Billy Connolly Drives New Zealand
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Paihia
- Day 2 : Paihia to Kaitaia
- Day 3 : Kaitaia to Auckland
- Day 4 : Auckland to Waitomo Caves
- Day 5 : Waitomo Caves to Taupo
- Day 6 : Taupo to Palmerston North
- Day 7 : Palmerston North to Wellington
- Day 8 : Wellington to Kaikoura
- Day 9 : Kaikoura to Christchurch
- Day 10 : Christchurch to Dunedin
- Day 11 : Dunedin to Invercargill
- Day 12 : Invercargill to Stewart Island
- Day 13 : Stewart Island to Te Anau
- Day 14 : Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Day 15 : Te Anau to Queenstown
- Day 16 : Queenstown to Franz Josef
- Day 17 : Franz Josef to Greymouth
- Day 18 : Greymouth to Christchurch
Featured Tourism Operators
Day 5 : Waitomo Caves to Taupo
Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
| Travel time | Km | (Miles) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waitomo Caves - Taupo | 2 hrs | 163 | 102 |
| Totals for Day | 2 hrs | 163 | 102 |
Waitomo Caves - Taupo
163 km (102 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway/Arterial
The Waitomo Caves district is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this 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.
The cross-country route to Taupo passes through farmland, lakeland and forest. Te Kuiti is the only major town on the way, so stock up on picnic supplies in preparation for the drive.
Keen walkers can explore the beautiful Pureora Forest Park, while Trout fanciers can try their luck at Lake Whakamaru. The hydro power station at Atiamuri is an interesting stop. Just before Taupo you'll encounter the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station and Huka Falls.
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.
- Overview
- Day 1 : Auckland to Paihia
- Day 2 : Paihia to Kaitaia
- Day 3 : Kaitaia to Auckland
- Day 4 : Auckland to Waitomo Caves
- Day 5 : Waitomo Caves to Taupo
- Day 6 : Taupo to Palmerston North
- Day 7 : Palmerston North to Wellington
- Day 8 : Wellington to Kaikoura
- Day 9 : Kaikoura to Christchurch
- Day 10 : Christchurch to Dunedin
- Day 11 : Dunedin to Invercargill
- Day 12 : Invercargill to Stewart Island
- Day 13 : Stewart Island to Te Anau
- Day 14 : Te Anau to Milford Sound
- Day 15 : Te Anau to Queenstown
- Day 16 : Queenstown to Franz Josef
- Day 17 : Franz Josef to Greymouth
- Day 18 : Greymouth to Christchurch
View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.
Directory Information
Waitomo, Waikato:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Visitor Information
Taupo:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
