Directions

Short distances and scenic routes make New Zealand the perfect destination for self-drive travel and there is no better place to start than in our beautiful Bay of Islands. Only 3 hours from Auckland, golden sand and azure waters await. If you’re driving from Auckland and you missed our guide to driving from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, check it out before continuing on to Paihia below. If you’re following on from the Auckland guide, let’s pick up from where we left off. Kawakawa to Paihia You’ve spent some time wandering around the funky town of Kawakawa, seen the Hundertwasser toilets and maybe even spied the old steam train rolling through town. So now what? As you leave Kawakawa, Highway 1 splits to become Highway 11. Though you are only 20 minutes drive from Paihia, resist the urge to rush. Opua is the most popular port for those who choose to reach the Bay of Islands by sea. In fact, it is commonly the first port for those who have sailed across the Pacif…

Say kia ora to romance in charming Russell, a favourite for those that want to get away from the crowds and haste of Auckland and enjoy secluded, natural beaches. If you are driving from our largest city and you missed our guide to driving from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, check it out before continuing on to Russell below. If you’re following on from the Auckland guide, let’s pick up from where we left off. Kawakawa to Russell Russell is a small peninsula accessible by via vehicle ferry at Opua or by driving through Russell State Forest. Let’s look at these options in more detail below. Russell State Forest You’ve had your rest stop in kitschy Kawakawa and you are quite keen to continue driving. After all, the views seem to grow more and more beautiful as you head further north and it’s nice to cruise through the changing scenery. If you would like to drive to Russell rather than take the vehicle ferry, you will need to follow State Highway 1 to Old Russell Roa…

If sun-drenched white sand and crystal waters are just what you’ve been dreaming about, it might be time to take a trip to Kerikeri, the golden horseshoe bay in New Zealand’s north. If you’re planning to drive up from Auckland and you missed our travel guide from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, check it out before continuing on to Kerikeri below. If you’re following on from the Auckland guide, let’s pick up from where we left off. Kawakawa to Kerikeri (Direct) There are two main ways to get to Kerikeri. If you’d prefer to arrive directly, simply follow State Highway 1 from Kawakawa to Pakaraka. Here, Highway 1 will become State Highway 10 which you can follow directly to Kerikeri. However, if you would prefer to take in some other sites on your way, consider taking your journey through Paihia. Kawakawa to Kerikeri (via Paihia) Here you can follow our guide from Kawakawa to Paihia which includes the onward journey to Kerikeri while taking you via the incredible …

With such a variety of areas to explore in this beautiful country, you may be thinking, how can I possible choose just one? My not try the Bay of Islands? With so many different options for towns to visit and explore, there are many hidden treasures waiting to be explored. Venture through old mining villages, dense forest to pristine beaches, all within 4 hours of one of New Zealand’s most bustling cities. This post will explore the best route to take to the Bay of Islands from central Auckland with links to different itineraries based on your chosen destination. Let’s hit the road. Note: For our overseas visitors, be sure to take your time when driving in NZ. Our roads are often narrow and windy so it can be more tiring for the driver to drive three hours in NZ than it would be to drive three hours somewhere where the highways are long and wide. Auckland to Kawakawa This inland route from Auckland reveals some of New Zealand’s most beautiful hidden attraction…