Welcome to AA Travel

Hell's Gate, Rotorua © Rod Upchurch

Auckland

When you've checked out Auckland's volcanoes, wild ocean beaches and its eclectic mix of art, fashion, theatre and cuisine, it's time to jump on the Thermal Explorer Highway (which begins at Bombay) and head south on SH 1 for 130km until you reach Hamilton.

Hamilton

Hamilton is the commercial hub of the Waikato region, and New Zealand's largest inland city. Here you can wander around the different gardens of the world in the Hamilton Gardens, cruise the Waikato River on a paddleboat, take the kids to Hamilton Zoo or treat the family to an unforgettable hot-air balloon ride at sunrise.

Leaving Hamilton, hop back on the Thermal Explorer Highway (SH 1) and head towards Cambridge.

Cambridge

Cambridge, named after its famous British counterpart, has undulating hills and old buildings in a serene rural setting. 30km further south on SH 1, Lake Karapiro is the perfect spot to park up for a family picnic and go for a swim. Lake Karapiro is an international water sports venue offering almost 8 sq km of flat water for canoeists, water-skiers, yachties and, of course, rowers.

Continue on the Thermal Explorer Highway (which eventually turns into SH 5) to reach Rotorua.

Rotorua

Rotorua is an astonishing city where you can stand on active volcanoes, peer into massive craters, watch mud boil and see geysers erupt. Most of Rotorua's 16 lakes are perfect spots for kayaking, jet boating, water skiing and fishing, but you can also have a go at white-water rafting on the Kaituna River, or tumble downhill at full speed in a plastic bubble called a Zorb.

The Maori culture here is pretty impressive, too. Thermal villages here usually let you participate in their communal lifestyle, incorporating Maori culture and traditions, demonstrations, and interactive activities of weaving, carving and basket making.

Lake Tarawera

Before leaving Rotorua, head out to the southeast of the city to Lake Tarawera at the base of Mt Tarawera, a volcano that erupted in 1886 and destroyed the fabulous Pink and White Terraces, once described as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

To continue the journey, keep heading south on the Thermal Explorer Highway (SH 5), stopping at the magnificent Blue and Green Lakes along the way.

Wairakei

The geothermal region of Rotorua extends to Wairakei and further south to the volcanoes of Lake Taupo. Wairakei Terraces is the place to find out about the harnessing of steam power, see the spectacular views from the Huka Falls Lookout, take a jet boat ride or soak in the hot pools of the thermal valley.

Keep heading south on the Thermal Explorer Highway - you're nearly in Taupo.

Taupo

Tucked in alongside the shores of Lake Tucked in alongside the shores of Lake Taupo, Australasia's largest lake, is Taupo, an all-season resort-like town. The trout fishing here is tremendous. So good, in fact, that this town is nicknamed the 'trout fishing capital of the world'. But it's not just about the lake in Taupo - other experiences here include skydiving, bungy jumping and relaxing in natural thermal pools, plus Taupo has some of New Zealand's best mountain biking trails.

Hop on SH 5 towards Napier for the last leg of the Thermal Explorer Highway.

Napier

In 1931 a massive earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) obliterated the city of Napier. As a result, many buildings were demolished and rebuilt in the architectural style of the times - Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical. Today, Napier has one of the most impressive collections of 1930s architecture in the world.

As well as amazing architecture, Napier is one of our biggest wine regions, and the cuisine and gourmet food in this suave city and the entire Hawke's Bay region is outstanding.