Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Driving Route : Queenstown - Wellington - Auckland

Day 9 : Whakatane to Tauranga

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Route Summary

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

  Travel time Km (Miles)
Whakatane - Tauranga 1.5 hrs 112 70
Totals for Day 1.5 hrs 112 70

Whakatane - Tauranga

112 km (70 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Whakatane is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Just offshore is White Island, a spectacular active volcano that can be visited by launch or helicopter. Other Whakatane attractions include the museum, an observatory and Māori historical sites. In summer, dolphin swimming is the thing to do.

You can choose to follow the main highway through the town of Edgecumbe, famous for its 1987 earthquake, or you can take the coastal road that meets up with the highway at Matata. Fabulous views of the surf coast are a highlight of this journey. Te Puke makes an interesting stop—it has turned its kiwifruit industry into visitor entertainment.

The Bay of Plenty beachy lifestyle becomes obvious as you near the prosperous city of Tauranga, which sprawls along the edge of an attractive harbour.

There's a well developed café culture and boat charters are available to take you big game fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a destination for surfing and beach walking.

View more Queenstown driving routes.

Directory Information

Whakatane, Bay of Plenty:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Visitor Information

Tauranga, Bay of Plenty:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

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Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.