The Ultimate Guide to Traveling from Auckland to Hamilton
If you're planning a trip to the Waikato region, make sure you don't miss out on visiting Hamilton. Located just an hour and a half's drive from Auckland, Hamilton is known for its beautiful gardens, museums, and galleries. But, how long does it take to get there? We’ve got you covered with all the route options and the estimated time each route takes.
The Distance and Different Routes
There are three primary routes between Auckland and Hamilton. The first is State Highway 1, which stretches from Auckland to Hamilton directly through the city of Bombay. The second is State Highway 2, which heads through the Coromandel Peninsula, and the third is the route through State Highway 27.
The total driving distance from Auckland to Hamilton is approximately 126 kilometers if you take the direct route via SH1. On the other hand, traveling via SH2 and SH27 leads to a longer distance of approximately 175.2 kilometers and 152 kilometers, respectively.
Travel Time Options
Each route comes with its own time period of travel. The estimated times for each route are:
- State Highway 1: 1.5 hours
- State Highway 2: 2.5 hours
- State Highway 27: 2 hours
The direct route via State Highway 1 is the quickest and most straightforward way to reach Hamilton. The drive will take approximately 1.5 hours and is mostly on a four-lane highway, which means traffic congestion is minimal.
The routes through SH2 and SH27 take longer, but they offer beautiful scenery and fun places to stop along the way. Driving through SH2 offers travelers the chance to visit the hot springs town of Miranda. Alternatively, travelers taking SH27 can pass through the quaint towns of Matamata, which is famously known for the Hobbiton movie set, and Morrinsville for some of the best pies in the country.
Places to Stop Along the Way
If you're taking the SH2 route, be sure to visit the Karangahake Gorge, known for its beautiful walking tracks and gold mining history. The Thames Market is another must-visit destination.
Those traveling through SH27 shouldn't miss a visit to the stunning Blue Spring in Putaruru that's known for its crystal clear water. Matamata is the film destination that everyone should see to visit the famous Hobbiton movie set. And lastly, Morrinsville may be small in size, but it’s definitely worth stopping by their award-winning bakeries for some pies.
Final Thoughts
Although there are many ways to reach Hamilton, the majority of people travel via State Highway 1 for its speed. Traveling to Hamilton from Auckland shouldn’t take up much of your time, but it still offers enjoyable and breathtaking scenery that deserves to be explored. So, whether you take the quick route with minimal stops or want to take your time with exciting stopovers, you’ll find traveling from Auckland to Hamilton one of the most heartening journeys on the North Island.