How scenic is the drive from Auckland to Kerikeri? We may have the option to fly from Auckland to Kerikeri and pick up our rental car there but want to know if the drive is real scenic and better appreciated from the car. We will be getting off an international flight (business class - so we would have gotten some sleep) and not relishing a 4 hour drive but will do that if the scenery is worth it.

To be honest - i would fly plenty of scenery when you get there and you will be refreshed to see it all too without the 4 hour drive. Beautiful up that way for sure. Enjoy!

I have driven this route hundreds of times, so maybe I am a little jaded. I agree with Karen. Take the trip by plane. You will be in a small prop plane anyway which does not go that high, so if the weather is clear you will get to see the courtyside spread out below.

The road can be a bit of a challenge, especially when you get north of Whangarei even more so if you are a bit tired.

no drive, its one of the best things about going there!

I only done the trip once, but from memory is was not overly impressive. Still nice scenery but nothing special.