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Waitomo is situated within easy reach of the North Island of New Zealand's main centres.
Hamilton, the heart of New Zealand's dairy farming industry, is the nearest major city just 1-hour drive away. New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, is around 2½ hours (202km) driving distance and the holiday playgrounds of Taupo, Rotorua and Mount Ruapehu are under 2 hours from Waitomo.
If you are travelling by car from Auckland – please find driving info below to help you plan your journey via State Highway 1 & 39.
Driving times to Waitomo
From | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
Rotorua (Te Puia) to Waitomo | 147 km | 91 mi | 2 hours |
Matamata (Hobbiton) to Waitomo | 83 km | 52 mi | 1.25 hours |
Hamilton to Waitomo | 71 km | 44 mi | 1 hour |
Auckland to Waitomo | 202 km | 125 mi | 2.5 hours |
Carpooling
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The Waitomo village has limited parking, so we encourage CARPOOLING as much as possible. If you can, please fill a car with friends and family.
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Take State Highway 1 signposted to Manukau/Hamilton.
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At Horotiu – Exit State Highway 1 and turn right onto State Highway 39 (115km/1hr 19)
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Follow State Highway 39 to State Highway 3 in Otorohanga (65km/49min)
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Turn right onto State Highway 3 (signs for New Plymouth/Route 3) (7.7km/6min)
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At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto State Highway 37 (7.1km/6min)
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Waitomo is approx 7kms on the left
See the map below:
