Driving Route : Rotorua - Napier - Rotorua

Day 1 : Rotorua to Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park)

Overview
Day 1 : Rotorua to Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park)
Day 2 : Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) to Napier
Day 3 : Napier to Taupo
Day 4 : Taupo to Rotorua

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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)
Rotorua - Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) - Direct but slower route*	8 - 9 hrs	159	98.798
Rotorua - Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) - Longer but faster route	5 hrs	371	230

Rotorua - Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park)

159 km or 371 km (230 miles)
Approximately 8-9* or 5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway and/or Gravel roads

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.

Forest is the dominant scenery on the adventurous road to Waikaremoana. You'll be driving through the Kaingaroa Forest (one of the world's largest pine plantations), followed by the native forest of Whirinaki and the Urewera Ranges.

Horse trekking, trout fishing, and hiking are all possible activities. Murupara is the only town you'll encounter—a well-equipped forestry settlement with a passion for hunting and fishing.

Waikaremoana is one of New Zealand's most beautiful wilderness lakes, and the gateway to the Urewera National Park. Walking tracks are well maintained and clearly signposted. The Onepoto Caves are a highlight.

Near the shores of the lake is Aniwaniwa, which has a visitor centre. Also on the lake shore is a motor camp with motels, cabins and tent-sites.

* A large section of this road is not sealed, windy, hilly, narrow, and corrugated in parts. This curvy and narrow mountainous road which rarely permits speeds over 30km/h, but the scenery is absolutely incredible!