Expert: Mick Maurer - 7/2/2007

Question
what is the best way to get to taupo from auckland in a day? We are staying in Auckland,what are the roads like for driving on? We need to get there and back in a day and I am unsure if driving would be the best option.Would there be a bus service there and back in a day at all?

Answer
Alan:
You are looking at around 300k each way from Auckland to Taupo.  Due to schedules, it is very unlikely you would be able to make a round trip in one day via coach work.  There is a train from Auckland to Rotorua which would get you in around noon for a bus departure around 2 p.m. but then it is almost impossible to get back. Your most sure option is to drive.  The roads are good, there are a lot of tour coaches that traverse the road round trip to Rotorua on a daily basis.  You will be looking at some 2 lane sections but you should be able to average at lease 70k per hour baring accidents or a herd of sheep crossing.

Mick Maurer