Driving Route : Rotorua - Waitomo - Napier - Rotorua

Day 2 : Waitomo Caves to Taupo

Overview
Day 1 : Rotorua to Waitomo Caves
Day 2 : Waitomo Caves to Taupo
Day 3 : Taupo to Napier
Day 4 : Napier to Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park)
Day 5 : Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park) to Rotorua

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Route Summary

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.