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Visiting New Zealand's major cities?

Before you begin your journey, learn more about the different transport options available to you, and what’s different about driving in New Zealand.

While travelling around New Zealand, you’re likely to visit at least one of our major cities. In this section, you can find details of getting to, from and around each of these cities.

And we’re sure that while you’re in New Zealand, you’ll want to see more of our beautiful country, so we’ve included some information about getting to, from and around other cities and towns that may be on your itinerary.

Whangarei

Whangarei is a developing, modern and vibrant city in the centre of a district of fertile farmlands, orchards and forest, plus a stunning harbour and coastline with some of New Zealand's finest beaches.
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Hamilton

The riverside city of Hamilton is one of the country’s fastest growing and has the attractions to go with it, whether you’re looking for family fun or a thriving nightlife.
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New Plymouth

Boasting superb old architecture melded with up-to-the-minute design flavoured with modern art, New Plymouth is home to more than 70,000 people and includes many unique tourist attractions that make the city ‘like no other’.
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Palmerston North

Palmerston North is a thriving, vibrant city with a growing population and buoyant economy. Explore the heart of the city from the beautiful inner city park, The Square, to discover historic buildings, bars, cafes, restaurants, all kinds of shops, the city’s library, museums and art galleries.
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Nelson

Nelson has a mild sunny climate year round and boasts magnificent landscapes, from alpine lakes and raging rivers to wide sandy coastlines, that provide a backdrop for leisurely adventures, such as kayaking, walking and skiing, or for enjoying one of the region’s many beaches.
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Invercargill

Invercargill is favourably placed on the Southern Scenic Route and is the gateway to some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery and destinations including the Southland heartland, Stewart Island, Fiordland and the Catlins.
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Auckland

Wherever you are in Auckland, you're never far from breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks, idyllic holiday islands, outstanding food and wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife.
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Rotorua

Whether seeking to experience Maori culture, geothermal earth forces, spa rejuvenation, thrills and adventure, or any of the other natural assets such as 16 lakes, some of the world's best mountain biking trails, fantastic trout fishing and myriad forest walking tracks – Rotorua delivers it all!
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Napier

Napier is the bustling centre of Hawke's Bay. Located beside the sea and offering one of the best climates in the country, it is a stunning city with Art Deco architectural influences.
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Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand's capital of cool, is home to Parliament, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa and a thriving film industry. It wraps around a beautiful harbour, with its suburbs stretching out around the hills and the coastline.
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Dunedin

Nestled in the hills surrounding beautiful Otago Harbour, Dunedin maintains a position of national importance as a major seat of learning with a strong arts and cultural focus.
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Other cities you may consider visiting

Tauranga, Taupo, Blenheim, Christchurch and Queenstown
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Before you begin your journey