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auckland - rotorua AUCKLAND - ROTORUA (via Hamilton, Cambridge and Tirau) Driver Information After a whirlwind stopover in ‘the City of Sails’ it’s time to enjoy a scenic self-drive tour through the heart of the North Island via the Thermal Explorer Highway and the Waikato region. The Thermal Explorer Highway is a popular tourist driving route due to the range of things to see and do along your journey, including Maori culture, exciting outdoor pursuits, geothermal attractions and breath-taking landscapes. The Thermal Explorer Highway is part of the Great New Zealand Touring Route and starts from New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, and takes you on a fabulous journey through the Waikato region before arriving in the popular tourist geothermal area of Rotorua. Some notable stops along the route to Rotorua include: HAMILTON Waikato River Cruise - Enjoy a paddle steamer cruise on the mighty Waikato River aboard the M V Waipa Delta.
Hamilton Gardens - With over a million visitors a year this has to be the most popular tourist destination in the Waikato! Hamilton Gardens offers an unique opportunity to experience gardens from around the globe. CAMBRIDGE TIRAU ROTORUA (2 Night Stop-over)
Highly recommended Rotorua tourist attractions include... Buried Village - Visit the Museum of Te Wairoa and take a special journey as the fascinating story of the village of Te Wairoa unfolds, including the voyages to the Pink and White Terraces and the eruption of Mt Tarawera. Hells Gate Thermal Reserve - Rotorua’s most active thermal park and New Zealand's only mud bath complex with geothermal mud and therapeutic water. Agrodome Sheep Show & Farm Tour - Enjoy an hour long live show of working New Zealand sheep and dairy farming in an interactive and truly enjoyable display. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland - Located a 20 minute drive out of Rotorua, this is one of areas most visited geothermal areas. From the world famous Champagne Pool to bubbling mud, large volcanic craters, steaming ground and the daily eruption of Lady Knox Geyser, this is a 'must see' on your Rotorua itinerary. Rotorua offers a plethora of cultural experiences, including genuine Hangi and Maori performances, geothermal marvels and for nature lovers, lakes and forests galore for fishing, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, tours and much more! |
Travel Distance is approximately 237kms (148 miles).
When you first arrive in Rotorua you will be welcomed with a truly unique Sulphur smell, which is generated from geothermal activity, including springs, ponds, mud pools and geysers.