Road Trip from Auckland to Wellington: How Long Will It Take?

Pack some snacks, get behind the wheel, turn up the tunes and hit the open road. This time, let’s explore the journey from the City of Sails to the Capital City. But the question on your mind is, how long does it take to get there? No worries! Sit back, relax and read on for all the details.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

Depending on your preferred route, the driving distance between Auckland and Wellington is approximately 640 km. However, there are few options when it comes to driving between these two cities. The fastest route is via State Highway 1, which goes directly through the North Island. This route takes approximately 8 hours of driving without stopping.

If you're looking for a more scenic drive with less traffic and more nature, then you may want to take the slower and longer route. This route includes Highway 2 from Auckland to Wellington, and goes through the heart of the North Island. It takes approximately 10 hours of driving without stopping. However, it's worth noting that this route can take longer due to traffic and winding roads.

Distance and Time Based on Traffic Patterns

Of course, driving times vary based on the traffic. Peak traffic times are usually between 7-9 am and 4-6 pm on weekdays. If you’re leaving Auckland city centre at peak times, you can expect the journey to take up to 10-12 hours. If you're travelling on weekends or public holidays, traffic should be lighter and you should be able to shave off an hour or two from the total driving time.

On the other hand, low traffic times are usually from late at night till early in the morning. If you leave Auckland or Wellington after 10 pm, it’s likely that you will avoid most of the traffic and get to Wellington faster. The journey can take about 7-8 hours without stopping during these hours.

Which Route to Choose

Now that you have the lowdown on the fastest and slowest routes on this trip, it's up to you to decide which one you'd like to take. Are you in a hurry to get to Wellington where the fun begins, or do you want to take your time and enjoy the beautiful countryside, and maybe even stop at some of the small towns on the way?

Whatever your decision may be, make sure to plan your trip accordingly and leave enough time for rest stops, meals, and photos. With that said, an Auckland to Wellington road trip is a fantastic way to see some of the best of New Zealand’s North Island.

That concludes our brief look at what you can expect from a drive from Auckland to Wellington. Factors such as traffic and all-important stops along the way can all have a big impact on your journey. But remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so have fun and enjoy every moment!