DHL Lions Series - Ultimate Route

Day 4: New Plymouth to Hamilton

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles New Plymouth - Waitomo Caves 2.25 hrs  181/113 Waitomo Caves - Hamilton 1 hr  71/44   Totals for Day 3.25 hrs  252/158

New Plymouth - Waitomo Caves - Hamilton

The city of New Plymouth is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. Take a picnic to Pukekura Park to admire the rhododendrons. New Plymouth also has a strong arts focus, so check out the current exhibitions. The national park that surrounds Mt Taranaki has spectacular waterfalls and walkways to discover.

Your journey begins with a procession of seaside villages. Whitecliffs Walkway is signposted – a fabulous hike if you have time. At Mokau or Awakino you can enjoy the wild beauty of the Tasman Sea before you drive eastward through a mixture of farmland, forest and rugged mountain country. Gateway to the Waitomo Caves is the rural town of Te Kuiti, which hosts NZ sheep shearing championships each year.

The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. 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

Sugar Loaf Islands and Paritutu Rock
Paritutu and the Sugar Loaf Islands are remnants a large volcano that was active nearly two million years ago.

Taranaki Lakes
Give your shutter finger some exercise at beautiful Lake Mangamahoe, an ideal location for taking pictures of Mount Taranaki.

Wreck of the Gairloch
Discover the rusted skeleton of the Gairloch, a coastal steamer that ran aground on a moonless night in 1903.

Egmont National Park
With more than 300 kilometres of walking tracks, Egmont National Park is a dream destination for enthusiastic hikers.

Pukekura Park
Pukekura Park is New Plymouth's pride and joy - a huge area of gardens, water features, display houses and entertainment facilities.

Tupare Garden
Just a short drive from New Plymouth, Tupare is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and distinctive gardens.

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.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Stretch your legs along the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, a seven kilometre parade of beaches and city attractions.

Puke Ariki
Put a few hours aside to explore the museum galleries at Puke Ariki, New Plymouth's groundbreaking cultural centre.

Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust
Wander the pathways of Pukeiti in any season - there's always so much to see in this spectacular rainforest garden.

Activities

Taranaki
Arts & Crafts (2), Museums (1)

Waikato
Cycling/Mountain Biking (1), Farms (4)

Tour and Sightseeing

Waikato
Farms (1)

New Plymouth - Waitomo Caves - Hamilton

The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. 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.

The trip to Hamilton takes you through prime Waikato farmland. The kiwi house in Otorohanga is a chance to meet New Zealand’s national symbol. A detour towards the west coast will take you to Kawhia, where hot water bubbles up through the sand - you can dig a pool between low and mid tide. In summer, you can pause in the town of Te Awamutu to admire the roses.

The mighty Waikato River brings a unique beauty to Hamilton city. As well as river boat cruising, local attractions include gardens, museums and a giant free flight aviary. At the southern end of the city’s main street you’ll discover a wide variety of excellent restaurants and cafes.

Scenic Highlights

Waikato walks
Bring your favourite walking shoes to the Waikato region for a gentle stroll along the riverbank or a challenging mountain summit expedition.

Waikato water features
Green and serene, the Waikato region relies on water for its verdant beauty. Wherever you go, there's a natural water feature to admire.

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.

Hamilton Gardens
A botanic garden like no other, Hamilton Gardens is a 58 hectare world of horticultural skill and imagination.

Activities

Waikato
Abseiling/Rappelling (3), Caving (8), Kayaking – Fresh Water (2)

Tour and Sightseeing

Waikato
Caving (3), Kayaking – Fresh Water (1)