Driving Route : Auckland - Rotorua - Auckland

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Day 5 : Rotorua to Waitomo Caves

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.

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Directory Information

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

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

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