Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Road Trip from Auckland to Nelson
Are you planning a road trip from Auckland to Nelson? The route from these two cities offers plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of New Zealand. Along the way, you will come across several museums, parks, and landmarks that are worth visiting. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the top places to visit on this road trip.
Interesting Fact
Did you know that the shortest distance between Auckland and Nelson is approximately 785 kilometers? However, if you take State Highway 1 and State Highway 6, the distance you will cover is approximately 1145 kilometers.
The Halfway Point
When traveling from Auckland to Nelson, you will come across the town of Bulls in Manawatu-Wanganui (MWT). This small town is known for its unique street signs that feature witty puns. Make sure to keep an eye out for these signs as you pass through the area.
Trip Length
The road trip from Auckland to Nelson takes approximately 15 hours of driving time without any stops. However, we recommend breaking the journey into several shorter stops over several days to enjoy the beauty of the route.
Top 5 Places to Visit
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Located in Matamata, this tour takes you to the world-famous Hobbiton movie set featured in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. You will get to explore the hobbit holes, the mill, and the Green Dragon Inn while enjoying a delicious meal and refreshing drinks.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Try the specially brewed Hobbit Southfarthing Beverages, including apple cider, ale, and ginger beer.
Tongariro National Park - This park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in New Zealand. You can enjoy hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in winter, and take scenic walks and explore stunning waterfalls in summer.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Take the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.4-kilometer trek that takes you across volcanic terrain, offering breathtaking views of the park.
Pancake Rocks - Located in Punakaiki, these limestone formations are known for their unique pancake-like appearance. The site features several walkways and viewing platforms that offer stunning views of the Tasman Sea.
Point of Interest Recommendation: The Pancake Rocks are especially beautiful around sunset, with the sun setting behind the rocks, casting a golden glow over everything.
Te Waikoropupū Springs - Located in Golden Bay, these springs are known for their crystal-clear water and stunning scenery. With a depth of over 70 meters, they are considered one of the clearest freshwater springs in the world.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a guided tour of the springs and learn about their ecological significance and cultural significance to the local Maori people.
Nelson Lakes National Park - Featuring several alpine lakes and a stunning mountain range, this park is known for its hiking trails, kayaking, and trout fishing opportunities.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa while enjoying stunning views of Mt. Robert.
Conclusion
Embarking on a road trip from Auckland to Nelson is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of New Zealand. With so many beautiful places to visit along the way, such as Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Pancake Rocks, and Nelson Lakes National Park, you will be spoilt for choice. The 1145-kilometer route can take several days, and we recommend taking your time to enjoy the stunning scenery and unique attractions at every stop.