Driving Route : Auckland - Rotorua - Wellington

Featured Tourism Operators

Click to view featured operator Web site

Day 4 : Taupo to Palmerston North

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

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Taupo - Turangi	0.75 hr	47	29
Turangi - Palmerston North	2.5 hrs	195	122
Totals for Day	3.25 hrs	242	151

Taupo - Turangi

47 km (29 miles)
Approximately 0.75 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

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.

You'll follow the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to reach Turangi. The drive is very scenic and there are many picnic opportunities along the way. Where streams run into the lake, you'll often see trout fisherman trying their luck.

The town of Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. There are famous fishing spots in almost every direction, including 'The Delta', 'The Hole', 'Little Big O' and 'Tailrace' (believed to contain the world's fattest trout). The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River. The walks and skifields of the Tongariro National Park are also close by.

Turangi - Palmerston North

195 km (122 miles)
Approximately 2.5 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

The town of Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. There are famous fishing spots in almost every direction. Rafting on the Tongariro River is another way to enjoy the region.

The Desert Road is the first lap of your journey—it's long and straight, with amazing views of Tongariro National Park's volcanoes. In Waiouru, an army town, you should check out the QE2 Memorial Museum. As you drive south towards the town of Taihape (the Gumboot Throwing capital of the world), the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. The Mangaweka Gorge is a scenic masterpiece. By the time you get to Bulls, where you can browse antique shops, you're surrounded by tranquil farmland.

One of New Zealand's largest provincial cities, Palmerston North has an attractive historic heart. Many of the original stores built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and now function as boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Rose gardens and museums should also be on your agenda of things to see.

View more Auckland driving routes.

Directory Information

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

Palmerston North:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Featured