A winter road trip from Auckland to Wellington offers exciting new chances to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland. You can hit the ski fields, explore snow-covered hiking tracks or relax in amazing spas and be blown away by how magnificent New Zealand looks in the snowfall.
If you think the North Island may not be worth a winter trip, then think again! With winter gardens, ski fields and spas, our comprehensive itinerary will help you get the most out of your adventure.
When you’re ready to get GOing, why not book a hire car with GO Rentals in Auckland? We are a proudly Kiwi-owned business with a versatile range of vehicles in our fleet. You can tackle the snowy fields and Alpine paths with ease in one of our many 4WDs or SUVs, and our fleet includes ski racks and snow chains.
With our one-way rental program, you don’t have to worry about heading back to return your car. Drop off your ski car rental in Wellington, and we’ll take care of the rest, leaving you free to enjoy your journey.
Trip distance: 843 km
Days: 8
Car recommendation: Large cars/SUVs or 4WD
Suitable for: Families, couples, ski fanatics
A straight drive to Wellington from Auckland is 646 km and will take you about 7 hours and 45 minutes without any stops. You should not attempt to drive this length without taking a few rest breaks for your safety. This is where our fun itinerary comes in!
Road conditions in the North Island can change during the winter months. Roads may be damaged or closed due to weather. You may need to drive slower to adjust for ice or snow and keep a good distance from other vehicles on the road. Although it’s not common in the North Island, you may need to equip your vehicle with snow chains, depending on the road.
Be sure to see our guide to winter driving in New Zealand to get GOing with confidence. You should also check the New Zealand Transport Agency journey planner to see if your path is open before you leave.
Kia Ora from our award-winning employees! We are passionate about New Zealand and have put together our insider local tips to GO the extra mile for our customers!
Hit the slopes at Mt Ruapehu for an unforgettable winter ski adventure, then take a scenic drive to Rotorua to relax in one of its impressive natural outdoor hot pools. It’s the ultimate way to warm up and unwind after a day in the snow!
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a breathtaking experience year-round, but in winter, it transforms into something truly magical. The snow-covered peaks, crisp mountain air, and surreal landscapes make it an unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for a next-level hiking experience, winter is the perfect time to GO!
One of my favourite things to do during the winter is to visit the Wellington Zoo and meet our latest additions to the zoo, the snow leopards – they’ve been with us for a year now. A 10-minute drive from there are some beautiful cafes at Lyall Bay with beautiful views and beautiful food. And then, for a lovely winter’s night, you can take a walk around Oriental Parade and see the fountain light up and see the beautiful lights of the waterfront in Wellington.
For a smooth and safe drive on snowy roads, our top vehicle picks are the Toyota RAV4 AWD Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4x4. Make sure to add snow chains for extra grip and upgrade with a ski/snowboard rack to keep your gear secure and give yourself more space inside the car.
Before you head out on your journey, take some time to explore Auckland. The largest and most populous city in New Zealand has plenty to offer a winter traveller. From unique, winter-only events to themed galleries and exhibitions, you don’t want to miss this stop.
Road conditions in winter:
Streets in Auckland are well maintained, and snow or ice on the roads is not common.
Get away from the cold with a visit to the largest art gallery in New Zealand. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki houses over 15000 works of national and international artists and an ever-changing lineup of exhibitions. It’s worth it to see treasured Maori portraits of significant ancestors, contemplate creative interpretations of Aotearoa's coastlines and more.
This 100-year-old complex of gardens is protected from the elements indoors, making it a must-see attraction, no matter the season. Featuring stunning courtyards, statues and glasshouses, the gardens house rare and spectacular plants like the rare corpse flower and feature ever-changing displays. Warm yourself up from the winter breeze as you walk through one of New Zealand's oldest heritage sites.
Matariki is a special event that marks the start of the Maori New Year. This festival celebrating indigenous culture always falls during June or July, making it a perfect winter festival. Explore Maori culture and sample traditional ‘Hangi’ prepared dishes, try rewena bread during cultural performances and other events.
Once you’re done exploring Auckland, it’s time to head south to Waitomo Village through State Highway 1 and State Highway 39.
Road conditions in winter:
Winter conditions are typically not as extreme in the North Island as they are in the South Island. Snow is rare, and the journey is mainly through flat and unshaded plains. If there is snow or ice on the road, drive slowly or consider waiting for it to melt.
The famous Waitomo Caves are a network of three caves: the Glow Worm Cave, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. The Glow Worm Cave offers an astonishing experience through the wide chambers before going through the main grotto, where you’ll see thousands of glow worms above you. Be sure not to miss the incredible array of stalagmites and stalactites in the other caves either!
Looking for a bit more of a thrill? The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. will take you through Waitomo Caves like never before. You'll float along underground rivers, jump off waterfalls, and soar across fast-flowing waters in the Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss tours.
Stretch your legs on this free 1.6 km walk that’s as stunning as it is easy. The Ruakuri Bush Walk will take you through sculpted cliffs, limestone arches and streaming waterfalls. Be sure to take the walk at night, or you may miss seeing thousands of glowworms on the trail.
When you’re ready, it’s time to leave the glow worms behind and head on Arapuni Road and State Highway 5 to reach Rotorua.
Road conditions in winter:
The road to Rotorua is well-maintained and flat for most of the route. However, there are some shaded areas where ice may linger after dawn.
Rotorua is home to one of the most famous spa resorts in all of New Zealand. With mineral-rich spa water renowned for its incredible rejuvenating properties, you’ll feel like a new person after a quick soak. You can try treatment by outstanding therapists or take a dip in the local favourite ‘Te Pupunitanga’ acid pools, also known as ‘The Priests Bath’. With over eight geothermal hot pools, you’ll find something to refresh your body and mind before you continue your winter adventure.
Enjoy a unique New Zealand experience at the bubbling mud pools of Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa. The baths offer three different kinds of mud used to provide relief for arthritis, burns or just gentle exfoliation of the skin. Be sure to try a dip in the sulphur spas and cool pool after your mud bath.
If you need a rush after using the spas, Rotorua Canopy Tours has exciting zipline races and New Zealand's only volcanic cliff walk. Journey through a beautiful native forest as you walk across spiral staircases, swing bridges and suspended walkways, where you’ll learn more about New Zealand's native flora and fauna. The tour ends with an impressive 400m tandem zipline, so you can enjoy the rush with your friends and family.
Once you’ve rejuvenated yourself at the mud pools or spa, it's time to hit the slopes. Head down State Highway 5 and State Highway 1 to reach Tongariro National Park.
Road conditions in winter:
The Desert Road, near Tongariro National Park, is a key route through the central North Island but can close in heavy snow. While roads are well-maintained, parts are unsealed, and higher elevations can increase the chances of ice and snow—you'll need snow chains if driving to ski areas, especially in winter conditions.
You can find this ski field on the highest mountain in the entire North Island. You’ll find plenty of gullies, drops and wide trails suitable for experienced skiers across the field, including a 722m vertical drop. The ‘Alpine Meadow’ area is a fantastic space for complete first-timers as well, thanks to its gentle, easy terrain.
Take the Sky Waka Gondola past 1.8 km of rugged, beautiful landscape to reach the Whakapapa Ski Fields. With over 550 hectares of trails, basins and chutes, skiers of all levels will find something to suit them. The Happy Valley area is a beginner’s paradise, boasting a ski school meeting area and a rental complex that is free of advanced skiers and snowboarders.
If you’d like to avoid the crowded hustle of some of Tongariro’s most popular hikes, the Tama Lakes Track was made for you. This challenging hike will take about 7-8 hours to complete in total and takes you past old explosion craters, volcanic land and historic huts. In winter, windproof clothing is recommended.
Once you’ve had enough of the wild outdoor adventures, it’s time to head back to the comforts of civilization. Take State Highway 1 and State Highway 54 to reach Palmerston North.
Road conditions in winter:
Be very cautious when driving down any elevated roads if there is snow or ice on the road. Parts of the road from Tongariro National Park are unsealed.
Take a quick stop at the first public rugby museum in the world. The New Zealand Rugby Museum chronicles the full story of rugby’s growth in the nation and the formation of the National Rugby Team, the All-Blacks. You can also try out a few rugby challenges in the ‘have a go’ area and compare yourself to the best of the All-Blacks!
Enjoy a relaxing 10 km walk alongside the lively view of the Manawatu River. The path is mostly flat, with only minor contours and limestone sections, making it a great choice for beginners or families. You can also find some pretty BBQ and picnic areas for a quick break or pop into Cafe Esplanade for a quick meal and coffee.
Need to warm up after your river walk? Enjoy some indoor thrills and a hot drink with your friends at the Bowlarama Tenpin Bowling Centre. Alternatively, take your family to the Cloud 9 trampoline park for some gravity-defying fun.
Once you’ve tackled Palmerston North, head down State Highway 1 to reach the capital city of Wellington.
Road conditions in winter:
Wellington, as a busier city, will have less concern with slippery roads due to traffic preventing ice from forming. However, you should still be wary of shaded streets and keep a wide berth of other vehicles in the snow.
You’ll find this hidden gem only a 30-minute drive from Wellington. The Seal Coast Safari is a 4WD tour to Wellington’s hidden coast, where you’ll drive through a beautiful, rugged coastline to see the leaning lighthouse and meet an incredible seal colony. Winter is the best time to see the entire colony as younger seals breed or travel during the summer.
Since its opening in 1998, Te Papa Tongarewa has been New Zealand's National museum. See a thorough collection that tells the nation's story, from the bones of extinct megafauna to the first settlements to today's modern artists. There’s a lot to see at Te Papa, so be sure to plan your trip in advance so you don’t miss anything.
You should never leave New Zealand without seeing Middle Earth! Witness the majesty of Peter Jackson's legendary film trilogy up close at the Weta Workshop and Weta Caves, as well as other legendary film franchises. You’ll find guided tours showing you the incredible work of the artisans who bring your favourite films to life and workshops to flex your creative muscles.
It’s only natural to be nervous driving on unfamiliar roads in winter conditions. Here are a few driving winter tips to make sure you’re Auckland to Wellington trip is as smooth as possible:
By hiring a 4WD, you can enjoy a sturdy, reliable vehicle built to handle off-road paths with ease. A 4WD has enough space for up to 5 or 7 people and can also maintain control and stability for an overall safer ride. Drive with confidence and peace of mind by hiring a 4WD for your ski trip today.
SUVs have plenty of legroom for the whole crew and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating for that extra peace of mind on the road.
Most mountain locations in New Zealand are easy to get to with a compact 2WD and snow chains if necessary. A compact 2WD is ideal for 2-3 people with minimal luggage and who are confident drivers. Our compact 2WD ski rental cars are modern and have 5-star ANCAP safety ratings.
Looking for a fuel-efficient ski trip? GO Rentals hybrid car hires use an electric battery to take some of the load off the petrol engine and keep your vehicle running for longer on less fuel. Thanks to regenerative braking technology that recharges the battery, GO Rentals hybrid cars don’t even need to be plugged in, just refuelled. Reduce your carbon emissions in comfortable rentals spacious enough for up to 5/7 people.
Electric vehicles are unfortunately not suitable as ski rentals, as snow chains cannot be fitted onto the wheels.
If you and your ski group are travelling with a few bags each, a minibus rental can provide the comfort, safety and space you need to make it up the long mountain roads. A single minibus instead of multiple rental cars will reduce travel costs and give you enough legroom and luggage space for up to 12 people.
Many ski resorts also offer easier parking for carpool travellers; be sure to check with the resort in advance for any discounts.
Ski and snowboard racks are the ideal way to transport your group equipment to the snow. Our racks comfortably hold 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards.
To hire a rack, add your itinerary details into the booking widget, select a ski rack-compatible car and add the ski rack to your reservation. Our team can fit your ski rack, so all you have to do is pick up the keys, load up your equipment and get GOing.
Our ski and snowboard racks are compatible with:
Please note: Ski racks and snowboards can cause damage to the boot, which is not covered under rental car insurance. We strongly advise booking a ski rack-compatible car.
You may not require snow chains, but it is advisable to carry them in case the weather changes.
To book our snow chains, add your itinerary details in the booking widget, select a ski rack-compatible car and add the snow chains to your reservation. Our team can show you how to fit snow chains so you can be confident on the road.
Snow chains are compatible with the following cars:
Please note: Damage from snow chains is not covered under rental car insurance. Ensure you fit your snow chains correctly for the best traction on the road without causing damage to the car.
Our Snap Happy Photo Competition has customers revv’d up about how far they can go in a modern car hire in New Zealand! Submit a cool photo of your GO travel memory and be in with a chance to WIN up to $500 back from your booking too.
GO got us to the top of a stunning mountain, to see snow for only the third time in our lives. Peak performance!
Mount Ruapehu, Whakapapa Ski Field - Had so much fun here! Thank you, GO Rentals, for unlocking our journey through North New Zealand. You definitely gave us a September to remember.
It was a glorious day with not a cloud in the sky. We drove around Lake Taupo in our GO Rentals RAV4 to Whakapapa and up Mount Ruapehu. It was the first time we had seen snow for us Africans. Thank you for a brilliant experience, GO Rentals.
We drove our GO Rentals car 2 and a half hours to Tongariro Alpine Crossing to hike the mountains to have our first-ever snowball fight next to Mount Doom. What an unforgettable experience!
The best part of a Kiwi road trip is the freedom of the open road. With GO One-Way Rentals, you can gear up for an epic North Island trip without the stress of returning to your starting point in time for drop-off. Pick up a one-way Auckland to Wellington hire car for your epic winter trip. One-way rentals are a great way to maximise your trip before you have to step on the brakes.
An Auckland to Wellington road trip will show you the best that North Island has to offer in the winter season. From seal colonies you can only see in winter to fields covered with just a hint of frost, New Zealand truly becomes a stunning world of its own from June to August.
With so much to see and do in such unfamiliar terrain, it’s natural to be a little nervous. That is why we’re here to support you on the road and get you driving with confidence.
GO Rentals offers basic car insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance with each of our hired cars and Total Road Care package, so you know you are safe in case of a breakdown. Our Total Road Care package will also cover the fees of toll roads and government road taxes. So you can focus on hitting the slopes and leave the admin to us!
Why not use our Trip Planner for an easier journey? You can create an itinerary to see the sights that most appeal to you, so you don’t miss out on what a New Zealand winter has to offer.
Hit the Alps for a wild snowboarding adventure today, and book your Ski Car Rental with GO Rentals.
