Napier
- Wellington
360 km (225 miles)
Approximately 5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway/Motorway
Just next to Napier is the city of Hastings, which was also affected by the 1931 earthquake. As well as Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style architecture, Hastings is famous for its pipfruit and ice cream.
On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and Waipawa - both have historic buildings to view. At Waipukurau you can make a detour to Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu – a hill that has the longest place name in the world. If you take this side trip, you will rejoin the main route at Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians.
Before you reach Masterton, you’ll encounter the legendary town of Eketahuna. Not far down the road, the wildlife sanctuary at Mt Bruce is an essential stop.
Enjoy the clean, green Wairarapa scenery as you drive further south. Masterton is the biggest population centre in the area. Shortly after is a collection of historic towns – Carterton, Greytown and Featherston. If you want a taste of the Wairarapa’s wine region, take a detour to Martinborough.
The final leg of this journey takes you over the Rimutaka Range to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, Wellington is a place to enjoy galleries, museums, cafes, restaurants and all kinds of shops. Dance, theatre and musical performances are a Wellington specialty.
Scenic Highlights
Archives New Zealand
At Archives New Zealand, you can view fascinating displays based on historic documents, maps, paintings, photos and films.
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Enjoy sweeping views from hiking and riding trails in this historic forest park. Learn about Maori history while you relish the farm-fresh air.
Wellington Walkways
Views, forests, parks and gardens keep things interesting along these signposted Wellington walkways.
Napier - Art Deco Architecture
Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier's special point of difference.
Wrights Hill Fortress and Recreation Reserve
Wrights Hill offers 360 degree views of Wellington and the surrounding area, as well as walking tracks and picnic areas.
Lake Tutira
Lake Tutira is an idyllic place to have a picnic or pitch a tent. Hike the walkway or see how many bird species you can count.
Zealandia - The Karori Sanctuary Experience
This significant conservation attraction is located in a secluded suburban valley - just 2.5 kilometres from Wellington's central business district.
Makara Track
Makara Walking Track combines spectacular long-range views with a walk along a wild, west coast beach.
Matiu/Somes Island
Maori history, early European history, war stories and wildlife - this island, in the middle of Wellington Harbour, has it all.
National War Memorial and Carillon
In a beautiful art deco setting, learn about defining times in New Zealand's history and discover a huge musical bell instrument.
Mount Victoria
Breathtaking views and great walking tracks reward those who venture to the top of Mount Victoria.
Wellington Central Waterfront
Explore Wellington's waterfront on foot and visit Queens Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina and Oriental Bay.
Old Government Buildings
Feel the grace and elegance of the 1800s at Government Buildings, the largest wooden building in the southern hemisphere.
Wellington Botanic Garden
From ancient forests to colourful flower beds, the Wellington Botanic Garden is a delightful experience, completed by great views of the city and harbour.
Red Rocks Reserve
Put half a day aside for this easy coastal walk to Red Rocks and a fur seal colony on the south side of Wellington.
Activities
Hawkes Bay
Bird Watching (1),
Galleries (2),
Museums (3),
Urban and Scenic Attractions (4),
Wineries (5)
Wairarapa
Wineries (4)
Wellington
Arts & Crafts (2)
Tour and Sightseeing
Hawkes Bay
Bird Watching (1),
Wineries (12)
Tour and Sightseeing
Wairarapa
Wineries (3)
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