7 Epic Road Trip Ideas from Auckland (With Rental Car Tips)
Auckland is the perfect launchpad for unforgettable road trips across New Zealand’s North Island. Whether you’ve just landed at the airport or you’re a local planning your next adventure, these 7 routes offer something for every traveller—from geothermal wonderlands to coastal escapes.
Before you hit the road, make sure your rental is sorted. With 9 branches across Auckland, Bargain Rental Cars makes pickup and drop-off easy and affordable.
1. Auckland to Rotorua
Highlights: Hobbiton, geothermal pools, Māori culture
- Distance: ~230km
- Ideal Duration: 2–3 days
Rental Tip: Choose an economy or compact car for fuel efficiency. Bargain Rental Cars offers unlimited km, so detours won’t cost extra.
2. Auckland to Bay of Islands
3. Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Highlights: Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Forest Park
- Distance: ~170km
- Ideal Duration: 2–3 days
Rental Tip: A mid-size vehicle is perfect for couples or families wanting luggage space and road stability.
4. Auckland to Taupō
Highlights: Lake Taupō, Huka Falls, thermal parks
- Distance: ~280km
- Ideal Duration: 3–4 days
Rental Tip: Book early during school holidays—this is a popular destination. Bargain Rental Cars allows easy date changes.
5. Auckland to Waitomo & Hamilton
Highlights: Glowworm caves, Waikato countryside
- Distance: ~190km
- Ideal Duration: 2 days
Rental Tip: Travelling with a group? Consider a people mover or van.
6. Auckland to Northland & Cape Reinga
Highlights: Ninety Mile Beach, Cape Reinga lighthouse, giant sand dunes
- Distance: ~420km
- Ideal Duration: 3–5 days
Rental Tip: Choose a vehicle with unlimited kilometres. Many tourists underestimate driving distances in NZ.
7. Auckland to The Forgotten World Highway (SH43)
Bonus Tips for Road Tripping from Auckland
- Refuel before leaving the city—fuel is cheaper in urban centres.
- Pack snacks and a phone charger—many rural areas lack shops or service stations.
- Use our one-way rental service—drop your vehicle in Wellington, Tauranga or Hamilton.
Book your Auckland rental now and unlock the North Island’s most scenic routes with comfort, convenience, and local pricing.
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