Hamilton to Waitomo Caves

Leave Hamilton south on SH3. You will pass through the settlements of Rukuhia, Ohaupo and Te Rahu before rolling into Te Awamutu.

Te Awamutu is a good place to explore for its historic buildings and traditional country gardens. Leave town via SH3 again through Kihikihi where there is another good heritage trail to discover.

Continue south through Kiokio and you will come to Otorohanga - the official 'Kiwiana' capital of New Zealand. This is a great place to observe our native bird at the kiwi house.

About 8km south of Otorohanga on SH3 there is a right turn onto SH37. Take this turn off and about 5km down this road you will come to the Waitomo Caves. The Waitomo Caves are famous for their magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

Hamilton to Te Kuiti via Tokoroa

Head south on SH1, which follows the Waikato River. You soon hit horse country - Cambridge, the North Island's most English of towns.

Just south of Cambridge is Lake Karapiro, home of New Zealand rowing. Grab a picnic and enjoy the surrounds.

Still on SH1 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 farming town of Putaruru.

Finally you come to Tokoroa, which is where the Kinleith pulp and paper mill is situated. Plenty of trout fishing and boating can be had in and around the settlement.

Turn down SH32 and pass through the town locale of Whakamaru, which starts on SH30.

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.

It is recommended that you have detailed road maps before departing on your trip