Driving Route: Rotorua - Napier - Rotorua. Day 3: Napier - Taupo. Driving directions for your self-drive holiday in New Zealand, guiding you from Napier to Taupo. Taupo is a beautiful resort town, with New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Fish for trout in Lake Taupo, go jet boating, hiking, visit the Waiarua Falls or discover the geothermal activity around Taupo.
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Driving Route : Rotorua - Napier - Rotorua

Day 3 : Napier to Taupo

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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)
Napier - Taupo 1.75 hrs 139 87
Totals for Day 1.75 hrs 139 87

Napier - Taupo

Napier - Taupo

139 km (87 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city of Napier. It was rebuilt in the style of the times, and is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world. The vineyards of Hawke's Bay are all within easy reach of Napier. Another attraction is the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

The major entertainment on the road from Napier to Taupo is the fantastic scenery. There's a bit of everything—rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.

At Tarawera you can walk to the hot springs, which are above the Waipunga River. You might also want to stop at the Waiarua Falls lookout, to view the twin waterfalls.

The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand's largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout. You'll find everything a traveller could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation.

View more Rotorua driving routes.

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Napier, Hawke's Bay:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Taupo:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

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