Self-Drive Day Trips From Wellington: 10 Scenic Stops
Whether you’re in Wellington for business or a vacation, you’ll find fantastic self-driving trips just a short trip away. From beautiful parks and beaches to breathtaking views and charming towns, you’ll find a perfect mix of historical settlements and outstanding natural beauty on New Zealand’s North Island.
To help you hit the ground driving, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has curated 8 destinations perfect for a day trip. We’ll make it easy to fit in a quick adventure and explore remarkable sights during your business trip.
If you're ending your travels outside of Wellington, we’ve got you covered with our quick and easy one-way rental program. You can drop off at the Enterprise branch of your choosing, no matter where you started your trip.
Enjoy travel times you can tailor to your schedule, and experience complete freedom on the road. Book a vehicle with Enterprise today and take the wheel on a gorgeous North Island adventure.
10 Self-Drive Trips from Wellington
Welcome to New Zealand's capital city! Wellington is a fantastic base to launch your self-driving day trips. You don’t even need to leave the city limits to immerse yourself in a beautiful outdoor adventure. Incredible locations like Mount Victoria or Wellington Harbour are barely a 30-minute drive away from the city centre.
You can start your adventure as soon as you hop off your flight. Wellington has plenty of charming cafes, galleries and museums across town. Be sure to hop on the world-famous cable car before you leave!
1. Mount Victoria Lookout (6.8 km - 14 minutes)
You’ll find this stunning and historic vista just a quick jaunt away from Wellington’s town centre. Mount Victoria Lookout offers a beautiful view of Wellington City, the harbour and the South Pacific Ocean.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 6.8 km
- Driving time: 15 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Couples, business travellers, film buffs, history lovers
The walk to the lookout point will take you through stunning pine forests before ending on a panoramic, 360-degree view of Wellington and the surrounding areas. The walkway itself is a 4.6 km loop that should take 1.5 hours to complete.
For history lovers, you’ll find plenty of local myths and settler history. The lookout was specifically set aside as a public recreation ground for the Wellington Town Belt in 1841. According to legend, Wellington Harbour was originally a land-locked lake, before a gigantic sea monster, Ngake, created the harbour entrance by breaking the cliffs.
For LOTR fans, you’ll find the iconic area where the hobbits hid in The Fellowship of the Ring in Victoria Park. You can also find the Way of Nazgul within the Mount Victoria Town Belt.
2. Shelly Bay (7.9 km - 18 minutes)
Take a beach break, a quick drive away from the city at Shelly Bay. You’ll experience a serene atmosphere with peaceful waters perfect for a quick rest from the bustle of Wellington’s urban sprawl.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 7.9 km
- Driving time: 18 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Beach bums, business travellers, nature lovers
Once under consideration for major residential development, Shelly Bay was purchased by The Lord of the Rings Director Peter Jackson to preserve its outstanding natural beauty. Historically, the area was part of the original iwi settlements.
You’ll find gorgeous hiking trails, unique wildlife, birdwatching spots, and a beautiful shoreline perfect for relaxing walks. Local sights include a hike along the Maupuia Walkway and a visit to the Massey Memorial.
Shelly Bay was owned by the New Zealand Defence Force for 124 years before the military base was shut down in 2009. Today, you can visit gyms, art studios and a cafe around the former air force base.
3. Makara Beach (18.2 km - 34 minutes)
Step into a stunning vista of wild beaches and untamed forest at Makara Beach. Enjoy a charming seaside village with a rugged and colourful coastline filled with stony shores.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 18.2 km
- Driving time: 34 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Nature lovers, business travellers, families
Be sure to take your time on the drive over to Makara Beach! The trip is relatively quick but offers a simply magnificent coastal drive and a chance to unwind.
The hike along the Makara walkway will take you through the most iconic sights of the area in a 7 km loop. Stroll along the rocky coastline, through an active farmland and marvel at a World War 2 gun emplacement. While you won’t find any LOTR filming sights here, Peter Jackson did use the village to stand in for the town of Kaihoro in the 1987 film Bad Taste.
Makara Beach is a great place for seaside activities like fishing, diving and boating, which you can find at the small ramp near Makara Stream. You’ll find plenty of amenities like toilets and changing areas, but please be advised that the beach has no active lifeguard.
4. Paekakariki (41.2 km - 41 minutes)
This charming coastal town is under an hour's drive away from Wellington and will surprise you with the sheer volume of things you can get up to here in only a day.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 41.2 km
- Driving time: 41 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: History buffs, business travellers, families
If you’re not chilling on Paekakariki Beach, you’ll find plenty of walking paths and interesting sights to explore. The 10 km Paekakariki Escarpment track is suitable for the reasonably fit and takes you 220 metres above sea level. History lovers can discover the story of the area's rail heritage at Paekakariki Station Museum, or pay respects to the WW2 soldiers at the US Marine Memorial.
Further out of town, Queen Elizabeth Park offers incredible walking tours and nature hikes, historical settlements and even a model aeroplane flying club. For the equestrians, you can find some amazing horseback riding tours at the Kapiti Stables.
Need to give your feet a quick break? Paekakariki is the home of Steam Incorporated, home of fully restored steam engine trains running along heritage railways. Enjoy a beautiful and nostalgic trip through the scenic countryside at a calm, relaxed pace.
5. Remutaka Forest Park (41.8 km - 39 minutes)
Despite only being 30-40 minutes from Wellington, you’ll find an incredible, wild and rugged landscape begging to be explored across the Remutaka Forest Path. Be sure to bring your hiking shoes!
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 41.8 km
- Driving time: 39 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Nature lovers, business travellers, hiking experts
To hit the hiking track and immerse yourself in nature as soon as possible, park at the Catchpool Valley entrance. The parking area has bathrooms, picnic areas, information displays and a beautiful stream running through it.
The most famous hiking trail in Remutaka Forest Park is the Ōrongorongo Track. This easy hiking track makes for a perfect day trip getaway into the wild forests and takes you through gorgeous native bush. You’ll walk past wild pigs and red deer, spot native birds and see stunning vistas of Wellington Harbour and other nearby ranges.
For a more immersive experience, you can book a remote cabin for a night while you’re in the area. Enjoy a complete remote getaway for a night before you head back on the trail to Wellington in the morning.
6. Waiohine Gorge (93.4 km - 1 hour 32 minutes)
Take a moment to escape from city life with the beautiful drive to Waiohine Gorge. Dive straight into clear waters, paddle down the vast river, or enjoy challenging but stunning hiking routes across the gorge.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 93.4 km
- Driving time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Hiking pros, business travellers, nature lovers
Waiohine Gorge is a wild and beautiful entry point into the Tararua Forest Park. You can reach the Gorge’s most famous site just a few minutes after you park. The swinging bridge is a thrilling, pulse-pounding vista perfect for anyone who's not afraid of heights.
There are plenty of beautiful hiking tracks across the gorge, including the popular Lower Waiohine Track, which leads past the Totara Flats Hut and Cone Hut camping cabins. If you’re looking for more varied hikes, Tararua Forest Park has dozens of paths suitable for all levels.
For those less familiar with hiking or rapids, the gorge offers a relaxed but stunning grade 2 scenic float suitable in pristine waters that is perfect for sightseeing and relaxing. There's nothing quite like drifting along the water's currents, surrounded by magnificent sights of the local trees and animals.
7. Masterton (100 km - 1 hour 38 minutes)
The largest town in the Wairarapa region offers some unique sights that are perfect for a quick day trip. Masterton is a beautiful town that is also close to the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre and Henley Lake.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 100 km
- Driving time: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: Families, business travellers, Wine lovers
Masterton is a family-friendly town with plenty to do for groups and solo travellers. The Aratoi Wairarapa Museum features over 30 exhibitions every year, and Castlepoint and Riversdale are fantastic beach spots, an hour's drive from town. You’ll also find a deer farm and paddle boats in Queen Elizabeth Park. (Not to be confused with the one in Paekakariki!)
The region is also famous for its outstanding wineries. You can try wine tasting with incredible food at phenomenal wine farms like The Elder Pinot or Schubert wines. Be sure to check if there are any food and wine events in the region before you leave.
Masterson is also the sheep-shearing capital of New Zealand. The world's premier shearing and wool-handing championship is hosted in Masterson’s War Memorial Stadium in March every 2 years.
8. Cape Palliser (120.6 km - 1 hour 49 minutes)
Seal the deal with your final day trip to Caper Palliser. Cape Palliser is actually further south than Nelson and Blenheim on the South Island, giving you a taste of the South Island weather without even setting foot on a ferry.
Quick Stats
- Trip Distance: 120.6 km
- Driving time: 1 hour 49 minutes
- Car recommendation: SUV
- Suitable for: animal lovers, business travellers, couples
Stretch your legs from the long drive with the dramatic but beautiful walk up to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse. If you can manage the 250-step climb, you’ll be rewarded with an absolutely breathtaking view of the coastline and the surrounding area. On clear days, you can even see the South Island in the distance.
Cape Palliser is home to the North Island's biggest fur seal colony. If you’re visiting between November and February, you are bound to see seals and adorable seal pups playing with each other and lazing about on the rocks. Please be sure to keep at least a 20-metre distance.
When you’re craving something to eat, take a quick jaunt to Ngawi fishing village. Ngawi has plenty of great pop-up food options suitable for anyone's taste, or you could stick to a classic and fresh fish and chips.
Rental Cars from Wellington
Main highways and most local roads in and around Wellington are well-maintained and fully sealed. For long trips or rides through forests and reserves, you may want a car that can handle steep and windy conditions. We would recommend:
Bleisure Travel Driving Business Forward
Thanks to new, flexible working conditions, ‘bleisure travel’ (Combination of business and leisure) is becoming increasingly popular. If you have a business trip to Wellington planned, try our flexible business car rental to make the most of your time when you’re not working.
Get to your meeting with ease and schedule some easy sightseeing during your downtime. Our Personalised business package features 24/7 roadside assistance and a dedicated Account Manager with no membership fees required.
Want to schedule some extra fun during your next working trip? Here are our personal tips for making the most of a New Zealand bleisure travel trip.
- Explore local food and coffee: Wellington has a thriving foodie culture you don’t want to miss out on while you’re here. New Zealanders are also serious about their coffee, and you can find some awesome cafes and baristas across the entire North Island. Try to find a cafe with good wifi to get some work done between meetings as well.
- Pick the right hotel: You’ll want enough time to work and play while you’re in the North Island. The right choice of hotel can cut down on your travel times, and you’ll need a venue that can support all your business needs. Ensure that the hotel you’re in has USB connectors, fax/copying machines, powerpoints, a meeting room and any other features you will professionally need.
- Try staying outside Wellington: You’ll find plenty of incredible places to stay across the North Island. Booking a remote camping cabin or a beach hotel for a night can be a fun way to make your exploring easier or feel more immersed in nature.
Steer Your Way With Epic Day Trips From Wellington!
A self-driving day trip is a fantastic way to discover all the unique experiences the North Island has to offer whenever you’re short on time. Whether you’re a coffee addict or a hiking aficionado, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is here to help you steer towards adventure with our 8 recommended day trip stops.
Keen for more adventure? Embark on an epic Wellington to Napier drive, or go even further with a complete North Island Road trip! With Enterprise branches at Wellington Airport, Auckland City and Auckland Airport, you can plan a road trip around the whole island. With our one-way rentals program, you can drop off your car hire at any Enterprise branch you want.
Experience the freedom of the road with an Enterprise car rental today!