Driving Route : Auckland - Napier - Wellington
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Whitianga
- Day 2 : Whitianga to Tauranga
- Day 3 : Tauranga to Rotorua
- Day 4 : Rotorua to Gisborne
- Day 5 : Gisborne to Napier
- Day 6 : Napier to Wellington
Featured Tourism Operators
Day 4 : Rotorua to Gisborne
Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
| Travel time | Km | (Miles) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua - Opotiki | 1.75 hrs | 132 | 83 |
| Opotiki - Gisborne | 1.75 hrs | 143 | 89 |
| Totals for Day | 3.5 hrs | 275 | 172 |
Rotorua - Opotiki
132 km (83 miles)
Approximately 1.75 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.
Your drive towards the coast begins with the wilderness of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, a fisherman's paradise. Lake Rotoehu is next, followed by Lake Rotoma—home to a hybrid ‘Tiger’ trout. The paper mill town of Kawerau is a possible side trip.
At Awakeri Hot Springs (a place for a hot soak) you can decide to loop past Whakatane, the largest town in the region, or head straight for Opotiki.
The final leg of your journey passes through the foothills of the Urewera Ranges—look for Māori meeting houses and churches.
Opotiki has a good range of accommodation and shops. Eco-tourism activities make excellent use of the beautiful coastal and forest environment—horse trekking, kayaking, river rafting and dolphin swimming are some of the entertainment options.
Opotiki - Gisborne
143 km (89 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
Opotiki has a good range of accommodation and shops. Eco-tourism activities make excellent use of the beautiful coastal and forest environment—horse trekking, kayaking, river rafting and dolphin swimming are some of the entertainment options.
There's a lot to see and do as you drive around the edge of East Cape. Have fun jetboating or rafting on the Motu River, then browse the tranquil seaside settlements that lead up to Te Araroa, where you can walk to the East Cape lighthouse.
At Tikitiki you'll see an amazing church. Further south is Waipiro Bay, which has three historical marae. Te Puia Springs is a place for a hot soak in mineral water. Then at Tolaga Bay you can walk along the historic 660 metre wharf.
Gisborne is a sunny city with a reputation for good wine and fantastic surf beaches. There are more than 20 vineyards in the area—the emphasis is on Chardonnay. Kaiti Beach was the first European landing place in New Zealand.
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Whitianga
- Day 2 : Whitianga to Tauranga
- Day 3 : Tauranga to Rotorua
- Day 4 : Rotorua to Gisborne
- Day 5 : Gisborne to Napier
- Day 6 : Napier to Wellington
View more Auckland driving routes.
Directory Information
Rotorua:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Gisborne, Eastland:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
