Driving Route : Hobbiton - Mordor - River Anduin Itinerary
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Rotorua
- Day 2 : Rotorua to Taupo
- Day 3 : Taupo to Turangi
- Day 4 : Turangi to Wellington
Featured Tourism Operators
Day 1 : Auckland to Rotorua
Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
Travel time | Km | (Miles) | |
---|---|---|---|
Auckland - Hamilton | 1.5 hrs | 127 | 79 |
Hamilton - Cambridge | 0.25 hr | 23 | 14 |
Cambridge - Rotorua | 1.25 hrs | 87 | 54 |
Totals for Day | 3 hrs | 237 | 148 |
Auckland - Hamilton
127 km (79 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway
Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It's a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.
As you cruise down the southern motorway, suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland, an area favoured by bloodstock breeders. You'll enjoy motorway speeds all the way to Bombay, a major market gardening area.
The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside. Places of interest along the way include the wine growing area of Te Kauwhata and the coal mining town of Huntly.
Before you get to Hamilton, you'll notice side roads leading to Waingaro Hot Springs and Raglan, a surf resort on the west coast.
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 city's main street.
Hamilton - Cambridge
23 km (14 miles)
Approximately 0.25 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
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.
The short trip south takes you through prime Waikato farmland. As you near Cambridge you'll notice fewer cows and more horses.
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.
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
Cambridge - Rotorua
87 km (54 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
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.
On your way to Rotorua you'll come across the town of Tirau, known for its antique shops and animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings.
Enjoy plantation pine forest and a refreshing patch of native bush, Fitzgerald Glade, before you encounter the unusual terrain of the Mamaku district.
Mini volcanic cones dot the landscape, some showing their solidified lava core. The last part of your journey takes you past the gondola and luge rides of Mt Ngongataha.
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.
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Rotorua
- Day 2 : Rotorua to Taupo
- Day 3 : Taupo to Turangi
- Day 4 : Turangi to Wellington
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Directory Information
Auckland:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Hamilton, Waikato:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Cambridge, Waikato:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Rotorua:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information