Geothermal parks and lakes.
The classic Central North Island drive from Auckland to Rotorua and Taupo. Three to five days gives time for Hobbiton, the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua's geothermal parks and Huka Falls. Tongariro adds a mountain day.
🚐 About 2.5 hours (around 200 km)
Drive south on the Southern Motorway. Stop at Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, then continue to Waitomo for the glow worm caves. Hobbiton tours take two hours. Waitomo has glowworms.
A park near the caves.
A basic stop near the visitor centre.
🚐 About 2 hours (around 160 km)
Continue east to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia or Wai-O-Tapu, then enjoy a hangi and cultural performance in the evening. Te Puia has geysers. Wai-O-Tapu has colored pools.
A park close to the city.
A basic site.
🚐 About 1 hour (around 85 km)
Drive south to Taupo. Walk to Huka Falls and swim in the Spa Park hot stream. Huka Falls is a short walk. Taupo has a lake.
Thermal pools on site.
Close to the lake.
🚐 About 1.5 hours (around 100 km)
Drive to Tongariro National Park. Hike part of the Alpine Crossing or the Tama Lakes track. Tongariro has volcanic scenery. Weather changes fast.
In the national park.
A basic site near the village.
🚐 About 4.5 hours (around 340 km)
Return via Hamilton and the Waikato. Hamilton has gardens. Return your van in Auckland.
Near the city.
Near the beach.
Campsite rules, fees and availability change. Check the park or operator website before you go.
Beaches, hot springs and forest walks east of Auckland.
Read the itinerary