TAURANGA – ROTORUA

Driver Information
New Zealand ItinerariesTravel distance is approximately 82kms (51 miles).
Allow at least 1 hours drive time (not including stops).

We hope you had an enjoyable evening in the harbor town of Tauranga. Take the time to enjoy any other activities or attractions in this lovely region before starting your short journey to Rotorua. Try to allow yourself plenty of time in Rotorua so you can make the most of the extensive array of award winning visitor attractions and activities.

Some notable stops along the route to Rotorua include:

TE PUKE
This has to be the only ‘Kiwifruit Capital of the World’ and is located in the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. Te Puke is also famous with top class surfers for its beach location – three of the regions top surf beaches are only 10 minutes from Te Puke!

LONGRIDGE FUN PARK
A great family attraction park where you can take a Jet Boat ride on the Kaituna River, drive a 4WD Hill Hopper on a specially designed off-road track or take a guided tour of the Kiwifruit farm. Located on State Highway 33 in Te Puke, this is a ‘must do’ for family travellers.

PAENGAROA
The Comvita Visitor Centre is the home of natural health in New Zealand and is all about bee’s and honey! Here you will find the largest selection of internationally renowned Comvita products, including Manuka honey!

OKERE FALLS SCENIC RESERVE
Located just 21km’s before Rotorua on Trout Pool Road, enjoy beautiful walking tracks, the tranquil Trout Pool, picturesque waterfalls and the site of Rotorua’s first hydro-electric power station.

ROTORUA
One of the most famous cultural tourist destinations in New Zealand! The moment you arrive in Rotorua you will experience a place that is quite different from anywhere else in New Zealand. From the scent of sulphur in the air, to nearby geothermal hotspots with spouting geysers, mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour, this is the place to stay and enjoy for as long as possible!

Highly recommended Rotorua tourist attractions include…

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – This geothermal sightseeing attraction is just outside of Rotorua and allows visitors to view a wide range of stunning natural features including geysers, mud pools, mineral terraces, hot and cold pools plus steaming volcanic lakes.

Crater Lakes – Thanks to thousands of years of volcanic activity Rotorua can boast many stunning lakes around the region – all steeped in local Maori history. The famous Green and Blue lakes are located adjacent to each other in lush forest settings. The Blue Lake is a popular recreational area with walking tracks, hiking tracks and much more.

Buried Village – Visit the Museum of Te Wairoa and take a special journey as the fascinating story of the village of Te Wairoa unfolds, including the voyages to the Pink and White Terraces and the eruption of Mt Tarawera.

Agrodome Sheep Show & Farm Tour – Enjoy an hour long live show of working New Zealand sheep and dairy farming in an interactive and truly enjoyable display.

Hells Gate Thermal Reserve – Rotorua’s most active thermal park and New Zealand’s only mud bath complex with geothermal mud and therapeutic water.

Rotorua offers visitors a diverse range of cultural and nature experiences, including genuine Hangi and Maori performances, geothermal marvels and for outdoor lovers, lakes and forests galore for fishing, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, tours and much more!
New Zealand Itineraries: North Island Suggested Itineraries

Our modern self-drive travel Itineraries have routes specifically for the North Island as well as the South Island, ranging from 5 to 11 days, plus there are some travel routes that take in both the North and South Island’s. Our range of travel itineraries include information regarding travel distances and time to ensure that you can make the best of your time in New Zealand, no longer how short your visit!

  • 5 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 6 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Coromandel, Coromandel – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua and Rotorua – Auckland
  • 6 Day Itinerary (route 2): Auckland – Dargaville, Dargaville – Kaitaia, Kaitaia – Paihia, Paihia – Whangarei and Whangarei – Auckland
  • 7 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Napier and Napier – Wellington
  • 8 Day Itinerary: Wellington, Wellington – Masterton, Masterton – Wellington, Wellington – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim and Blenheim – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Coromandel, Coromandel – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Gisborne, Gisborne – Napier, Napier – Taupo, Taupo – Rotorua, Rotorua – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 2): Auckland – Whangarei, Whangarei – Paihia, Paihia – Hokianga, Hokianga – Auckland, Auckland – Rotorua, Rotorua – Taupo, Taupo – Waitomo Caves and Waitomo Caves – Auckland
  • 11 Day Itinerary: Auckland – Whitianga, Whitianga – Tauranga, Tauranga – Rotorua, Rotorua – Gisborne, Gisborne – Napier, Napier Taupo Napier, Napier – Wellington, Wellington – New Plymouth, New Plymouth – Waitomo and Waitomo Caves – Auckland