Take the Scenic Route. Auckland Road Trips Worth the Drive

There’s no better place to kick off a North Island roadie than right in the heart of Auckland. With your rental car ready to go from 71 Mayoral Drive (inside the Grand Millennium Auckland), it’s as easy as grabbing the keys and heading for the open road.

Whether you’re escaping for the weekend or plotting out a full-blown adventure, here are a few of our favourite drives to get you started.

Quick Escapes from the City

1. Piha Beach
Just 45 minutes west of the CBD, this black sand surf beach is wild, moody, and incredibly photogenic. Lion Rock is the hero here, but the clifftop walks and sunsets are just as memorable.

2. Matakana & Leigh
Great for a slow day out. Think boutique markets, beachside wineries, and a sneaky detour to Goat Island Marine Reserve for snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat ride.

3. Hunua Falls
Pack a picnic and stretch your legs with an easy waterfall walk in the Hunua Ranges. It’s a peaceful escape under an hour away from the city.

Long Weekend Loops

4. Coromandel Peninsula
From Cathedral Cove to Hot Water Beach, this one’s a classic for a reason. Take the scenic route around the coast, and don’t forget your togs and a spade.

5. Rotorua & the Blue Spring
Thermal wonders, forest walks, and that otherworldly turquoise spring near Putaruru. Rotorua is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and the drive down is smooth and scenic.

6. Mount Maunganui
Great beach. Great cafés. Great climb to the summit. If you’ve got a long weekend and good weather, this spot never disappoints.

Going Further? Here’s a Route Worth Planning

Auckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua → Taupō → Tongariro National Park
This one’s for those with time to spare and playlists to burn through. Think cinematic scenery, hot pools, lakeside sunsets, and a possible snow-capped volcano or two. This loop is magic year-round — and with your own car, you can make it up as you go.

You’ll find more of these gems in our Instagram post. Save it for later or use it to plan your stops.

Pick Up and Go

Our cars are ready for collection right in the city centre at the Grand Millennium. Whether you're heading out for the day or the week, booking with Evolve Rentals gives you the freedom to go wherever the mood (or the weather) takes you.