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 Maori 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.
Scenic Highlights
Whakarewarewa Forest
Mountain bike, run or hike on purpose-built trails in a century-old experimental forest with more than 170 different tree species.
Crater Lakes
Eleven beautiful lakes surround the geothermal town of Rotorua, which is great if you like to hike, bike, fish or kayak.
Government Gardens
Explore historic gardens that surround a Tudor-style spa bath house and an ornate Mediterranean-style public swimming pool. Peer through the steam into ancient bubbling geothermal pools.
Kuirau Park
Take a walk and discover the steaming, hissing and bubbling geothermal activity in this informal public park located right next to Rotorua's city centre.
Geothermal activity
Explore a landscape that has been shaped and coloured by extraordinary volcanic and geothermal forces.
Mount Tarawera
Gaze in awe at Mount Tarawera and imagine the frightening night of June 10 1886, when the mountain's summit split open in a violent eruption.
Lake Rotorua
In the centre of Lake Rotorua is Mokoia Island, the setting for one of New Zealand's most famous love stories.
Lakeside Trail
Walk, run or ride along a scenic lakeside trail on the front porch of downtown Rotorua. Learn about the local birdlife and geothermal activity.
Waitomo Caves
Wai means water, tomo means hole. Put them together and you have the perfect name for a region that's packed with limestone caves.
Ohinemutu
View an intricately carved Maori meeting house and enter a 1901 Tudor-style church set amidst steaming geothermal vents at the edge of Lake Rotorua.
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve
Explore forest walks that lead to a series of beautiful waterfalls, the Tutea Caves and Hinemoa's Steps.
Rainbow Mountain tracks
Explore an active geothermal mountain with coloured rocks and native plants that are unique to geothermal environments. Climb to the summit for a huge view of this fascinating part of the world.
Activities
Rotorua
Volcanic/Geothermal (6),
Walking/Trekking (3)
Tour and Sightseeing
Rotorua
Volcanic/Geothermal (4),
Walking/Trekking (2)
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