Road Trip Auckland to Tauranga Drive: 6 Must-See Stops

The start of our journey is Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city in scale and culture. Before hitting the road, don’t miss out on the chance to see just what this city has to offer.

From stunning waterfronts to bustling city life, there are plenty of opportunities to enrich all of your senses. Adventurers can find plenty of thrills within the city’s limits, while those looking to relax can taste the excellent cuisine scattered around.

Some of the most popular attractions and experiences we recommend in Auckland include:

Auckland Sky Tower

The Auckland Sky Tower is one of New Zealand’s greatest icons. The monolithic tower offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.

Standing 328 metres tall, it’s the perfect spot to start your day with breathtaking views (if you’re not scared of heights!). For the night owls, you can make a dinner reservation at the unique rotating restaurant and get a meal with a view!

Thrill seekers even have something to enjoy throughout the day. The SkyWalk and Jump allow you to chase the highs of adrenaline, even as you take in the expanses of Auckland below.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Located in the Auckland Domain, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must-visit for history fans. It showcases the country's rich cultural heritage, including Maori history, and highlights its involvement in global conflicts.

No trip to Auckland is complete without this cultural pitstop.

Viaduct Harbour

Viaduct Harbour is a lively waterfront venue with restaurants, bars, cafes, and fish and chips shops. While not packed with adrenaline-pumping activities or famous landscapes, it’s a great snapshot into Auckland’s multi-faceted cultural landscape.

Take the chance to relax before starting your drive with beautiful marina views you won’t forget. Additionally, if you have time, consider a harbour cruise to see Auckland from a different perspective.

After you’ve had your fill of Auckland, it’s time to pick up your GO Rentals vehicle and set out on your latest journey!

As you drive from Auckland to Tauranga, your first stop is the quaint town of Pokeno. Only 40 minutes south of the city, the cultural landscape changes significantly to local country charm.

A hidden gem of New Zealand for those lucky enough to be in the know, Pokeno is a great place to stretch your legs, grab something to eat, and explore!

Pokeno Ice Cream

Despite the colder months New Zealand often faces, Pokeno is best known for its towering ice cream cones. We always have to make the time to drop into one of the local dairies and treat ourselves to an enormous ice cream with up to 12 scoops!

For those who love a good social media moment, be sure to snap a pic before diving into your delicious treat.

Pokeno Bacon Shop

Food is still on our minds when we recommend this next stop.

Taking things in a more savoury direction, the Pokeno Bacon shop is a local favourite for a good reason. It’s a family-run shop that offers a wide range of high-quality meats, particularly the bacon the establishment is named after.

Pick up some snacks for the road or stock up on ingredients for a future meal. Any product from here is a perfect example of New Zealand's farm-to-table offerings.

Hunuas Regional Park

Located close to Pokeno, the Hunua Ranges Regional Park offers beautiful nature trails, waterfalls and native bushland. If you have time, explore one of the walking tracks or visit the famous Hunua Falls to get the most out of nature’s beauty.

After leaving Pokeno, your next stop on your Auckland to Tauranga drive is the vibrant city of Hamilton. Just 49 minutes from Pokeno, Hamilton offers a blend of urban energy and natural beauty.

There’s a lot to see and do in Hamilton, regardless if you’re interested more in nature or culture. Explore to your heart’s content before heading on to the next stop.

Hamilton Gardens

The Hamilton Gardens is an award-winning icon belonging to the Hamilton area. Cobbled together from gardens displaying different themes, eras and cultures, it’s a visual feast for your eyes.

Stroll your way through the Italian Renaissance and end up in the Japanese Garden of Contemplation. This walk through cultures is a time to reflect and marvel at nature, as well as a great stop to have a picnic.

Waikato Museum

Many adventurers love to stop at the Waikato Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Waikato region. There’s so much to see in the one building, ranging from exhibitions on Maori heritage to displays of scientific ingenuity.

You can spend several hours here learning more about the area’s historical roots or interacting with fun displays made for all ages to enjoy.

Hamilton Lake (Lake Rotoroa)

Hamilton Lake, also known as Lake Rotoroa, is a perfect spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s been a favourite for many to visit for casual picnics or pleasant walks, so be sure to join in on the experience.

There’s a convenient path around the entire lake’s circumference. Stretching out across 3.8 km, there are plenty of playgrounds and green spaces to take advantage of on a sunny day.

Our next stop is just a 44-minute drive from Hamilton and it’s a world-famous area all New Zealand visitors must experience.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

The highlight of this stop is, of course, the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.

This well-known feature is nestled into the Waikato countryside, ready for fans of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit to live out their wildest fantasies. This area was built for filming all the movies’ scenes in the Hobbit’s homely Shire, with all of the carefully constructed Hobbit holes still standing.

The guided tour offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes story and a stop at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a complimentary drink. Otherwise, make your own path as you renact some of your favourite scenes or just take in the lush green hills when you stop off here.

The Shire’s Rest Cafe

Before or after your tour of all Hobbiton has to offer, take a pit stop at The Shire’s Rest Cafe, located right by the entrance. Offering coffee, snacks and meals, it’s a spot for relaxing and soaking in the surrounding countryside.

Wairere Falls

The magic of Hobbiton doesn’t stop at the left-over movie sets. There’s natural beauty to set your sights on as well, with Wairere Falls just a short drive away.

As the highest waterfall on the North Island, it offers a stunning 153-metre drop and a walking trail through lush native bush. The hike to the viewing platform is a little challenging but rewarding, delivering panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Once you have soaked up all the magic of Hobbiton, it’s time to head off to Rotorua! Hop in the car for a 60-minute trek to see the geothermal activity and rich Maori culture of the area. There’s plenty to see and do, so be sure to hit up all the places that pique your interest.

Te Puia - Geothermal Wonders and Maori Culture

Te Puia is a must-visit Rotorua attraction where you can witness the Pohutu Geyser erupting, explore bubbling mud pools, and see steaming hot springs. This site is also where the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute is located. It is a cultural hub for all things Maori, offering traditional carving, weaving, and cultural performances.

Polynesian Spa

For those looking to unwind from their travels, the Polynesian Spa is waiting for you. This establishment offers natural hot mineral pools for you to soak in. There are private and public baths to choose from, but both offer views over Lake Rotorua.

Redwoods Treewalk

If you’re in the mood for adventure, head to the Redwoods Treewalk, where you can take a canopy walk through towering redwood trees. The 700-metre-long walkway is made up of suspension bridges that offer breathtaking vistas of the forest below during the day.

You can also visit this natural wonder at night as the entire walkway is gently illuminated. There’s a certain magical experience to gain when you watch the forest come to life under a new light.

The final leg of your road trip from Rotorua to Tauranga is a scenic 56-minute drive, taking you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Bay of Plenty.

Known for its golden beaches and vibrant coastal lifestyle, Tauranga is the perfect place to end your journey. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this seaside city has something for everyone.

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui, or “The Mount,” is one of the top attractions in Tauranga. It’s a literal extinct volcano that you can hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views stretching out to the coastline.

For those not looking for a physical challenge, you can still enjoy a leisurely walk along the volcano’s base. Here, you can still marvel at the views afforded by the surrounding beaches and ocean.

Tauranga Art Gallery

Support your creative side by stopping off for a viewing at Tauranga Art Gallery. Mostly focusing on contemporary and traditional art from New Zealand and international artists, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

Pilot Bay Beach

For those looking for a beach day, Pilot Bay Beach is the perfect pitstop for all things water-related. Relax on shore, swim in the tranquil waters, or try your hand at kayaking. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.