Auckland Auckland is New Zealand's largest urban area with a population of just over a million people. It is not, however, the capital, although it was at one time, until the capital moved to Wellington. Auckland is the centre of commerce and industry, and is perhaps the most vibrant, bustling and multicultural city in New Zealand. Auckland is the biggest Polynesian city in the world, and this cultural influence is reflected in many different aspects of city life. The city's landscape is dominated by volcanic hills, the twin harbours, bays, beaches and islands. Its nickname 'the city of sails' is very apt. Auckland has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. Auckland is dotted with volcanic hills, many of which were once the site of Maori pas, or fortified villages, and which currently afford great views of the city. Auckland lies between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours, and its geography is such that glistening waters seem to beckon from every point. It is a water lover's paradise, with some of the best beaches, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and watersports in the country. Driving Distance Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula 115km / 71 miles Driving time Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula : Approx 1h 40m Coromandel Peninsula Coromandel Peninsula has some of the most stunning beaches in the North Island, golden sand, hot pools and glorious waters. The pictures on this page are of Waikawau Bay, just one of the many beaches in the Peninsula. Coromandel Peninsula is the place to go if you want to sit on a beach all day, or go on some of the amazing walks around the hills, gazing at perfect beaches. One particularly fun thing to do is dig a pool at Hot Water Beach, sink yourself into a sandy thermal bath, and then dive into the cool waters of the bay.... Driving Distance Auckland to Rotorua: 235 km / 146 miles Driving Time Auckland to Rotorua: Approx 3h 21m Or Continue to Rotorua from the Coromandel Peninsula Driving Distance Thames to Rotorua 180 km / 112 miles Driving time Thames to Rotorua: Approx 2h 36m   Rotorua Journey to the heartland of Maori Culture, to the center of New Zealand's spectacular geothermal wonderland and discover the Spirits of Rotorua. Nestled beside the cerulean blue Lake Rotorua, the township of Rotorua is home to one of the most unique tourism sites in the world. Aside from the breathtaking scenery of this volcanic-shaped wonderland, the 16 beautiful lakes in the region and the lush green of the abundant native flora, Rotorua is located on a volcanic plateau which covers much of the Central North Island, Rotorua sits on an area that has been geologically exciting for millennia. See evidence of the awe-inspiring power of nature at its most temperamental at one of the geothermal parks within the Rotorua region. Geysers, hot mud pools and steaming craters are testament to the incredible earthen forces on display in this diversely beautiful location. Visit the geothermal areas in Rotorua for a truly magnificent display of the wonders of this region.Stroll through the streets of Rotorua, voted New Zealand's most beautiful city six times, and instantly feel like you have entered another world; where hot steam escapes from cracks in the road, back gardens come with their own natural mineral hot pool and the pungent aroma of sulphur exotically permeates the air.   Although one of New Zealand's most popular tourist spots, Rotorua still maintains its small town charms. A visit to the museum located within the famous Rotorua Bath House will educate and intrigue with its extensive Maori heritage collections. Be enriched by the Spirit of the Maori people and learn why the Arawa, the Maori of Rotorua, began the tradition of the cultural guides in New Zealand, bestowing the privilege of visiting some of the natural wonders of their homeland to the first Europeans here. With its richness in heritage and culture, the magnificent geothermal experience and the astonishing natural beauty of the landscape, Rotorua is a major center for tourism and there is an abundance of activities ranging from spiritually fulfilling to adrenaline charged action. Whatever your desire, be it tame or tempestuous, Rotorua will sweep you away on a journey of discovery and wonder.

Driving time Auckland to Taupo: Approx 4h 4m

Or Continue to Taupo from Rotorua

 

Driving Distance Rotorua to Taupo: 76 km / 47 miles

Driving time Rotorua to Taupo: Approx 1h 5m

Taupo

Sunk into a stunning volcanic landscape and surrounded by bush clad mountains is New Zealand's largest freshwater lake, Lake Taupo. The township of Taupo can be found on the banks of a large bay at northeast part of the lake, where it discharges to the mighty Waikato River.
The river flows over one of New Zealand's most spectacular waterfalls, Huka Falls, a short distance north of the town. The thundering Huka Falls is New Zealand's most visited natural attraction. More than 220,000 litres of water tumbles over the cliff face per second!
Taupo township is located right on the edge of the lake, and many hotels offer panoramic views over the lake to the snow-capped volcanoes of Tongariro and Ruapehu.