Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Fastest route from Auckland to Wellington?

  1. #1

    Default Fastest route from Auckland to Wellington?

    My OH and I can't agree on the fastest route/best drive from Auckland to Wellington from just looking at the map. Any suggestions/experiences? (We don't want to do the touristy bits, just get from the north of the North Island to the south of the South Island without wasting too much time.)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Near Whangarei
    Posts
    496

    Default

    State highway 1 is the quickest drive. The only diversion I have always taken in the past is to take the road to the west of Lake Taupo. This misses out alot of traffic in central Taupo, and is a pretty drive (no petrol stations, if memory serves me right, until you rejoin SH1).

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Cambridge, Waikato
    Posts
    2,586

    Default

    Yup, that's the same route we did, including the west side of Taupo, and there are no petrol stations from Tokoroa until that other town beginning with 't' on the South side of the lake.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    UK>Welly>Boonies>where next?
    Posts
    3,756

    Default

    Fly!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Stonefields, Auckland
    Posts
    301

    Default

    SH1....but avoid Hamilton by going via Matamata - much quicker and then it swings you back onto SH1 above Rotovegas.

    Neil

  6. #6

    Default

    Thanks for the replies!
    Smiler, flying is not an option, we've bought a car already!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Waikanae via Yorkshire
    Posts
    363

    Default

    I'd possibly go the other way round Tongariro, down through Taumarunui and National Park way - SH4 I think?
    It's a nice drive, and you can go and see Raurimu at the same time!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    UK>Welly>Boonies>where next?
    Posts
    3,756

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Questor View Post
    I'd possibly go the other way round Tongariro, down through Taumarunui and National Park way - SH4 I think?
    It's a nice drive, and you can go and see Raurimu at the same time!
    We've been this way and prefer it to the Taupo route, which can be busy at holidays and weekends.

    Yes, fill up the tank before you leave too, I think Taumarunui has the only gas for miles...... this way looks slower on the map but really isn't, just less crowded.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Paraparaumu Beach Kapiti Coast
    Posts
    426

    Default

    We did State highway one all the way which is good as my husband cannot read maps which saved lots of stress on the way. Amazing really that you can do the whole journey on one road & I thought husband was joking when he said you just stay on this road . Did break up the journey in Taupo though as 2 small back seat drivers with us .
    Jackie

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •