Residents of Rotorua love the city for its affordable housing and accessibility to the rest of New Zealand. It is a major tourist destination, because of its proximity to geothermal vents and other ecological features. But where do the residents of Rotorua go on holiday? Why in Auckland of course!
Auckland is the multi-cultural hub of New Zealand and a fantastic place to visit if you want a change of environment. It takes three and a half hours to drive from Rotorua to Auckland, so be sure to go prepared — it is a long drive through hilly, winding roads.
Visit a Repair Shop First
Before driving to Auckland, visit a repair shop first just to make sure that your vehicle is in running order. There are a number of mechanics in Rotorua, such as LRC Automotive. They can give your car a complete look over, from your engine to your transmission, to your brakes.
New Zealand’s roads can be challenging to manoeuvre because it winds up and over hills, so it is important that your engine and brakes are functioning correctly.
Prepare for the Weather Conditions
Always heed weather warnings while travelling — the weather can be intense and increase your chances of getting into an accident. New Zealand’s roads may be susceptible to landslides and other disasters, so only travel when it is safe to do so.
Familiarise Yourself with the Road
When travelling between Rotorua and Auckland, you have the choice of taking one of two main routes — via Hamilton, or via Matamata. Matamata is most likely a more interesting choice for travellers, as it passes through the set of Hobbiton. It is one of the filming locations of the famed ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ films.
No matter what road you take, be sure to familiarise yourself with all of the stops, especially the locations of gas stations, camping grounds and accommodations. It is best to carry a map with you — a real, paper map. Even if you have a GPS in your vehicle, you should have a physical map available in case it fails.
A visit to Auckland may be just the thing for those who want to experience the city life of New Zealand. Just be sure to prepare thoroughly for the long drive there.