✅ Last Update:
Toll roads can be a bit annoying—especially when you’re travelling and trying to keep things simple. That’s why we’ve put together this easy guide to help you understand how toll roads work in New Zealand.
How they work? Tolls are charged automatically using your car’s license plate. You can pay before you travel or sort it out after your trip. Just don’t forget—there are extra fees if you pay late.
- New Zealand has three toll roads, and all of them are up in the North Island.
💰 How Much is The Cost of Toll Roads in NZ?
Depending on the vehicle you’re driving the costs vary.
| Toll Road | Car / Motorbike / Light Van (≤ 3.5 t) | Heavy Vehicle (> 3.5 t) |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Gateway | $2.60 | $5.20 |
| Tauranga Eastern Link | $2.30 | $5.60 |
| Takitimu Drive | $2.10 | $5.40 |
⚠ Extra Fees to Watch
- Forgot to pay within 5 working days?
You’ll get a Toll Payment Notice plus a $4.90 admin fee for every unpaid trip. - Still ignore the notice (28 days go by)?
An Infringement Notice lands in your mailbox — add $40 per trip on top of everything else. - Paying by phone or at a service station?
A $3.70 service fee or $1.50 cash-transaction fee sneaks onto the bill.
📌 Should You Avoid Toll Roads?
You totally can if you want! There are free alternative routes for all toll roads — they just take a little longer.
Perfect if:
- You’re not in a rush
- You want to save every dollar
- You’re keen to see more of the countryside
Use Google Maps or any GPS app and choose “Avoid Tolls” in your route options.
🛣️ The 3 Toll Roads in New Zealand – (Full Details)
1. Northern Gateway Toll Road (Auckland)
- Location: Between Orewa and Puhoi, north of Auckland
- Length: 7.5 km
- Cost: $2.60 for cars, vans, motorbikes and $5.20 for heavy vehicles
- Why use it: It’s the fastest way to reach Matakana, Whangārei, or the Bay of Islands. You skip the windy, slower coastal route through Waiwera.
- Free alternative: The scenic SH17 route via Waiwera and Hatfields Beach. Slower, but great ocean views!
2. Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (Bay of Plenty)
- Location: Between Papamoa East and Paengaroa
- Length: 15 km
- Cost: $2.30 for light vehicles and $5.60 for heavy vehicles
- Why use it: Super quick access from Tauranga to Whakatāne and the eastern coast. Avoids traffic in Te Puke and is great for early morning or late-night drives.
- Free alternative: The old Te Puke Highway (SH2). It’s a bit slower, but still a decent drive.
3. Takitimu Drive Toll Road (Tauranga)
- Location: Between Tauranga and Bethlehem
- Length: 5 km
- Cost: $2.10 for cars and light vehicles and $5.40 for heavy vehicles.
- Why use it: Quick shortcut into central Tauranga from the north and west. Skips several sets of lights and busy intersections.
- Free alternative: Use Cameron Road or SH2 via Judea, but expect more traffic.
🧑💻 FAQs about Toll Roads in New Zealand
Yes — they’re always open. You can drive them day or night, weekdays or weekends. Just remember, the system logs your license plate no matter what time it is.
Yep! If you pay online at tollroad.govt.nz, you can download a receipt right after payment. Super useful if you’re tracking travel expenses or need it for work.
If your van is under 3.5 tonnes, you pay the standard light vehicle rate. Bigger campervans might fall into the “heavy vehicle” category — check your rego or ask the rental company.
You’ll be charged each time. There’s no day pass — so if you drive the same toll road twice, that’s two payments.
