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Driving Route : Rotorua - Napier - Rotorua

Start: Rotorua
Finish: Rotorua
Recommended Length: 4 Days
Distance: 777 km (486 miles)

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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)
Day 1
Rotorua to Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park)
4.75 hrs 376 235
Day 2
Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) to Napier
2.25 hrs 181 113
Day 3
Napier to Taupo
1.75 hrs 139 87
Day 4
Taupo to Rotorua
1 hr 81 51
Totals for Driving Route 9.75 hrs 777 486

Stunning Landscapes & Wilderness

Stunning Landscapes & Wilderness

This circular route provides a stunning range of landscape contrasts.

You'll begin with the weird and wonderful geothermal sights of Rotorua, where mud boils and geysers continually force hot water skyward.

A wilderness road takes you to beautiful, remote Lake Waikaremoana—a fabulous place for forest walks.

Next is the Art Deco city of Napier, which is framed by swathes of vineyards and world class wineries.

Lake Taupo lies over the hills to the west, a massive crater lake known for its superb trout fishing.

Explore Taupo's geothermal attractions and relax in the hot springs before you arrive back in Rotorua.

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View more Rotorua driving routes.

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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.