Wellington to New Plymouth Road Trip with 7 Epic Stops

We turned our less-than-five-hour Wellington to New Plymouth road trip into an adventure filled with hidden gems. Travelling slowly, spending a few nights in Whanganui and another along the Kapiti Coast, our journey was like flipping through the pages of an enchanting storybook.

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, all encapsulated in natural beauty.

We share our highlights below.

Key stops on our Wellington to New Plymouth Road Trip

• Wellington
• Kapiti Coast
• Levin
• Foxton
• Bulls
• Whanganui
• Patea
• 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, which is 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.

Where to stop as you drive from Wellington to New Plymouth

This route can be driven in either direction, from anywhere in Taranaki to Wellingotn.

Kapiti Coast

The Kapiti Coast, with its stunning scenery, offers a treasure trove of activities. If you plan to stay overnight, we like Raumati Sands Resort and have stayed there more than once. Nestled near the beach, it 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.
• Barry Hadfield Nīkau Reserve
  A local’s secret is this shady bush walk through a stand of Nīkau Palms. There are two short hikes here. The shorter, lower loop trail was easy, allowing us to enjoy the canopy of Nikau Palms. The other trail is uphill, and while our friends called it very steep, the signage suggested it was suitable for children. We opted for the lower trail.
• 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 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

Even if you are doing a quick New Plymouth to Wellington road trip, we recommend turning off the main road just one block away to see the De Molen windmill, which was built in 2003. This working flour mill is a perfect replica of a Dutch stone mill from the 17th century. At the base is a charming gift shop.

It was all closed up by the time we got there, but if it hadn’t been, 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 an adorable cafe built in a former church. It is aptly named “Church Cafe.” It’s on the main road, so you 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).

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

Whanganui

We have twice stayed in Whanganui on our New Plymouth to Wellington road trips. The first time at Rutland Arms Inn, a classic New Zealand pub hotel. With high ceilings and elegant decor, we loved our room for two people. Reserve your stay at Rutland Arms Inn here.

Recently, we travelled with one of our adult children, and we wanted kitchen facilities. This time, we chose Johnston Apartments, located at the city bridge. Our unit was huge and stunning and had everything we needed. Reserve your stay at Johnston Apartments here. 

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

If you are rushing through, there are two must-sees: hop on a riverboat and walk through the Durie Hill tunnel before riding the elevator. Both 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 or both of the two towers (observation platform or memorial tower) to enjoy spectacular views of the river winding through the city. Both are free.

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 they are competitors, their schedules don’t overlap, making your choice dependent on when you visit.

We have sailed on both and can comfortably recommend either.

• Motor Vessel Wairoa
  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. Initially 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
  This 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 following 50 years at the bottom of the river. We opted for the paddle and pedal option, where we took the boat for the first hour, and when it turned to return, we hopped off and cycled back. This is a great way to enjoy Whanganui, and if you have time, we recommend it. Learn more or book your Paddle Steamer Waimarie tour here.

Patea

This little town is filled with surprises. Our three favourites are: the Garden of Tutunui, a replica whale bone sculpture; Aotea Waka Memorial, a waka with nine warriors (four original and five more added later); and the remains of the shipwreck of the steamer SS Waitangi. We didn’t spend much time here, just enough to enjoy the sites. 

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 like 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 about 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 is exactly what we expect from a town themed around William Shakespeare. It’s also home to the TET King’s Theatre, the first theatre in the southern hemisphere to have talking movies.

We like to stay in Statford to explore the town and use it as our base for exploring Mt Taranaki. In town, our top highlights would be:

• Watch the famous Romeo and Juliet scene at the Stratford glockenspiel
• Visit the Percy Thomas Art Gallery
• Stroll through King Edward Park

Ending city New Plymouth

My current favourite city in New Zealand is New Plymouth. There is plenty to do in New Plymouth, and our ending destination in 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

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