Rotorua - Wellington

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Day 2 : Waitomo Caves to National Park

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

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Waitomo Caves - National Park	1.75 hrs	143	89
Totals for Day	1.75 hrs	143	89

Waitomo Caves - National Park

143 km (89 miles)
Approximately 1.75 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. 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.

After the rural town of Te Kuiti, which hosts NZ sheep shearing championships each year, you'll drive through the area of farmland known as the ‘King Country’. Taumaranui, on the edge of the Whanganui River, is a good place for a break.

The terrain becomes more volcanic in appearance as you approach National Park Village, a small settlement well positioned for those who want to explore the Tongariro National Park. All three volcanic peaks can be seen from here.

New Zealand's first national park, Tongariro was gifted to the New Zealand people in 1887 by the Ngati Tuwaretoa tribe and is now a World Heritage area. The Tongariro Crossing is regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world.

View more Rotorua driving routes.