Five top road trips from Wellington

This is a collaborative post

Wellington is a brilliant destination to visit in its own right. But New Zealand’s capital, near the southernmost point of Te Ika-a-Māui, is also the gateway to a number of fantastic road trips across both the North and South Islands.

Incorporating everything from geothermal wonders and international wine regions to soaring mountains and magnificent beaches, there are plenty of places you can visit to satisfy your wanderlust.

In this post, we’ll highlight five of the best road trips you can take from Wellington. Whichever one(s) you decide to do, you are sure to experience the magic of Aotearoa.

Wellington to Napier

If you’ve got one to three days spare, a Wellington to Napier self drive road trip is a must. 

It will take you about 4 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 323 km distance, but once you are there, you’ll discover a fabulous 1930s Art-Deco city that is well known for being the epicentre of the famous Hawkes Bay wine-growing region.

The quickest way to get to Napier from Wellington is to go on State Highway 50 via the Port City of Porirua. However, it’s well worth investing an extra 10 minutes of driving time to embark on the scenic journey through the Hutt Valley.

The highlight of doing so is undoubtedly Cape Kidnappers, which might sound like a foreboding place to visit but actually showcases tremendous views of jagged cliffs.

Photo credit Leonie Clough via Unsplash

Wellington to Cape Palliser

For those who are short on time, the drive from Wellington to Cape Palliser is a good option. It will only take two hours, which means you can easily cover the 121 km distance there and back in the space of an afternoon. 

This part of the country, which takes you along spectacular coastal roads, is renowned for its fascinating colonial and Maori heritage sites. It is also home to the wonderful Cape Palliser Lighthouse which dates back to 1897 and showcases incredible panoramic views of the dangerous waters of Pallier Bay. Although you will have to climb 250 steps to take it all in.

Photo credit Joshua Bayliss via Unsplash

If you’d rather do something a little less strenuous, nearby Martinborough has some of New Zealand’s best vineyards.

Wellington to Nelson

Nelson has a reputation for being the sunniest city in New Zealand. So, if the inclement weather is getting you down, why not drive the 212 km distance to top up your tan?

You’ll take around six hours to get there if you drive non-stop, but most people complete this journey within 3 to 5 days, partly because it also involves taking the ferry over from the North Island.

Nelson buzzes with personality as a city. It is home to several art galleries, botanic gardens, farmers markets, and a notable food scene, which provides plenty to see and do.

However, if you have time, make a point of driving about an hour south of the CBD to Nelson Lakes National Park. This park represents the gateway to the Southern Alps, which will blow you away with its stunning glaciers, rugged mountains and dense beech forests. 

Wellington to the South Island West Coast

If you fancy embarking on a longer road trip from Wellington, take the Great Coast Road down the west coast of the South Island.

Many travel experts regard this drive as one of the best in the world as it includes the jaw-dropping Paparoa National Park, which accommodates the iconic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole.

Most people take around 3 to 5 days to complete the 719 km distance, although the more days you can spare the better.

During this drive you’ll take in the incredible Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Both of which can be easily accessed by road. These glaciers can be walked on, but they are dangerous. So, make sure you hire a local tour guide if you want to do this.

Photo credit Jackman Chiu via Unsplash

If your budget allows, hire a helicopter for a once-in-a-lifetime ride over the glaciers. Make sure you have your cameras at the ready!

Wellington to Queenstown (via Christchurch) 

Another road trip for adventurous souls takes you from New Zealand’s capital via Christchurch to Queenstown. You can even do it from Nelson, too.

Ideally, you should set aside about a week to do this 912km trip as both destinations have plenty to keep you occupied. Again, it will involve taking the ferry to the South Island. However, once you have done this, stop by Kaikoura, which is one of the country’s best spots for whale-watching.

Christchurch is the second-biggest city in New Zealand. While there, you can check out fabulous attractions like the International Antarctic Centre and Quake City. You should also devote a day to visiting Arthur’s Pass National Park, one of the most scenic and highest routes within the Southern Alps.

To get to Queenstown, take Highway 8, a scenic drive that passes some of New Zealand’s main landscape highlights, including Aoraki Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Lindis Pass.

Queenstown is also the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. So, once you arrive, why not take the opportunity to go bungee jumping, jet boating or skydiving?