Spring is the perfect time to hit the road and visit one of Aotearoa’s iconic parks and gardens. We’ve picked five brand-new fully electric vehicles (EVs) and paired them up with perfect spring destinations. 

Drive a Leaf to see Tāne Mahuta

The Nissan Leaf has been around for well over a decade, giving it a track record that very few EVs can boast. It has always been reliable and affordable, and the latest model is no exception. The Leaf e+ is a spacious and comfortable compact hatchback, with an Intelligent Mobility system that provides a suite of modern safety features.

Spring is the perfect time to drive a Leaf from Auckland to Northland, to visit the magnificent Tāne Mahuta. Aotearoa’s largest living kauri tree, it’s over 42 metres tall and 15 metres around – and it could be up to 2,500 years old. The distance from the Auckland CBD to Waipoua Forest is 238km, so the Leaf will easily make the trip in one charge. Once you get there, it’s a short walk to see ‘the God of the Forest’.

Model: Leaf e+ (longer-range upgrade)

Price: $58,990 + ORC

Rebate eligibility: $7,015

Range: 385km

Take an Enyaq to the Hamilton Gardens

The all-new electric Enyaq is a spacious all-electric family SUV with plenty of range and an array of international awards. It’s a practical vehicle with 585 litres of boot space, plenty of legroom and crowd-pleasing features like hands-free boot opening and an umbrella in the door.

Why not put the family in the Enyaq and visit the Hamilton Gardens? It’s only 130km from Auckland, so the Enyaq will get you there and back comfortably, with a few detours along the way. The gardens look fantastic at this time of year, plus there’s a café and a brilliant garden-themed playground for the kids along with other activities.

Model: Enyaq Sportline 80

Price: $79,990 (ORC included)

Rebate eligibility: $7,015

Range: 532km

Tour Hawkes Bay’s vineyards in an ID.5

The first Volkswagen EVs are on our shores, starting with the award-winning ID.5. This large coupe has all the recognisable style and versatility you would expect from VW. Elegant, manoeuvrable and spacious, with an impressive range, the ID.5 strikes a balance between easy urban driving and comfortable longer trips.

The ID.5 has arrived just in time for a road trip from Wellington to Hawkes Bay – it’s a 331km trip, so you’ll be able to get there and take in the sights on one charge. There more than 30 vineyards with cellar doors open to the public, and spring is a great time to visit as the vines reawaken after winter.

Model: ID.5 Pro

Price: $79,990 (ORC included)

Rebate eligibility: $7,015

Range: 530km

Visit Hagley Park in an Ora

If you want an EV that doesn’t look like anything else on the road, the GWM Ora is well worth a test drive. It features eye-catching retro design and a two-tone interior, with all the modern safety features you expect from a brand-new car. Light and nimble, the compact Ora is ideal for zipping around the city, but it will also take you on longer road trips.

For example, you could drive it from Dunedin to Hagley Park in Christchurch and the Ora will easily make the 360km trip on a single charge. Spring is the only time you can see Hagley Park’s gorgeous avenue of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, so it’s an ideal time to visit.

Model: Ora Extended Range

Price: $52,990 + ORC

Rebate eligibility: $7,015

Range: 420km

See the Lake Tekapo lupins in a Mokka-e

The Mokka-e is the fully electric version of the Mokka, from the Opel brand that has only recently returned to the local market. The Mokka-e has a modern exterior with the distinctive ‘Vauxhall vizor’ front end, and a driver-centric interior design. As a compact SUV, storage and back-seat space are limited, but that is reflected in the affordable price.

Take the Mokka-e to see the lupins at Lake Tekapo, which peak in November and December. The Mokka-e will make the 235km journey from Christchurch with plenty of range left over. The stunning pink-and-purple flowers along the lakeside are an iconic photo opportunity, and at night you can do some stargazing at this UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve.

Model: Mokka-e Live Edition

Price: $62,990 + ORC

Rebate eligibility: $7,015

Range: 363km