With some terrific road trip options available in the surrounding area, renting a car makes sense. Without one, it’d be much more difficult to soak up everything that Whakapapa, 20 miles away, has to offer. See the best sights starting with Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Te Porere Redoubt. Taupo is another popular destination. It’s 25 miles away and has a range of interesting things to see and do. Taupo Hot Springs, Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon are only the start.