The Cost of Driving from Auckland to Wellington: A Breakdown of Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Auckland to Wellington? It's a beautiful drive that won't disappoint, but have you considered the cost? Here's our breakdown of the various routes, their distances, time it takes, and overall cost based on current gas and toll prices.

The Main Route

The most common route between the two cities is the State Highway 1, which is 653 km and takes around 8 hours to complete. If you drive a car that uses petrol, which is 10 litres/100km, you would need around $300 (petrol is currently around $2.30 per litre) to cover the distance one way. In addition, there is a single toll on this route, costing $2.30.

The Coastal Route

If you fancy a scenic route that'll take you a little longer, you might prefer the coastal road through the region of Taranaki. This route covers a distance of 703 km and takes approximately 10 hours with a few stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery Along the way, you pass through the town of New Plymouth, offering you a chance to break up the journey and explore the area. Petrol cost wise, you'd need around $322, taking into account the fact that the route includes winding roads. Unfortunately, toll fees still apply, and the single toll fee for this route is $2.30.

The East Coast Route

The East Coast Route could provide an alternative for those who want to take a more coastal route, but to the east rather than the west. This 895 km route will take around 12 hours to complete, passing through the likes of Whangamata, Gisborne, and Napier. While this option is fairly lengthy, many consider it best, as you cover more areas and get to see more while on the road. Most importantly, petrol will cost you approximately $410, due to the longer distance. However, there are no toll fees on this route.

The Northern Route

Finally, we have the Northern Route, which is a slightly shorter and quicker option. The distance from Auckland to Wellington via this route is 652.5 km, which takes around 8 hours to complete. You'll also pass through some gorgeous small towns, giving you a chance to soak in New Zealand's natural beauty. Petrol estimates suggest that it will cost you approximately $300.50. There are no tolls on this route, similar to the East Coast Route.

Before you hit the open road, it's essential to prepare for the journey and its costs. With this breakdown, you can get a good idea of what to expect, and plan accordingly. Safe travels, folks!