Ultimate Kauri to Moana Road Trip Destinations
From the land to the sea, New Zealand is full of fantastic road trip locations to explore. Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand - called Aotearoa in the native language - who have a strong cultural connection to both the ocean and the earth. Kauri to Moana can also be understood as from the forest to the sea in Te Reo Māori, the language spoken by Māori, and is an integral part of New Zealand’s cultural history. To explore some of the best road trip destinations from kauri to moana, pick up your Ace rental car from either Wellington airport in the North Island or Dunedin airport in the South Island and follow this guide for an ultimate adventure.
North Island Adventures on Land
After you’ve picked up your vehicle from Wellington, you’re ready to start exploring the beauty of the North Island. Just half an hour out of the city you’ll find the lush rainforest of Kaitoke Regional Park. This oasis is the perfect place to park the car and get out on foot, exploring the scenic beauty of this natural playground through a network of walking tracks that will wind you through the lowland rainforest and by the serene river. Next, head up north to Whanganui National Park, about two and a half hours from Kaitoke. This pristine pocket of paradise boasts tumbling hills of lush greenery and scenic spots along walking tracks. Look out for the Bridge to Nowhere walk, a sensational hike that will lead you through the Te Araroa Trail over a historical abandoned bridge. From there, head north to Mount Ruapehu - the country’s largest active volcano, situated less than two hours away. Hike this beast of nature and take in the serenity of the scenery once you reach its peak.
North Island Adventures on the Water
Only an hour and a half north from Mount Ruapehu, Lake Taupō is a gem in the North Island’s crown of jewels. A large crater lake with an adjoining town, there are a bucketload of water activities to elevate your adventure as you travel around the lake. Try your hand at water-skiing or kayaking on the lake’s turquoise surface for a thrill-filled day out, or ride a river cruise through the dramatic Huka Falls to really get amongst the epic scenery. If you’re after more lake action, head north another hour and a half to Rotorua, home of the large, shallow crater Lake Rotorua. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption hundreds of thousands of years ago, the lake is now a hotspot for water activities such as trout fishing, scenic cruises and even jet boating. Finish off your North Island water adventure part of your road trip with a stop by Tauranga on the Eastern coastline, less than an hour from Rotorua. This seaside haven is the perfect spot to cool off in the ocean and maybe even catch some dolphins as they swim past. From there, another couple hours drive through lush farmland and you can easily drop your rental car off at Auckland airport.
South Island Adventures on the Water
But the road trip adventures don’t have to stop there. If you’re looking for the ultimate road trip itinerary for the South Island, we have just the guide for you. Begin in Dunedin, a charming city situated at the head of Otago Harbour on the south-east coast of the South Island. Get a taste of the oceanic adventures on offer in the South Island with a stop by Dunedin's stunning beaches. Surfers love St Clair beach for its epic breaks, while swimmers will also enjoy this stretch of paradise for its beautiful oceanside pool. Next, head down south to the coastal city of Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city. The nearby port of Bluff is a seaside haven that acts as the gateway to the sensational Stewart Island - a hidden gem filled with spectacular waterside walks and national parks brimming with wildlife. Bluff is also home to the world-class Bluff oysters - you won’t just be able to see the ocean, you’ll be able to taste it too.
South Island Adventures on Land
Travel less than two hours north of Invercargill and you’ll find yourself at the base of the majestic James Peak. This epic mountain provides the perfect grounds to get out in nature and explore the vibrant landscape on foot with a picturesque hike. From there, you’ll only be a half an hour drive from the thrill-filled capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Brimming with adrenaline-inducing activities, like bungy jumping and sky diving, Queenstown is also home to a wide range of hikes and bike trails. Scale the Queenstown Hill and take in the soaring views of the Remarkables mountain range from the top, as well as outlooks of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is the perfect place to wrap up this kauri to moana road trip as you can easily drop your vehicle off at Queenstown airport when the adventure is done.
From the land to the ocean and a wide range of sensational spots in between, New Zealand is home to an expansive collection of epic adventures that you can discover in your Ace rental car on these ultimate kauri to moana road trips.
