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 : Rotorua - Wellington

Day 1 : Rotorua to Waitomo Caves

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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 - Waitomo Caves 1.5 hrs 136 85
Totals for Day 1.5 hrs 136 85

Rotorua - Waitomo Caves

136 km (85 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial

The city of Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so there's evidence of volcanic activity everywhere you look. 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.

Your journey to Waitomo Caves will take you through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. There are no major towns along the way, so stock up on picnic supplies in preparation for the drive.

The hydro power station at Atiamuri is an interesting stop. Trout fanciers can try their luck at Lake Whakamaru. The beautiful Pureora Forest Park, which is home to several rare bird species, has a number of well marked walking tracks.

At the town of Te Kuiti you'll turn north, towards Waitomo Caves. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves open to the public, and are easy to walk through, others require specialised caving equipment.

View more Rotorua driving routes.

Directory Information

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

Waitomo, Waikato:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Visitor Information

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New Zealand Coach Tours

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The largest range of escorted & small group tours

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

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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

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