Driving Route : Auckland - Gisborne - Auckland

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Day 8 : Rotorua to Auckland

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Rotorua - Cambridge	1.25 hrs	87	54
Cambridge - Hamilton	0.25 hr	23	14
Hamilton - Auckland	1.5 hrs	127	79
Totals for Day	1 hr	81	51

Rotorua - Cambridge

87 km (54 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city's past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Māori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year.

The first part of your journey takes you past the gondola and luge rides of Mt Ngongataha, then into the unusual terrain of the Mamaku district. Mini volcanic cones dot the landscape, some showing their solidified lava core.

Enjoy plantation pine forest and a refreshing patch of native bush, Fitzgerald Glade, before you drive into the town of Tirau, a village known for its antique shops and animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings.

Cambridge township is located in the heart of the Waikato's affluent horse breeding district. It has a relaxed country atmosphere, lovely tree lined streets and many well preserved heritage buildings. You can shop for antiques and art, attend a horse show, graze the local restaurants or embark on an eco-adventure.

Cambridge - Hamilton

23 km (14 miles)
Approximately 0.25 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

The town of Cambridge is located in the heart of the Waikato's affluent farming and horse breeding district. It has a relaxed country atmosphere, lovely tree lined streets and many well preserved heritage buildings.

While in Cambridge you can shop for antiques and art, attend a horse show, graze the local restaurants, embark on an eco-adventure or simply enjoy the splendid parks and gardens.

The short trip north takes you through prime Waikato farmland. When you reach Hamilton, you'll see how the mighty Waikato River brings a unique beauty to the city.

Hamilton's attractions include gardens, museums, riverboat cruising and a giant free flight aviary. Excellent restaurants and cafes can be found at the southern end of the main street.

Hamilton - Auckland

127 km (79 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway

The city of Hamilton is carved in two by the mighty Waikato River. Attractions include gardens, riverboat cruising and a giant free flight aviary. Excellent restaurants and cafes can be found at the southern end of the main street.

The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey north. You'll see side roads leading to Waingaro Hot Springs and Raglan, a surf resort on the west coast. Other places of interest along the way include the coal town of Huntly and the wine growing district of Te Kauwhata.

You know you're getting close to Auckland when you reach the motorway at the base of the Bombay Hills. The scenery will change gradually from market gardens to bloodstock farms to suburbia.

As you approach Auckland, you can't miss the extinct volcanic cones that dot the landscape—there are 48 in all.

The city also has two huge harbours, so it's an ideal base for marine adventures. Other attractions include wine trails, forest walks and the culinary temptations of the city's restaurant zones.