Unearth and explore natural attractions on the geothermal explorer, state highway (SH) five between Rotorua and Taupo. The journey is picturesque with rolling hills and farmland interspersed with several major visitor destinations on the route. The rock stars are the steaming, bubbling and spurting geysers, mud pools and boiling water.
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The 80km stretch of road is well-travelled with considerable traffic between the two tourist destinations. There are eight great places to pull over and enjoy.
This journey can be tackled either from Taupo or Rotorua (Central North Island, NZ)
Whakarewarewa Living Village is on the outskirts of Rotorua, State Highway five tempting you to pull over and explore. Check out where the locals live and how their lives have been influenced by living with active volcanic activity.
Tamaki Village is home to the people who invite visitors to experience a pre-European Maori daily life, share a hangi (stone oven cooking) and enjoy traditional arts and crafts.
While this attraction is primarily focused on the overseas visitor, kiwis can enjoy the sense of the familiar and feel right at home with a delicious hangi. And practice their haka technique. Tamaki Village is rolling out a wellness and bush experience which is keenly anticipated.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is where the 19th century volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera blew to smithereens the world famous pink and white terraces and obliterated entire villages.
Over a hundred years later the Waimangu Valley has extraordinary landscapes carved out by nature. The world’s largest hot springs, steaming cliffs and regenerating bush. Walk among evidence of a volcanic eruption.
FREE ADMISSION
Explore the geothermal landscape of Rotorua at your own pace on this self-guided Waimangu hiking tour. Follow winding hiking trails through Waimangu – the world’s youngest geothermal system – and marvel at the scenery you find.
Admire unique geothermal features including Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana, and enjoy breathtaking views over hot springs and steam vents throughout the forest and grasslands.
Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu – BOOK NOW
Admire amazing views of the Central North Island of New Zealand with this scenic helicopter flight and short walking tour. Take in spectacular aerial views of the Tarawera Falls, bubbling geothermal reserves, crater lakes and much more.
After landing in the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, explore a local geothermal wonderland, including hot springs and magnificent geysers, before your return flight to Rotorua. Experience landing on Mt Tarawera and enjoy impressive views of lushious farm land See Rotorua from above.
Mount Tarawera/Orakei Korako “Thermal Explorer” Dual Landing – BOOK NOW
See the awe-inspiring Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on a half-day tour, led by a knowledgeable guide.
WAIKITE VALLEY is a camping ground, hot springs resort together with short bush walks where occasional puffs of steam reminds visitors of geological forces at play. The ‘Living Waters’ of the Te Manaroa Spring – the largest single source of 100% pure boiling geothermal water in New Zealand is a great excuse to soak away office blues.
Waikite Valley is a part of the geothermal Rotorua experience.
Huka Falls has a well worn path to the stunning power of the Waikato River being forced between granite walls. The blue white foaming depths roar through the confined space dominating the landscape. Sheer awesome power is memorable with many visitors repeating the experience of watching the torrents spin, roll and surge past their feet on the viewing platform.
Steam hissing, swirls of mist, the place is fantasy come to life. Wairakei Geothermal Pipes is a great drive through activity where the commercial application of steam conversion into electricity is displayed with a maze of steamy pipes, often wreathed in clouds of billowing steam. An industrial plant is magically transformed into an otherworldly, atmospheric place.
Prawn Farm waterplay park is a great place for kids to indulge in all forms of water sport designed into an innovative water playground. As part of the attraction is a working prawn farm giving all age groups a chance to enjoy a freshly harvested feast of prawns. Prawn Farm is part of the family friendly Taupo experiences, check here for more inspiration what to do with kids:
Craters of the Moon is a classic lunar fantasy that comes to life on SH5. The boardwalk is easily navigable and the slightly warped nature of the timber framing points to the constant geothermal activity very near the surface.
There are excellent plaques describing the stunted vegetation that has adapted to the harsh conditions. The lack of trees or bushes of any height with vents of steam, boiling mud pools and streaks of mineralised coloured rock create a place where imagination is given a boost. is part of the three days in Taupo holiday ideas for families, check here for more inspiration what to do with kids.
Taupo has many odd, unusual, and unique things to offer its visitors – hot waterfall pool, Otumuheke Stream with hot mineral water and more. Taupo is about 15 minutes away from Opepe reserve.
TRAVEL PACK INFORMATION
This route is easily driven in reverse from Taupo to Rotorua. Both towns promote the attractions with a total distance of 100km between all attractions encouraging families to establish a holiday hub while they explore the area.
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