With some terrific road trip options in the surrounding area, having your own car makes sense. Without one, it’d be much harder to experience everything that Waitomo Caves, 35 miles away, has to offer. See the sights starting with Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Altura Gardens & Wildlife Park and Aranui Cave. Don’t forget about Whakapapa either! Just 35 miles away, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Te Porere Redoubt are essential stops here.