Major Highways & Driving Tips in Auckland, New Zealand

1. State Highway 1 (SH1)

Major north-south route connecting Auckland with the rest of North Island; offers scenic views and access to key cities.

Length: SH1 is over 450 km long, connecting Auckland with Wellington.
Scenic Spots: Enjoy stops at the Bridge Climb Auckland and Bethells Beach along SH1.
Road Conditions: Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially during winter.

Connects Auckland with the West Coast; passes through popular spots like Waitakere Ranges and Henderson.

Scenic Attractions: Visit the native forest in the Waitakere Ranges or explore the bustling suburb of Henderson.
Length: SH16 is approximately 120 km long from Auckland to Westport.
Toll Roads: Be prepared for toll roads when using the Waterview Tunnel on SH16.

Vital link between Auckland's North Shore and the central city; provides quick access to Auckland International Airport.

Airport Access: SH20 connects directly with Auckland Airport, making it convenient for travelers.
Length: The SH20 is around 35 km long from Pukekohe to Albany.
Road Conditions: Keep an eye out for increased traffic during peak hours and construction zones.

Iconic structure linking North Shore with Auckland city; provides stunning views of the city skyline and Waitemata Harbour.

Scenic Views: Experience breathtaking views during a bridge climb or bike ride across.
Bridge Climb: Enjoy a guided walk on the upper arch of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Traffic Conditions: Expect increased traffic during peak hours and allow extra travel time.

Longest road tunnel in New Zealand; significantly reduces travel time between Auckland's Western Ring Route and the Northwestern Motorway.

Reduced Travel Time: Saves up to 30 minutes of travel time between two major highways.
Toll Road: Remember to pay the toll if using the Waterview Connection.
Length: The Waterview tunnel is over 4.8 km long.

Key route connecting Auckland city with Northland; offers access to popular destinations like Whangarei and the Bay of Islands.

Scenic Destinations: Visit the beautiful Bay of Islands or enjoy a stop in Whangarei.
Length: The Northern Motorway is around 160 km long from Auckland to Whangarei.
Road Conditions: Watch out for increased traffic during holiday periods and allow extra travel time.

Major routes connecting Auckland city with the south and southwest; offers easy access to Hamilton, Waikato, and the Coromandel Peninsula.

Scenic Destinations: Visit the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula or explore the vibrant city of Hamilton.
Length: The Southern and Southwestern Motorways combined are approximately 150 km long from Auckland to Hamilton.
Road Conditions: Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially during winter.

Important route linking Auckland city with the West Coast; provides access to Waitakere Ranges and Kaipara Harbour.

Scenic Attractions: Visit the native forest in the Waitakere Ranges or enjoy a boat tour of Kaipara Harbour.
Length: The Northwestern Motorway is around 120 km long from Auckland to Kaipara Flats.
Road Conditions: Keep an eye out for increased traffic during peak hours and construction zones.

Circular route connecting Auckland's Western suburbs; offers quick access to key attractions like Waitakere Ranges and Westfield Mall.

Scenic Attractions: Visit the native forest in the Waitakere Ranges or shop at Westfield Mall.
Length: The Western Ring Route is approximately 60 km long.
Road Conditions: Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially during winter.

Key arterial route connecting Manukau and Auckland city; provides access to Southern Motorway and Botany Town Centre.

Shopping Destination: Botany Town Centre is a popular shopping destination with a variety of stores.
Length: Manukau Road is around 15 km long from Manukau to Auckland city.
Road Conditions: Expect increased traffic during peak hours and allow extra travel time.

Scenic route connecting Auckland city with the Waitakere Ranges; offers access to popular hiking trails and attractions.

Scenic Attractions: Enjoy a walk in the native forest or visit the Arataki Visitor Centre.
Length: Glen Eden Road is around 18 km long from Auckland city to Waitakere Ranges.
Road Conditions: Watch out for increased traffic during peak hours and narrow sections of the road.

Important route connecting Auckland city with the North Shore; offers easy access to Westfield Albany and Silo Park.

Shopping Destination: Westfield Albany is a popular shopping mall with a variety of stores.
Length: Constellation Drive is around 12 km long from Auckland city to North Shore.
Road Conditions: Expect increased traffic during peak hours and allow extra travel time.

Scenic route connecting Auckland city with the North Shore; offers access to Takapuna Beach and Northcote Point.

Scenic Attractions: Enjoy a walk along Takapuna Beach or take in the views from Northcote Point.
Length: Onewa Road is around 6 km long from Auckland city to North Shore.
Road Conditions: Watch out for increased traffic during peak hours and allow extra travel time.

Key arterial route connecting Manukau and Auckland city; provides access to Southern Motorway and Sylvia Park Mall.

Shopping Destination: Sylvia Park Mall is a popular shopping destination with a variety of stores.
Length: Stanmore Road is around 14 km long from Manukau to Auckland city.
Road Conditions: Expect increased traffic during peak hours and allow extra travel time.

Scenic route connecting Auckland city with the West Coast; offers access to Henderson and Waitakere Ranges.

Scenic Attractions: Visit the native forest in the Waitakere Ranges or explore the bustling suburb of Henderson.
Length: Henderson Valley Road is around 15 km long from Auckland city to the Waitakere Ranges.
Road Conditions: Watch out for increased traffic during peak hours and allow extra travel time.