Places to stop on a New Zealand road trip

The spots we recommend on New Zealand's most-driven routes — the icons, plus the local secrets that regulars know about.

• Hobbiton Movie Set

  The Shire, in real life. Guided tour of the working movie set on a Waikato sheep farm.

  Waikato2 h 30 min

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• Waitomo Glowworm Caves

  Boat under a galaxy of glowworms in a limestone cave.

  Waikato2 h

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• Blue Springs (Te Waihou)

  Crystal-clear spring water — a short bush walk from the car park.

  Waikato1 h

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• Hamilton Gardens

  Themed gardens along the Waikato River — free to enter, easy stop.

  Waikato1 h 30 min

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• Huka Falls

  The Waikato River funnelled through a 15m gorge — thunderous.

  Taupo45 min

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• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

  Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath, and the geyser show — the most colourful geothermal park in NZ.

  Rotorua1 h 30 min

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• Tirau Local secret

  Corrugated-iron dog and sheep, and some of the best pies on SH1.

  Waikato30 min

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• Karangahake Gorge Local secret

  Old gold-mining tunnels and river walks in a dramatic gorge.

  Coromandel1 h 15 min

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