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Home »Driving Routes »Auckland »Auckland - Taupo - Auckland »Day 4

Auckland - Taupo - Auckland

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Day 4 : Waitomo Caves to Auckland

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

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Waitomo Caves - Hamilton	1 hr	71	44
Hamilton - Auckland	1.5 hrs	127	79
Totals for Day	2.5 hrs	198	124

Waitomo Caves - Hamilton

71 km (44 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves open to the public, and are easy to walk through, others require specialised caving equipment.

The trip to Hamilton takes you through prime Waikato farmland. The kiwi house in Otorohanga is a chance to meet New Zealand's national symbol.

A detour towards the west coast will take you to Kawhia, where hot water bubbles up through the sand—you can dig a pool between low and mid tide. In summer, you can pause in the town of Te Awamutu to admire the roses.

The mighty Waikato River brings a unique beauty to Hamilton city. As well as river boat cruising, local attractions include gardens, museums and a giant free flight aviary. At the southern end of the city's main street you'll discover a wide variety of excellent restaurants and cafes.

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.

View more Auckland driving routes.