Waitomo caves and the SH3 coast road to New Plymouth
A three-day drive from the Waitomo caves through the Awakino Gorge and along the Taranaki coast.
- Distance
- 235 km (146 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 34 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 11
- States
- New Zealand
- Updated
- May 9, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 235 km (146 mi) with 11 stops, from Ōtorohanga to New Plymouth. About 2 h 34 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New Zealand
Route description
Begin in Ōtorohanga, a short stop for the Kiwi House, then drive about 20 km to Waitomo Caves. Book the Glowworm Cave tour ahead in summer, and consider the Ruakuri or Aranui caves for a quieter visit. The Waitomo village has a holiday park with powered sites, and shops for supplies. Spend the night here, as late afternoon tours are less crowded, and check the weather before taking the western road next morning.
The next day, take Te Anga Road west to Mangapohue Natural Bridge and Marokopa Falls. The road is narrow and winding, with sections of gravel in places, so drive slowly and check conditions with the local visitor centre. Each stop takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Fuel is limited west of Waitomo, so fill up first and plan to return by the same road.
From Waitomo, drive back through Te Kūiti on SH3 for the shearer statue and a coffee. Then follow SH3 through the Awakino Gorge, a winding stretch of about 60 km with few places to overtake, where campervans should stay in low gear. Take care on bends and use the pull-outs for faster traffic. Mokau has fuel and a cafe, so stop before the long run on.
Past Mokau, stop at Tongaporutu to see the Three Sisters at low tide only, and check the tide table first. From here SH3 runs about 80 km south-west to New Plymouth, and takes about an hour and a half. Plan to arrive in time for the waterfront and the Coastal Walkway. New Plymouth has holiday parks and a freedom camping area with strict rules.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Ōtorohanga
New Zealand - 20 km
Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park
NatureŌtorohanga, New ZealandA small sanctuary in a town park with kiwi in a darkened house, plus native birds such as kākā, kea and tuatara in aviaries. The nocturnal kiwi house is the main draw. Allow about an hour and a half. Visits have a modest entry fee and are well suited to children.
- 315 km
Waitomo Caves
New Zealand - 40 km
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
NatureWaitomo Caves, New ZealandGuided tours take visitors by boat through a limestone cave lit by thousands of glowworms. The tour lasts about 45 minutes in the Glowworm Cave itself. Book ahead for busy summer days, and check which of the three caves (Glowworm, Ruakuri, Aranui) matches your time and fitness.
- 50 km
Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
NatureWaitomo Caves, New ZealandA holiday park in Waitomo village, a short walk from the visitor centre and the caves, with powered sites, cabins and a kitchen. It makes a convenient overnight stop on the way to Taranaki. Summer evenings are busy, so reserve ahead and confirm site size for large vehicles.
- 614 km
Mangapohue Natural Bridge
NatureWaitomo Caves, New ZealandA short 15-minute boardwalk walk to a limestone arch about 17 metres high, left from a collapsed cave roof, with a stream running underneath. It is on Te Anga Road west of Waitomo. Visit in the afternoon when light reaches the arch, and watch for wet boards.
- 717 km
Marokopa Falls
NatureTe Kūiti, New ZealandA three-tiered waterfall of about 35 metres surrounded by native bush, reached by a short, gentle track of around 10 minutes from the car park on Te Anga Road. Flow is strongest after rain. The road to it is narrow and winding, so allow extra driving time.
- 838 km
Te Kūiti
New Zealand - 90 km
Giant Shearer Statue, Te Kūiti
OdditiesTe Kūiti, New ZealandA larger-than-life statue of a sheep shearer in the main street of Te Kūiti, which calls itself the shearing capital of the world. It is a quick roadside stop, and the town hosts a national shearing event each April. Park along the street and walk to the statue.
- 1086 km
Three Sisters and Elephant Rock, Tongaporutu
ViewsNew Plymouth, New ZealandA beach at the mouth of the Tongaporutu River with sea stacks and arches in soft mudstone. The Three Sisters can be reached at low tide on foot. Check the tide tables before walking, as the beach is cut off at high tide. It lies on SH3 north of New Plymouth.
- 1164 km
New Plymouth
New Zealand
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Ōtorohanga → Te Kūiti · 84 km · 0 h 55 minOn the way: Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park, Waitomo Caves, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park, Mangapohue Natural Bridge, Marokopa Falls.
- Day 2: Te Kūiti → Three Sisters and Elephant Rock, Tongaporutu · 86 km · 0 h 56 minOn the way: Giant Shearer Statue, Te Kūiti.
- Day 3: Three Sisters and Elephant Rock, Tongaporutu → New Plymouth · 64 km · 0 h 42 min
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June–September and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Waitomo caves and the SH3 coast road to New Plymouth?
3-day road trip of about 235 km (146 mi) with 11 stops, from Ōtorohanga to New Plymouth. About 2 h 34 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Waitomo caves and the SH3 coast road to New Plymouth?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 34 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Waitomo caves and the SH3 coast road to New Plymouth start and end?
It starts in Ōtorohanga and ends in New Plymouth.
Which states does Waitomo caves and the SH3 coast road to New Plymouth pass through?
New Zealand.
When is the best time for Waitomo caves and the SH3 coast road to New Plymouth?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June–September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
