in New Plymouth, our ending destination of this Wellington to New Plymouth road trip.

If you’re continuing on to Auckland, you can follow our Auckland to New Plymouth coastal road trip in reverse.

Car hire (rental)

Unless you are using your own vehicle, you will need to hire a car. We always rent from 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

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.

• 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
• Auckland to Rotorua Drive: 9 Stops on an Epic Journey

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Where will you stop on your Wellington to New Plymouth Road Trip?

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