While Taupō and Rotorua are only one hour apart, the road between offers some of New Zealand’s most distinct geothermal landscapes. But besides bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs, it’s also home to a couple of hidden-gem family attractions that everyone can enjoy.
Discover 12 of the best places to stop on the route from Taupō to Rotorua!
Distance from Taupō to Rotorua
- Taupō to Rotorua distance: 80 km
- Taupō to Rotorua drive time: 1 hour
The drive from Taupō to Rotorua is straightforward; just follow State Highway 5 north. The route primarily passes through farmland with plenty of geothermal wonders to discover along the way.
Where can I take a bus from Taupō to Rotorua?
InterCity operates daily bus services between Taupō and Rotorua. Direct bus services depart from the Taupō i-SITE (30 Tongariro St) and arrive at Tourism Rotorua (1167 Fenton St).
10 things to do between Taupō and Rotorua
Huka Prawn Park
Image credit: Huka Prawn Park
Just north of Taupō, Huka Prawn Park is the world’s only geothermally-heated prawn breeding park. Try your luck at prawn fishing, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the hatchery, or paddle across the ponds on a kayak or aqua trike before tucking into a prawn lunch at the on-site restaurant.
Huka Falls
Image credit: Huka Falls
The 100m-wide Waikato River flows through a 20m-wide gorge to create Huka Falls. Watch the water drop spectacularly into the cool, azure pool below from several lookout points, or ride the jet boat to see the gushing water up close.
Craters of the Moon
Image credit: cratersofthemoon.co.nz
The Craters of the Moon gets its name from its otherworldly landscape of bubbling craters, fissures, mud pools, and steam vents. Take a 45-minute walk along the winding boardwalks and observe the hardy plants that thrive in these hot and steamy conditions.
Lava Glass
Image credit: gardenstovisit.co.nz
Lava Glass is a world-class art gallery set almost entirely outdoors. An award-winning cafe and tranquil garden surround a bespoke studio space. Take home a beautiful piece of New Zealand landscape set in sustainably made glass art.
Wairakei Terraces
Image credit: wairakeiterraces.co.nz
While the Pink and White Terraces are no longer around, the Wairakei Terraces offer an equally unforgettable sight. After your walk around the silica terraces, take a soak at one of the best natural hot pools between Rotorua and Taupō.
Aratiatia Rapids
Image credit: lovetaupo.com
Slightly north of Taupō, a small stretch of the Waikato River sits dry and silent most of the day — until the dam gates open and the water surges through! The Aratiatia Dam opens three times daily in winter and four times in summer. Check the schedule beforehand to plan your visit.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
Image credit: newzealand.com
Delve into a volcanic world filled with bubbling mud pools, hot springs, geysers, and amazing silica terraces. Watch the explosive Diamond Geyser erupt every few minutes and follow the 35 m thermal Ruatapu Cave to the spectacular Pool of Mirrors.
Mind Junction Activity Park
Image credit: mindjunction.co.nz
Weather looking rainy? Families can still have fun at the Mind Junction Activity Park, which includes an interactive science discovery centre, a LEGO display room, a shooting simulator, and a flight simulator. On sunnier days, you can also play a round of mini golf outdoors or try to escape the giant maze.
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Image credit: waiotapu.co.nz
Wander boardwalks through one of the North Island’s most striking landscapes, famed for its vivid orange and green geothermal pools. Time your visit for mid-morning to catch the Lady Knox Geyser erupt.
Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve
Image credit: newzealand.com
Rainbow Mountain offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside, coloured earth, and rock. On a clear day, you can see Mt Tarawera, Mt Ruapehu, and Lake Rotomahana.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Image credit: waimangu.co.nz
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the former site of the Pink and White Terraces and home to the steaming volcanic Frying Pan Lake Crater and Inferno Crater. Follow the walking and hiking trails to discover more about this unique geothermal ecosystem and see the devastating effects of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption in 1886.
Gondola and Luge at Skyline Rotorua
Image credit: Skyline Rotorua
Cap off the day with a scenic Skyline Gondola ride. Race down the heart-pumping Luge tracks or soar through the air on the Skyswing or the Zipline! Whatever activity you choose, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lake Rotorua all the while.
Discover more amazing things to see and do in Rotorua
Visit Skyline’s blog for more ideas to fill your time in Rotorua, including the top geothermal attractions in Rotorua and things to do in Rotorua for couples.
Driving from Auckland? Check out our 3-day attraction and activity guide from Auckand to Taupō!
Featured image credit: Waimangu Volcanic Valley