Thanks all, for the helpful info, as always. The tubing does sound fun, although I've heard the water can be a bit chilly.
Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
Firstly its Waitomo and Rotorua.
Secondly Waitomo is in the same general area as Rotorua so you could do it on one long day, although may not be a good idea if just arrived from US early that morning and jetlagged.
If your time is that limited, could you save some by flying from Auckland to Rotorua, see Rotorua in the morning and drive or bus to Waitomo in the afternoon?
As well as the geothermal activity (incl some nice spas), Rotorua also has Maori culture and rural farm shows. Waitomo has the caves and nothing else really (although kiwi house at nearby Otorohanga is interesting).
It seemed as if Waitoma was a totally different direction from Rotarua (per
http://aatravel.co.nz/tourist/northi...istances.shtml). My next stop after either of these cities is to go to Taupo area. Since Auckland is very close driving-wise to either of these cities, we will just drive (instead of having to buy more plane tix). We will be coming from Australia/Fiji, so will be over jet lag by then.
If Waitomo & Rotarua are on the way, then I may be able to do both in 1 day from Auckland?
That may tire us out too much though.