Waikato's main highways are straight, with vast tracts of farmland as scenery, and good surfaces for driving. Southern parts of the Waikato have more hilly terrain, and have more curves.

In contrast, Waitomo has a lot more winding roads, with steep bluffs, and craggy hills. It is one of the most picturesque drives you'll find in the North Island.

Hamilton to Waitomo Caves

Explore heartland New Zealand and amazing caves:

  1. Start your journey by leaving Hamilton south on SH 3. You will pass through the settlements of Rukuhia, Ohaupo and Te Rahu before rolling into Te Awamutu
  2. Te Awamutu is a good place to explore for its historic buildings and traditional country gardens. Leave town via SH 3 again through Kihikihi where there is another good heritage trail to discover
  3. Continue south through Kiokio and you'll come to Otorohanga - the official 'Kiwiana' capital of New Zealand. This is a great place to observe our native bird at the kiwi house
  4. About 8km south of Otorohanga on SH 3 there is a right turn onto SH 37. Take this turn off and about 5km down this road you will come to the Waitomo Caves, famous for their magnificent stalactites and stalagmites

Hamilton to Te Kuiti via Tokoroa

Discover the Country of Kings:

  1. Head south on SH 1, which follows the Waikato River. You soon hit horse country - Cambridge, the North Island's most English of towns
  2. Just south of Cambridge is Lake Karapiro, home of New Zealand rowing. Take a picnic and enjoy the surrounds
  3. Still on SH 1 and heading down the island, you pass through Tirau, which is a great place to stop for lunch and check out the shops. Then on to the farming town of Putaruru
  4. Finally you come to Tokoroa, which is where the Kinleith pulp and paper mill is situated. Plenty of trout fishing and boating can be enjoyed in and around the settlement
  5. Turn down SH 32 and pass through the town locale of Whakamaru, which starts on SH 30
  6. Now you are heading west where you'll pass through the settlements of Barryville, Pureora, Mangapehi, Kopaki, Pukeutu and Waiteti before hitting the King Country's main town of Te Kuiti

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