Paihia (more)
High: 22 Low: 15 Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.
| Travel time | Km | (Miles) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua - Tauranga | 1 hr | 82 | 51 |
| Tauranga - Whangamata | 1.25 hrs | 94 | 59 |
| Whangamata - Whitianga | 1 hr | 74 | 46 |
| Totals for Day | 3.25 hrs | 250 | 156 |
82 km (51 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
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 Maori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year.
You'll follow the edge of Lake Rotorua, which is actually a large crater filled with water. At Okere Falls Scenic Reserve you can walk to see the hydroelectric power station.
The road climbs up and over the Mamaku Range, then it's easy driving to Paengaroa, a town known for its honey products. Te Puke makes an interesting stop—it has turned its kiwifruit industry into visitor entertainment.
The Bay of Plenty beachy lifestyle becomes obvious as you near the prosperous city of Tauranga, which sprawls along the edge of an attractive harbour.
There's a well developed café culture and boat charters are available to take you big game fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a destination for surfing and beach walking.
94 km (59 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
The prosperous city of Tauranga sprawls along the edge of an attractive harbour. There's a well developed café culture and boat charters are available to take you big game fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a destination for surfing and beach walking.
The journey to Whangamata will take you through orchard country. Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados.
Roads on the right offer detours to the beach towns of Te Puna and Omokoroa. The rural settlement of Katikati is known for its murals. You'll enjoy the fresh green scenery of the Athenree Gorge before you reach historic Waihi, a gold mining town.
Whangamata is one of the country's most attractive surf towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and fishing tours are easily arranged.
You can also hire bikes, windsurfers and kayaks. Several charter companies run day trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor.
74 km (46 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway
Whangamata is one of the country's most attractive surf towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and fishing tours are easily arranged.
You can also hire bikes, windsurfers and kayaks. Several charter companies run day trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor.
On your way to Whitianga you could indulge in a round of golf at Pauanui, a large seaside settlement.
A different kind of pleasure awaits at Hot Water Beach, where geothermally heated water bubbles up through the sand—you can dig your own spa at low tide. If you have a couple of hours to spare, take the walk from Hahei to spectacular Cathedral Cove.
The beach town of Whitianga is home to a fishing fleet—expect to eat some excellent seafood while you're here.
Best things to do include surfing, surf casting and beach walks. Catch the ferry to the south side of the harbour—a short taxi ride will take you to Cooks Beach.
View more Specialised New Zealand driving routes.
Rotorua:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Tauranga, Bay of Plenty:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
Whangamata, Coromandel:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Visitor Information
Whitianga, Coromandel:
Accommodation,
Attractions and Activities,
Tours,
Transport,
Visitor Information
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