• Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    Haku Falls - spectacular water color
    Upriver from Haku Falls - serene & peacefulTutanekai, ancestor of local Te Arawa people.Sights from the roadLake Taupo, largest lake in NZLake TaupoApril is the start of autumn hereHimatangi Beach - the long fairly unpopulated beach was physically and mentally refreshingHimatangi BeachDescending into the port city of WellingtonOur delayed arrival had a silver lining with this view

    6. Rotorua to Wellington

    April 13, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Our 450 km drive from Rotorua to Wellington was slightly delayed by the flashing lights of the kiwi police who wanted to have a friendly chat with Mike. And it wasn't to welcome us to Wellington. The fine was <$100 US, so, minimal damage.

    On our way down we stopped to see the Huka Falls. Fed by the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, the falls generate enough power to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just 11 seconds. The water color was spectacular.

    Along our drive we passed Taupo Lake, a crater lake located in the caldera of Taupo Volcano, and the largest surface area lake in NZ (238 sq mi).

    We detoured briefly to the west coast to stretch our legs at Himatangi Beach, which allows cars to access and drive it (the last thing we needed on our 6+ hour journey). It was a refreshing reprise from the drive.    Read more