Whether you’re chasing wild west coast surf, geothermal steam rising across volcanic ridgelines, or a sun-soaked coastal road trip, here are a selection of anxiety-free routes from Auckland in an electric vehicle.
Thermal Explorer
Auckland to Rotorua to Taupō
Though most associate The Thermal Explorer Highway with the stretch of road between Rotorua and Taupō, where SH5 winds past heaps of geothermal parks such as Wai-O-Tapu, it actually begins along the SH 1 in Auckland (and reaches all the way to Napier). Descending towards Taupō, plumes of steam often drift across the highway as the volcanic ridgelines Tongariro National Park command the horizon beyond. But well before then consider calling in at the likes of Hamilton Gardens or Hobbiton. There’s a strong charging network along the route.
Auckland to Raglan
A carefree couple of hours from Auckland (and 50km west of Hamilton), easy-going Raglan is a black-sanded surf town famed the (surf) world over. Aside from the legendary waves – including one of the longest left-hand breaks on the planet – Raglan has plenty to offer by way of boho boutiques, craft stores and sun-drenched bars and eateries that line the main drag, all run by a creative, fiercely independent community that gives the town its unhurried, come-as-you-are character. Hamilton also sits squarely on one of New Zealand’s best-supported EV corridors, making the run from Auckland a stress-free charge-and-go.
Coromandel Loop
Aotearoa’s sunniest road trips is also among its most e-vehicle-friendliest! For around 400km, SH25 loops around a crooked coastline which is pōhutukawa-lined on the west with surf-pounded white and pink sands on its east. Humble former gold-mining towns and hip surf villages are scattered along the route, serving as gateways to awesome sights like Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, and Whenuakura Island, a sunken ancient volcano off Whangamatā that you can kayak in to.
West Coast Escape
A refreshment stop at the village of Titirangi is essential before – and/or after! – Scenic Drive winds deep into 16,000ha of ancient rainforest that is the legendary Waitākere Ranges, less than an hour from Auckland. Pause at Arataki Visitor Centre for sweeping views and intricate Māori carvings, then explore black-sanded gems like Piha, Muriwai, and more.
Iconic local attractions and adventures take the shape of the gannet colony at Muriwai (best viewed August to March), the magnificent Mercer Bay Loop trail, and Kitekite Falls.
Auckland to Bay of Islands
The drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands runs roughly 3.5 hours non-stop along SH1, but the Twin Coast Discovery Highway turns it into something worth savouring. Head up the Hibiscus Coast for Orewa’s long golden beach, the farmers’ market village of Matakana, the cliff-backed sands of Mangawhai, and the glowworm-filled Waipu Caves before rejoining SH1 into Whāngārei. From there, the Tutukaka Coast leads east to the Poor Knights Islands, regarded as one of the world’s top dive sites. Then it’s north again until the Bay of Islands opens up ahead, all glittering water and unhurried charm.
For a full map of NZ’s charging station, head to journeys.nzta.govt.nz/ev-chargers
