Most overseas travellers arrive in Auckland and if you don't have a rental car, you can book with intercity busses or take the overlander train to Te Kuiti - shearing capital of thw world.

Either way it is a pleasant half day journey to the heartland of the North Island.

Reserve about 3 hours from Auckland Airport to drive to Te Kuiti - Waitomo.

From there follow directions to Taupo/ Rotorua on the SH30.

Benneydale/Pureora are about 35km through stunning country side with rolling hills and giant limestone boulders - 30 minutes drive