The drive from Wellington to Palmerston North is relatively short at only 142 km long and offers an amazing chance to explore the dramatic mountain ranges of Manawatu. Experience the signature rolling hills and stunning greenery of the North Island as you travel through charming towns and villages before arriving in Palmerston North's incredible blend of natural beauty combined with urban convenience.
You’ll find plenty of gorgeous sights on your way to Palmerston North, but if you’re worried about missing out on any hidden gems, don’t worry. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of your time in the region.
Need a dependable ride for your trip? Book a hire car with GO Rentals Wellington Airport Branch to get GOing in style. Our versatile fleet has a wide range of vehicles for you to choose from, so you can easily find the right match for your adventure across New Zealand’s North Island.
Not keen on a return trip to Wellington? With our one-way rental program, you can keep your road trip going onto our Auckland branch and drop off your vehicle there. So you can create your dream itinerary without having to compromise on your final destination.
Trip distance: 200 km
Days: 1-3
Car recommendation: Large car/SUV
Suitable for: Couples, families, beach lovers, ocean fanatics
A straight trip from Wellington to Palmerston North is 142 km via SH 1. Without stopping, the journey should take you roughly 1 hour and 47 minutes to reach your destination. However, doing the entire trip without any breaks is not recommended.
Our itinerary takes you across the SH 2, to see the breathtaking Tararua Range and Manawatu Gorge on your way into Palmerston North. This will make your total distance 200 km, for a total driving time of 3 hours. We’ve gathered a full list of sights, cultural experiences and even a signature trout fishing festival!
We recommend giving yourself 1-3 days to see everything you can without stressing your schedule. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey you’ll never forget.
Kia Ora from our award-winning employees! We are passionate about New Zealand and have put together our insider local tips to GO the extra mile for our customers!
One of my favourite things to do during the winter is to visit the Wellington Zoo and meet our latest additions to the zoo, the snow leopards – they’ve been with us for a year now. A 10-minute drive from there are some beautiful cafes at Lyall Bay with beautiful views and beautiful food. And then, for a lovely winter’s night, you can take a walk around Oriental Parade and see the fountain light up and see the beautiful lights of the waterfront in Wellington.
Mt Makara / Makara peak and Mt Kaukau. These are large hills near Wellington City centre. We can see the whole of Wellington City from the top of the hills. Some tourists are only looking for short hikes in nature near Wellington, so I would recommend this spot because the hills are only a 15- to 20-minute drive from the CBD and will only take a 90-minute return walk. These spots are good to know how close Wellington is to our beautiful nature.
My favourite place to travel in Aotearoa New Zealand is Whanganui a Tara Wellington. Some of the best food and restaurants and cafes, best coffee in New Zealand and a really beautiful waterfront.
Pinnacles Track Wairarapa - Adopt the pace of nature while exploring the beauty of the landscape and the excellent view of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke. The walk can take 2-4 hours depending on the track you choose.
Be sure to spend a day or two in New Zealand's capital city before you head further up north. It’s very easy to get around Wellington by car or public transport, and you can find fun and fascinating activities around every corner.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Wellington without visiting this historical icon. The Wellington Cable car has serviced more than a million people a year since it was created in 1902. Head to Kelburn Terminal to enjoy a relaxed, vintage ride with a gorgeous view of the city. Be sure to check out the cable car museum on the hilltop to see how much Wellington's most beloved transport has changed since it was first installed.
Take in a breathtaking, panoramic view of Wellington from the Mount Victoria Lookout. The view is highly accessible and can be reached by cars, buses and walking trails, making it perfect for a quick break or a dedicated day out. You’ll find a perfect view of the harbour, the city and even parts of the ocean to the south. The nearby walkway is also a perfect spot for hikers, joggers and mountain bikers.
The Wellington Botanic Gardens feature stunning displays of foreign and native flora across 61 acres of land. You’ll find flower beds full of eye-catching colours, ancient forests and a lovely view of the city and harbour from the walking path. Remember to stop by the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden before you leave.
Go wild in Wellington at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo! New Zealand’s very first zoo was first opened in 1906 and has been caring for animals ever since. You’ll discover over 500 foreign and native animals, including the endangered Tawaki Fiordland Crested Penguin and the Korora Little Blue Penguin.
Once you’ve explored everything Wellington has to offer, it’s time to head up to Masterton on State Highway 2. Be sure to stop if you feel tired or if you’ve seen a beautiful view that you just have to take in.
The Pukaha National Wildlife Centre is an absolute must-see while you're in the area. This world-renowned research and preservation centre is intensely dedicated to preserving New Zealand's unique native wildlife, such as the white kiwi and the rare takahe. The Centre features a 942-hectare reserve and offers night tours and other guided experiences for nature lovers and the naturally curious.
Stop by the heart of Masterton at the Queen Elizabeth Park. You’ll find plenty of things to do if you need to stretch your legs from the long drive, or you can grab a picnic basket and just enjoy a quiet moment in nature. The park features an 18-hole minigolf course, a deer farm, boat rides and even a miniature train.
Is it really New Zealand without sheep? The Wool Shed National Museum of Sheep and Shearing is a testament to the industry and culture of shearing across the nation. Enjoy a hands-on journey in agricultural heritage, featuring virtual shearers and weaving demonstrations. You can also find a collection of sheep shearing tools and samples of wool types and wool end-products.
Henley Lake Park offers a unique opportunity to stretch your legs before you head back on the road. The beautiful, serene lake has many flat tracks and winding paths perfect for hikes and walking tours. You can also take a kayak or rowboat out onto the lake and enjoy a picnic or birdwatch for over 72 local species. Depending on the time of year, you may also run into special events like the Balloon Festival in March.
When you’ve seen all you can see in Masterton, it’s time to head back onto State Highway 2 and drive to Pahiatua.
You’ll find the Tui Brewery's iconic brick tower just off State Highway 2, nestled in the village of Mangatainoka. Brewing at the site itself has stopped since 2021, you can still find a bar, cafe and free museum dedicated to the brewery’s history. You can also enjoy a full tour of the factory and a masterclass in beer tasting with a local expert.
You’ll be driving with the Tararua Mountain Range in your view for most of your journey north. The Lord of the Rings fans might recognise the vast mountains and beautiful walking paths as the filming location for Rivendell from Peter Jackson's film trilogy.
The mountain's rugged landscape stretches 100 km from the Manawatu Gorge to the Remutaka Range. The area’s highlight is undeniably the Tararua Forest Park, featuring amazing tramping and hiking spots over 116,535 hectares of mountainous forest. You can also encounter native deer, birdlife and fuchsia trees while you’re in the area.
You’ll find this charming little attraction on the road from Masterton. The Middleton Model Railway is one of the largest model railways in the country. On top of railway layouts for children and a collection of historic model trains, the shop features an incredible railway layout based on the East Midlands Area of Britain. You can also find the Cwmglyn Cheese Farmhouse on the premises, so be sure to try some before you leave.
Coming to New Zealand in October? Then don’t miss the annual Pahiatua Trout Fishing Carnival while you’re in the area. The festival runs for a week, typically starting from late October to early November, and includes competitions for anglers of all ages. Try your luck on the water with 90 to 100 other anglers, or just enjoy the unique festive atmosphere.
Once you’re done fishing for brown trout, it’s time for the last leg of your journey to Palmerston. You can either take State Highway 2 and 3 or head down Makomako Road and the Pahiatua Track to avoid traffic.
The Manawatu region's biggest natural playground can be found 48 minutes drive away from Palmerston North. Enjoy a day trip immersed in the natural world as you explore local birdlife, see tranquil lakes and visit the Whatonga, a sculpture in tribute to one of the three greatest chiefs of the Rangitane tribe.
On top of other gorgeous local flora and fauna, you can find the incredibly rare maidenhair fern, which only grows in the Manawatu region.
Literally meaning ‘The Heart’, Te Manawa Museum is dedicated to local history, culture and artistic expression. With special exhibits detailing the history of the Manawatu River, local historic buildings and detailed accounts of settlers’ daily lives, Te Manawa offers a singular chance to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
Stop by the first public rugby museum in the world to experience New Zealand's favourite national pastime. See the full history of the sport’s growth across the country and a detailed guide into the formation of the iconic All-Blacks. You and your crew can also try out rugby challenges for yourself in the ‘have a go’ area and see if you can match the performance of the best player in the nation.
The Victoria Esplanade is over 26 hectares of beautiful greenery right in the heart of Palmerston North. The park features stunning rose gardens, BBQ areas, a mini railway and the Peter Black Conservatory, a hothouse with exotic foliage displays created by local horticulturists.
Since 2018, the Esplanade has been home to the Central Energy Wildbase Recovery Centre, where New Zealand's native birdlife receive health services before they are sent back to their natural habitat. Be sure to visit and see New Zealand's fascinating birdlife while you're in Palmerston North.
The Wellington to Palmerston road trip takes you through a breathtaking, awe-inspiring mountain range and serene forest signature to New Zealand's landscape. With such an incredible path ahead of you, it’s natural to feel a little intimidated. Here are some tips to make your time on the road feel more comfortable and secure:
Our Snap Happy Photo Competition has customers revv’d up about how far they can go in a modern car hire in New Zealand! Submit a cool photo of your GO travel memory and be in with a chance to WIN up to $500 back from your booking too.
This photo was taken in Wellington. We were playfully trying to show how windy it gets there. One kick and everyone goes flying! We had a great experience with GO Rentals, thanks to excellent service. The pickup process was smooth and quick. We got the perfect car for our needs. We'll definitely rent again.
Thank you GO RENTALS lovely helpful Wellington staff ... this is us returning from Skate NZ National Championships held in Palmerston North, a quick stop on the Kapiti Coast.
The photo was taken at Island Bay Beach to recreate/revamp a picture that was taken when we were little in the same spot. We're originally from Wellington but have lived overseas now since '96. From start to finish booking the car with GO Rentals has been super easy! Renting a car can be scary with hidden fees etc. But everything was clear, upfront, and seamless. I spent no more than 5 mins at pick up/return. I've been a returning customer for over 15 years because of this service! Thank you again. Always an absolute pleasure with high-quality cars and service.
We drove from Wellington to Palmerston North with GO Rentals. Such a great ride.
The best part of a Kiwi road trip is the freedom of the open road. With GO One-Way Rentals, you can gear up for an epic North Island trip, without the stress of returning to your starting point in time for drop-off.
If you’re beginning your holiday in Wellington, pick up a one-way Wellington to Palmerston North hire car for your drive and continue the road trip vibes to our Auckland Airport branch for drop-off. Or you can keep the good vibes going and end your journey on Waiheke Island.
One-way rentals are a great way to maximise your trip before you have to step on the brakes.
A Wellington to Palmerston North drive is your chance to immerse yourself in everything the distinctive Manawatu-Whanganui region has to offer. Experience the dramatic sights of the breathtaking mountain range mixing with the calm, serene forest paths of lakes of the North Island’s southernmost area.
If you’re unsure or daunted by the unfamiliar roads, don’t worry. We’re here to make sure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
GO Rentals offers 24-hour roadside assistance and basic car insurance with each of our rental cars. With our Total Road Care package, we will cover any government road taxes or toll roads you may drive on, so you can completely focus on having an immersive New Zealand adventure.
Looking to make your journey even smoother? Check out the GO App to take care of vehicle reservations, airport shuttle bookings and more.
Book with us today to get GOing on the trip of a lifetime with GO Rentals!
