Auckland to Rotorua to Auckland in 5 days

Great news – you’ve got five days off and you’re planning a trip to the mid-North Island. If you’re not sure where to go or you’re looking for some tips on hidden gems along the way, then you’ve come to the right place. This five-day itinerary takes you to some of the best tourist destinations in New Zealand, however, it also takes you to some of the lesser-known places in between where you will get the chance to explore rural New Zealand. If you’re still in the planning stage of your trip, make sure you check out the great deals on car hire at Auckland Airport – we’re not one of New Zealand’s favourite rental car companies for no reason! Anyway, enough of that – it’s time to find out more about this kiwi adventure starting out with Auckland – let’s GO!

Contents

1. Route map with key locations
2. Recommended vehicle for this trip
3. Trip itinerary
   • Auckland
   • Rotorua
   • Taupo
   • Waitomo Caves
   • Hamilton

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Trip Itinerary

1Auckland to Rotorua (228kms – 2 hours 43 mins)

There are a couple of ways to get down to Rotorua so the good news for you is that you don’t have to drive the same way twice. It also means we’ve got twice the number of things to see and do on your way down and back. We have decided to head off the most direct route on the way there so you get as much time as possible in Rotorua to explore. After leaving the suburban sprawl of Auckland behind you, you will soon hit the open road as you leave SH1 and head down SH27 towards your first stop of the day and one that we’re pretty excited about.

Matamata (161kms – 1 hour 52mins from Auckland)

One of our main reasons for coming this way first is to stop off in one of our favourite locations on the North Island. Many people have never heard of Matamata (even though it’s so good they named it twice!) but speak the words ‘Lord of the Rings’ or ‘The Hobbit’ and you soon see that spark of intrigue that only comes from the opportunity to visit one of the most famous movie sets in the world.

If you’ve got the time, a trip to the Wairere Falls is also worth a shout. At 153m, these are the highest waterfalls in the North Island and there is a great walking track that will take you up to a lookout where you can enjoy some pretty awesome views over the Waikato as well as a bird’s eye view of the falls.

From here it’s only another 68 kms to Rotorua which should take you just under an hour leaving you plenty of time to explore this afternoon.

Rotorua Complete Guide

After the drive down and checking into your accommodation, it’s a good idea to give your legs a stretch so head out and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Rotorua. There’s no getting away from it – this place has a certain aroma to it that some find a little overpowering – we find that you soon get used to it but nonetheless, be prepared for the sulphuric smell to hit your nostrils as soon as you step out of your car.

Rotorua Museum

Although we like to recommend some of the more off-the-beaten-track activities in our itineraries, there are some things that you just can’t miss and the Rotorua Museum is one of them. Located in the iconic Bath House building, this is a great opportunity to take a step back in time and learn about the region’s rich Maori culture and volcanic landscape which have shaped the town you find before you today.

GO Snap Happy Photo Opportunity

2Rotorua and around

After a gentle introduction to Rotorua on your arrival yesterday, it’s time to get stuck in and experience this amazing place up close. With so many things to see in the town, putting a plan together of your ‘must do’ activities is a great place to start so we have done some of the work for you and put together our top 5 – see what you reckon and if you have any other suggestions, make sure you drop us a comment on our GO Explore Facebook page:

2. Te Puia

For stunning examples of Maori culture that you’ll not find anywhere else, pay a visit to Te Puia (about five minutes from the centre of town).

You’ll learn about Maori culture and costumes from Maori people themselves, as well as witness a few more examples of geothermal activity (we’re still in Rotorua after all). Make sure you attend the Maori culture performance at the Marae (by the entrance) and visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute located inside as well. Te Puia also includes a live kiwi bird enclosure (a rare opportunity to see the New Zealand icon) and the famous Pohutu Geyser.

3. Zorbing

Right, that’s enough walking around, it’s time for some adrenaline. Head to the Zorb (149 Western Road in Rotorua), another GO Play partner, for a few minutes of adrenaline-infused adventure.

Zorbing first started in New Zealand so what better place to experience it than right in the heart of the country where it all began? Zorbing (which is basically rolling down some hills inside a giant inflatable ball) is one of those activities on many people’s bucket lists. Tick that off yours now before we continue heading south.

5. Polynesian Spa

If you want the ultimate in relaxation we suggest you take a few hours to visit the Polynesian Spa, voted one of the best spas in the world. Choose from a range of hot pools or book a massage and enjoy a couple of hours of what holidays really are about – doing absolutely nothing.

3Rotorua to Lake Taupo (81.3km – 1 hour 8 mins)

Rotorua really is the town that keeps on giving with lots more GO Play partners based in and around this geothermal wonderland. Hopefully, you managed to fit in everything you wanted to do yesterday but you still have some time this morning if there is anything you missed. We have only given you a flavour of the things you can do here but you may decide you fancy something a bit different so go knock yourselves out and have some fun!

Taupo

Taupo is a great place to spend a couple of days no matter what you are into. Whether it’s a relaxing weekend on the shores of the lake that carries the same name or something more adrenaline-fuelled like chucking yourself out of a plane, Taupo has it all.

Lake Taupo was actually created nearly 2000 years ago by a volcanic eruption which, according to Maori folklore ‘darkened the skies in Europe and China’ – pretty explosive stuff!! What we’re left with is New Zealand’s largest lake where you will find some of the best fishing in the country as well as some geothermal activity at the Craters of the Moon.

With so much to see and do here, we’ve put together some of our highlights:

Skydiving

Although this is a guide to off the beaten track activities, it wouldn’t be right for us not to mention the amazing sky diving over Lake Taupo. As you will be aware, New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and sky diving opportunities are abundant all over the country but Lake Taupo is a GO Rentals favourite and luckily for you, Taupo Tandem Skydiving is a GO Play partner giving you a 5% discount. The views as you hurtle out of the plane towards the lake are spectacular and if you can, we recommend you get the photo pack – it’s well worth the extra dollars to remember this day.

Golf challenge
For you budding Rorys out there, Lake Taupo throws up a challenge – can you land your ball on a green floating in the middle of the lake? If the answer is yes, and more importantly, if you can get a hole in one, your trip to Lake Taupo just got a whole bunch better as there are some big prizes up for grabs. Even if you don’t play golf, it’s pretty satisfying just whacking balls into the lake!

Huka Falls
This is a great little detour as you head out of Taupo and well worth it as it’s not every day you get to see a river that is usually 100m wide get squeezed through a gap that is only 20m wide over a 20m drop! Apparently, 220,000 litres of water gushes over the falls every second (that is a LOT of water) – we haven’t as yet managed to see any salmon leaping up the falls and we’re not sure it’s possible – what do you reckon?

Mine Bay
Only accessible by water are the magnificent Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay. Take a boat trip or if you’re feeling energetic, hire a kayak around the secluded bays and beaches that border Lake Taupo where you will find these fascinating carvings.

Fishing
Lake Taupo has an abundance of rainbow and brown trout so if a day relaxing, sitting back and casting your line sounds like your idea of heaven, then you’ve come to the right place. If you want something a bit different, you can always have a go at fly fishing in the Tongariro River.

Cycling
The Great Lake Trail is one of the 23 great rides of New Zealand and a must for cycling enthusiasts. Covering a total distance of 71kms, this one is not for the faint-hearted and it’s recommended that you take 2-3 days to enjoy the cycle properly. That’s not to stop you from heading out onto the track for a few hours though to catch some magnificent views of the lake and Tongariro National Park.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Although many people choose to stay up in the National Park, it is possible to head off and do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Taupo and there are bus companies that will shuttle you up to the start of the walk but be prepared for an early start.

The walk itself is often referred to as the best one day walk in New Zealand and is a highlight for many travellers to these shores. The weather can change quickly out on the walk so make sure you pack for all seasons from the sunscreen to the warm base layers – even if it’s a lovely sunny day when you set out, things can soon change out on the track.

A gentle start to the walk will soon be replaced by some gradual climbs before the steep ascent to Red Crater where you get some amazing views looking down to the Emerald Lakes. Make sure you have your camera at the ready as there are so many photo opportunities on the walk.

Lord of the Rings Fans
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan (we won’t hold it against you if you’re not – promise!) then this is the place for you. Home to the sinister Mordor, you’ll soon start to recognise landscapes from the trilogy and a look over to Mt Ngauruhoe should bring flashbacks of the infamous Mount Doom. If you have the fitness and the equipment, climbing to the summit of Mount Doom is a possible add on to your day but be aware that this is a steep climb and should only be carried out by experienced climbers.

By the end of the walk, you’ll probably feel like Frodo and Sam so treat yourself to a big feed and a cold beer at the end of a great day when you get back to Taupo.

4Taupo to Waitomo (146kms – 1 hour 53 mins)

So after a busy couple of days in and around Taupo and Rotorua, it’s time to start making your way back north towards Auckland. With a relatively short drive ahead of you today up to the Waitomo Caves, you will definitely have time to squeeze in any activities you may have missed yesterday in and around Taupo so fill your boots.

Pureora Timber Trail (77.6kms – 1 hour 10 mins)

Another one for cycling enthusiasts and another one of the 23 great rides under Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail, the Pureora Timber Trail will take you through some spectacular forest terrain, over suspension bridges and through ecological areas showcasing the remnants of the forest that once dominated the area. At 77kms, this is another 2-day cycle but there are lots of shorter trails you can take from the starting point at Pureora Village located off SH30. If cycling is not your thing, there are also loads of walks to do in and around the forest so take your time and enjoy the day.

Waitomo Caves (69.8kms – 1 hour 10 mins)

Arriving later in the afternoon is perfect for this particular activity. The Waitomo Caves have been formed by rivers and streams pushing through the soft limestone over thousands of years and are now home to some amazing sights and sounds. From the stalactites and stalagmites that grow from the floor and ceiling to the incredible glow worms that light up these underground grottos, this is a stopover not to be missed.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can always experience some blackwater rafting inside the caves where you‘ll be transported through the caves in a rubber ring. Sounds pretty cool to us.

5Waitomo Caves to Auckland (192 kms 2 hours 19 mins)

So, the last day of your trip has arrived and the trip back to Auckland which will take you just over 2 hours. We do have a few little stop-offs on the way today depending on what time you have to get the car back to Auckland to help break up the journey.

Te Awamutu (39.7kms – 33 mins)

Known as the rose capital of New Zealand, November to April is a great time to visit Te Awamutu to smell the beautiful flowers in full bloom. During season, you can take in the magnificent sight of over 2000 rose bushes in full bloom next to the visitors centre.

Notable residents of Te Awamutu include the Finn brothers Tim and Neil who are the men behind the internationally successful band Crowded House. Te Awamutu gets a mention in their debut single from their self-titled debut album ‘Mean to Me’. There’s a little bit of trivia to bore your car companions with!

Hamilton

Nestled on the banks of the Waikato River, Hamilton is a great stop off on the way back to Auckland to grab a bite to eat after all the adventure of your morning trip up from Taupo. With some great riverside walks, the stunning Hamilton Gardens and a wealth of places to eat, it’s a great way to break up the journey before the final leg back up to Auckland.

From here it’s just over 52 kms to Auckland which depending on traffic should take you anywhere from 35 mins to an hour to allow plenty of time.

If your 5-day trip allows you some time to explore Auckland, make sure you check out our Top 5 things to do in Auckland.

Auckland Complete Guide

So that brings this five-day adventure to an end – we hope you have enjoyed it and found some of our tips handy – if you have come across any hidden gems on your travels, make sure you share them with us on our GO Explore Facebook page and help out your fellow travellers!

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