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Google tells us that a drive from Taupo to the Cook Strait ferry takes us four hours and 26 minutes but this driver is truly missing out. The drive takes travellers through the most diverse and spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer, volcanoes, rolling sheep country, rugged coastlines and geological snapshots in time.
This is our top ten picks of scenic breaks along your journey through the Central Plateau and the lower North Island.
Drivers are spoilt for choice on rest areas and pullover spots on the lake edge as you drive from Taupo to Turangi. While many are on the roadside, some in the small villages along the way get you well off the road and provide safe and quiet opportunities to stretch the legs. Pull into Hatepe or Tauranga Taupo and stop at their lakeside scenic reserves.
Locals tip: Look for the river mouths of Waitahanui, Hatepe and Tauranga Taupo to watch fly fishermen enjoying the best trout fishing in the world. It's not unheard of for friendly travellers to be offered a share of the catch.
Note: You cannot legally buy trout in New Zealand so please don’t ask!
The infamous desert road takes you from Turangi to Waiouru and passes the highest point on State Highway One in New Zealand and the stark volcanic landscape is quite surreal . Numerous safe pullover areas allow opportunity to get off the road and see the majestic Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro volcanoes. A short 3km drive off the eastern side of the road takes you into the Kaimanawa park at Tree Trunk gorge, the mighty Tongariro river dropping in a series of waterfalls in a 3metre wide trench.
Locals Tip: Grab an early start on a fine morning and catch the sunrise on Ruapehu
The road is surprisingly close to an 80 metre deep gorge that the Rangitīkei River has carved through soft Papa Rock over the last 20,000 years. The towering Papa Cliffs are just visible from State Highway One but a quick stop on Ruahine Road will take you down to the Managweka campgrounds where you can view the cliffs up close.
Locals tip: Great toilet facilities down at the campground are welcoming to casual visitors.
At the turn of the last century, crossing the Rangitīkei River to access markets from thousands of acres of farmland was a perplexing and contentious issue. In 1904 the cantilever bridge was built by the Seddon government to solve this issue. Now retired, the bridge is a pedestrian walkway, taking in the views of the river and a fine example of pioneering engineers solving access issues.
Locals tip: The café at Awastone adjacent to the bridge is open all summer, has the best steak pies in New Zealand and if you catch it on a summers Sunday afternoon you can enjoy live music from international and local artists!
A bush reserve donated by Robert Cunningham Bruce, Bruce Park contains impressive specimens of Rimu, totara and Kahikatea that once dominated the Rangitīkei. A great walk with kids.
Locals tip: The entire track will take about an hour to complete but a short sojourn into the bush provides a welcome break on your journey
15 kilometres south of Taihape, State Highway One winds through spectacular Rangitīkei Hill country farmland. The Kawhatau View rest area provides a panoramic view of the Ruhaine Ranges and the meandering Kawhatau valley.
Locals tip: Catch a spring sunset on the snow covered ranges.
An easy stop for southbound travellers, this rest area is perched high above the Rangitīkei River, with views of the quaint rural village of Mangaweka and stretch right through to the Northern Ruahine Ranges.
Locals tip: On a clear day look for the spiritual maunga Aorangi to the the north.
A safer option for Northbound travellers, this stop sits beneath the beautiful Makohine Railway Viaduct. A beautiful example of early railway construction, still in use so you may get to see a train crossing the bridge!
Waitarere Beach is a fine example of the north islands rugged west coast and if you are travelling State Highway One is about the closest opportunity to get to see it. The small beachside community Locals tip: Take a stroll down the beach and see the remnants of the 1878 shipwrecked Hydrabad before it is engulfed by the sand dunes
Consider not taking the new Transmission gully and enjoy the rugged Kapiti coastline. Drive down to the beach at Paekakariki, enjoy the towns cafes and a walk on the beach takes in views of Kapiti Island.
A final break before hitting the big city, Dolly Varden Beach is a great spot for swimming and picnics on the quiet Pauatahanui Inlet, a favourite for locals.
Locals tip: it’s a short walk to the fish and chip shop for a true kiwi seaside picnic.
So there you go, don’t make the mistake of not allowing enough time to explore some of the best New Zealand has to offer, make it more than a day and stay at New Zealands best riverside campgrounds at Awastone, halfway through your journey!
