TRIP 5 CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND Fly fishing, Lake Taupō © Destination Great Lake Taupō
TRIP 5
a journey to
Taupō
Rotorua to Taupō via SH 5 1hr, 82km
SIDE TRIP
Consider checking out Tokoroa while you’re in the area. Then, back on track, a detour to Ātiamuri may inspire you to explore more by bike, as the Waikato River Trails section of New Zealand’s Cycle Trail passes through here.
SIDE TRIP
Waiotapu to Ātiamuri (Waikato River Trails) via Waihikite Valley Rd 29min, 28km
Closer to Taupō, factor in a stop at Wairākei to walk among steamy geysers and mudpools or, even better, to slide into the Wairākei Terrace hot pools. Back on the road, another detour to Huka Falls is worth considering at this point, as this must-do attraction is not far off the main route into town.
SIDE TRIP
F
Waiotapu to Murupara (Te Urewera National Park) via SH 38 27min, 40.2km
Mihi to Ōrakei Kōrako via SH 5 onto Tutukau Rd 17min, 20km
rom one lake to another, this journey along SH 5 takes you through country transformed by forestry, with tantalising glimpses of lakes and mountains and a chill in the air as the road climbs higher.
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