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north island itineraries

rotorua - taupo

ROTORUA - TAUPO

Driver Information
New Zealand ItinerariesTravel Distance is approximately 81kms (51 miles).
Allow at least 60 minutes drive time (not including stops)..

After a couple of days enjoying all the attractions and delights of the popular geothermal and cultural city that is Rotorua it is time to pack up and enjoy an easy self-drive journey through to Taupo.

Some notable stops along the route to Taupo include:

WAI-O-TAPU
Located approximately 20 minutes from Rotorua along State Highway 5, this thermal wonderland is open from 8.30am - 5.00pm daily and offers visitors the opportunity to walk around the geothermal park and experience the world famous champagne pool, boiling mud, hot springs and huge volcanic craters, along with the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10.15am.

WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY
This is eco-tourism at its finest! Stretch your legs with an easy walk within the native flora and fauna, or take a boat cruise experience ranging in duration from 45 minutes to over 4 hours at Waimangu. The valley is located approximately 20 minutes from Rotorua.

ORAKEI KORAKO
Well worth the detour from the main route towards Taupo! Orakei Korako is only accessible by boat (which is included in the admission fee and run on request throughout the day). The tour includes viewing of the Silica Terraces, active natural geysers, boiling hot springs, mud pools and the thermal Ruatapu Cave.

TAUPO
One of the North Island’s top year-round holiday locations, Taupo has the honour of being located on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake and with natural hot springs, Tongariro National Park, ski-ing and forests galore, it’s no surprise that Taupo is a favourite playground for outdoor enthusiasts and those that just want to relax and unwind. If you are visiting during peak holiday seasons we suggest you book your overnight accommodation in advance.

Highly recommended Taupo visitor attractions include...

Huka Falls - The famous Huka Falls are best enjoyed with a jet boat view that takes you within a few meters of the bottom of the final stage of the majestic Huka Falls.

Wairakei International Golf Course - Hire your clubs, shoes and golf cart and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty on this 18-hole championship golf course with driving range, golf shop, on-course N.Z.P.G.A. Golf Professionals and clubhouse.

Tongariro Crossing - This World Heritage Site is considered one of the best world famous one-day 17km treks. Starting at Mangatepopo, the mountainous hike rises to 1600m above sea level and finishes at Ketetahi. Seriously breath-taking views and landscape abounds, including tussock-lands, volcanic formations, alpine plants and more. The trek takes approximately 9 hours.

Huka Prawn Park - Take the time to visit New Zealand's only Prawn Park! Open daily from 9am, the Prawn Park is the opportunity to enjoy something 'a bit different' from the normal New Zealand visitor attractions! Take a guided walk tour that includes a hatchery tour, Hook-A-Prawn fishing, interactive water features, riverside nature walk, trout feeding and geothermal foot bath. Don't forget to enjoy some prawns in the stunning riverside restaurant… yummo!

Maori Rock Carvings - Located at Mine Bay on Lake Taupo, these stunning carvings are over 10 metres high and only accessible by boat. As an important cultural attraction for the region, the carvings offer a peaceful and cultural beauty, best viewed in a setting sun.

Taupo is an ideal holiday destination with plenty to offer the passive or adrenalin visitor! From the excitement of bungy jumping to ski-ing, mountain biking, hunting, white water rafting and sky diving, to more relaxing sports such as trout fishing, scenic walks, geothermal spas, golf, lake cruises, Maori performances, tours plus bustling cafes and restaurants. This is a great family holiday location.