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In the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, you’ll find Rotorua, a vibrant geothermal wonderland where you’ll find steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools. It’s very warm, with cracked paving from the heat below and you’ll become quite accustomed to the strong smell of sulphur in certain areas.
But Rotorua isn’t just famous for its volcanic activity, it has a rich Maori culture that converges to create an unforgettable experience. From alien landscapes to therapeutic hot springs, Rotorua attracts adventurers, wellness seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike.
Here’s how to spend three days in Rotorua.
How to get to Rotorua
Rotorua is just over two and a half hours drive from Auckland, which has an international airport with flights to most major UK airports. This geothermic city does have its own domestic airport, but it is very expensive and there aren’t many flights.
I dropped a car off there and there was literally just one member of staff in the entire airport. There is a shuttle from the airport to the city centre, if you do choose to fly, however.
The train service to Rotorua unfortunately ceased in 2001 so the two best routes are either by InterCity bus which serves many of the major towns and cities in New Zealand, or car hire. Both of which are available when you start your journey in Auckland.
It’s a good idea to add Rotorua as a stop on a longer New Zealand itinerary.
Where to stay in Rotorua
There are plenty of hotels to stay in Rotorua, including many spas with thermal pools. I stayed at Stay Hostel (also known as Astray Motel), which was a very budget friendly option, but clean.
I also stayed at Haka House, a popular budget chain across New Zealand which is a much nicer and upmarket hostel and would be my preference between the two.
Things to do in Rotorua: 3-day itinerary
Summary – Rotorua itinerary
Day 1
- Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Dinner at Saigon 60’s Vietnamese
Day 2
- Breakfast at Mr Wolf
- Whakarewarewa (The Living Māori Village)
- Waikite Valley Hot Pools
Day 3
- Lake Taupo
- Huka Falls
- Craters of the Moon
Day 1: Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland & Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Morning: Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
It seems only right to jump straight into geothermic exploration, discovering one of New Zealand’s most colourful geothermal parks. Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is famous for the vibrant Champagne Pool and the erupting Lady Knox Geyser.
Here you get to explore bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and surreal volcanic landscapes. There is also the Geyser Café at the Visitor’s Centre which offers hot dishes, cold drinks, coffee, and snacks.
The daily eruption of Lady Knox Geyser is at 10:15 AM and tickets cost $45 NZD. The park is situated 25-30 minutes’ drive from Rotorua, and there is a ticket available that includes a shuttle bus and entry.
Book Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland day trip from Rotorua
Top tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes that have a closed toe to protect your feet from dust, sharp stones, and geothermal heat radiating from the ground.
Afternoon: Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the world’s youngest geothermal system and is about 10 minutes’ drive from Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland. There is also a shuttle that includes both of these parks. Here you can see more steaming craters, vibrant lakes, and native bush. There’s also some fantastic walking trails and you can take a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana. Tickets start from $65 NZD per person for the self-guided walk, up to $180 NZD per person depending on whether you want the full Waimangu Experience (Walk + Guided Boat Cruise). There’s also the Waimangu Café (also known as Waimangu Local Store & Café), which offers a wide variety of food and refreshments.
Book Waimangu Volcanic Valley ticket and self-guided walk
Where to get dinner in Rotorua: Saigon 60’s Vietnamese
Day 2: The Living Maori Village & Waikite Valley Hot Pools
Where to get breakfast in Rotorua: Mr Wolf is right by the tourism office. The tourism office also has storage lockers, which could be helpful.
Morning: Whakarewarewa Village (The Living Māori Village)
You can experience authentic Maori culture at Whakarewarewa, which is also known as the Living Maori Village. You can immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions through guided cultural tours, traditional hangi meals, and the warmth of a living community surrounded by steaming vents and bubbling pools.
Prices start from $45 NZD and it is half an hour walk away from Rotorua. There is also the Baybus (CityRide) Route 11 that regularly runs from the Rotorua city centre (via Amohia Street or Arawa Street) and stops just outside Whakarewarewa Village. A one‑way ticket costs approximately NZD 1–3, and the journey takes around 10 minutes.
Book a guided tour of Whakarewarewa Village
Afternoon: Waikite Valley Hot Pools
With their pure geothermal waters, Waikite Valley Hot Pools is the perfect place to unwind. The water comes directly from the Te Manaroa natural spring near Rotorua and you can soak in the terraced hot pools surrounded by native bush.
Waikite also has a tranquil eco-trail, with stunning valley views. Prices start from $27.50 NZD and there are more exclusive ticket options that include private pools.
The pool has an on‑site café called Pukeko in a Ponga Tree. The pools are about half an hour’s drive from Rotorua, this one is a little bit trickier on public transport, but there are tour shuttles and taxis available.
Day 3: Trip to Lake Taupo and Huka Falls
Morning: Lake Taupo
If you are touring New Zealand, this may well be your next stop if you are heading south. Just under an hour’s drive from Rotorua lies Lake Taupo, a beautiful lake overlooking Mount Ngauruhoe, the mountain famously used as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings films.
It’s great to just go for a wander along the peaceful lakeside, dip your toes into the hot springs or perhaps try your hand at the Hole in One Challenge and bag yourself $10,000 NZD. There are plenty of cafes to pick from including Victoria’s Kitchen Cafe Kitchen Bar. You can also get here by InterCity bus if you’re not driving.
Afternoon: Huka Falls & Craters of the Moon
Just outside the town lies the awesome Huka Falls, which are just a short 7-minute drive or taxi ride away. They are one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, with glistening icy blue waters.
It’s free to come and enjoy and there is free parking too. There are also some great hiking trails alongside the river so that you can soak up the true magic of this natural wonder.
Just around the corner there is another fantastic geothermal attraction, Craters of the Moon. This is definitely a more economical option when it comes to volcanic activity in comparison to other local attractions, with tickets only costing $10 NZD.
Places to visit in Rotorua for free
It’s worth noting that volcanic activity is everywhere in Rotorua and you can enjoy the geothermal wonders in Kuirau Park for free. It’s a public geothermal park in the city, with steaming mud pools and hot springs you can paddle in.
Rotorua Lakefront is great for a walk or cycle along the shores, while Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is home to massive Redwood trees and you can wander around the forest for free.
Day trips from Rotorua
Hobbiton, which is the movie set tour for the Lord of the Rings films, is just under an hour’s drive from Rotorua. Shuttle tours from Rotorua are also available.
Not forgetting to mention the beautiful shimmering lights of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, which is around 1 hour 50 minutes away.
You can do both of these activities on a guided day tour from Rotorua.
This is a guest post from Tim Jones from Wildness and Wellbeing, a podcast and blog with a focus on how the outdoors can help your mental health. Tim travelled New Zealand last year.
