Getting from Whanganui to Whangamata
The drive from Whanganui to Whangamata is approximately 435 kilometres and takes 5 to 5.5 hours. The recommended route follows SH4 north through the volcanic heartland of the North Island, passing Ohakune, National Park village, and the three great volcanoes of Tongariro National Park before reaching Taupo and continuing northeast to the Coromandel coast. This is one of the most scenically varied drives in New Zealand, taking you from river flats through volcanic mountain country to beachside paradise.
Distance & Drive Time
- Via SH4 and Tongariro (recommended): 435 km, 5 to 5.5 hours
- Via Bulls and SH1 (alternative): 450 km, 5.5 to 6 hours
- Road type: all sealed state highways
Recommended Route: SH4 Through Tongariro National Park
- Whanganui to Raetihi via SH4 (70 km, 55 min) — Head north out of Whanganui along the Whanganui River valley. SH4 winds through hill country and river terraces. The scenery transitions from lowland farmland to steeper, bush-clad hill country.
- Raetihi to Ohakune (13 km, 10 min) — A short run to the alpine town of Ohakune, famous for its giant carrot sculpture (the town’s main crop is carrots) and its ski-town character. Even in summer, Ohakune has excellent cafes and a charming main street.
- Ohakune to National Park village (30 km, 25 min) — The road climbs into the volcanic zone. On a clear day, Mt Ruapehu looms large above Ohakune, and as you approach National Park village, all three volcanoes — Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom), and Tongariro — are visible. This is one of the most dramatic scenic sections of any North Island drive.
- National Park to Turangi via SH47/SH41 (65 km, 50 min) — Follow SH47 east through the national park, skirting the base of the volcanoes, then SH41 to Turangi on the southern shore of Lake Taupo. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing — widely regarded as New Zealand’s best day walk — starts from car parks accessible off SH47.
- Turangi to Taupo (50 km, 35 min) — Along the southern and western shores of Lake Taupo. Beautiful views across the lake.
- Taupo to Whangamata (230 km, 2.5-3 hours) — Via SH1 to Tirau, SH27 to Matamata, SH26 to Paeroa, SH2 through Karangahake Gorge to Waihi, and SH25 over the Hikuai Hill.
Alternative Route: Via Bulls and SH1
The alternative is to head east from Whanganui on SH3 to Bulls (50 km, 40 minutes), then join SH1 north through Taihape, the Desert Road, and on to Taupo. This route uses major highways throughout and is slightly more straightforward to navigate, but misses the stunning Tongariro National Park scenery of the SH4 route. It is the better choice if you prefer motorway-style driving over winding mountain roads.
Don’t Miss: The Whanganui River Road
If you have an extra half-day before leaving Whanganui, the Whanganui River Road is one of New Zealand’s hidden treasures. This 79-kilometre road follows the Whanganui River upstream from Whanganui to Pipiriki, passing through remote farmland, native bush, and historic settlements. Highlights include the Jerusalem (Hiruharama) Catholic mission where poet James K. Baxter established his commune, and the Landing — a scenic picnic spot by the river. The road is narrow and winding (partially unsealed) but utterly beautiful. Allow 3-4 hours return.
Best Stops Along the Way
- Whanganui (before departure) — Walk along the riverfront, visit the Sarjeant Gallery (reopened 2024 after earthquake strengthening), and ride the Durie Hill Elevator — a 1919 underground elevator inside a hill, emerging at a tower with panoramic views.
- Ohakune (1.25 hours) — Excellent cafes along Clyde Street. The Ohakune Old Coach Road is a popular cycling trail if you have a few hours to spare. The giant carrot photo is obligatory.
- National Park village (1.5 hours) — Base camp for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. On a clear day, stop at any pull-off for views of the volcanic trio. The Chateau Tongariro in nearby Whakapapa village is an iconic 1929 hotel worth a look.
- Taupo (2.5 hours) — Huka Falls, hot pools, lakefront. Natural lunch stop.
- Matamata (4 hours) — Hobbiton for Lord of the Rings fans.
- Karangahake Gorge (5 hours) — Gold mining walks.
- Waihi (5 hours) — Last fuel. Martha Mine.
Fuel Stops
Fill up in Whanganui. Next fuel at Ohakune, then Turangi or Taupo, then Tirau/Matamata, and Waihi. Always fill up in Waihi before the final stretch to Whangamata.
Tips for the Drive
- The SH4 route through Ohakune and National Park is far more scenic than going via Bulls and SH1 — take it if conditions allow.
- If the weather is clear, the views of the three volcanoes from National Park are world-class. If it is cloudy, you may see nothing — the mountains create their own weather.
- Consider adding the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to your trip if you are a keen walker. It is a full-day tramp (19.4 km, 6-8 hours) and requires shuttle transport to the start.
- SH47 and SH41 can have icy conditions in winter — check road conditions between June and September.
