We’re not saying Rotorua is a mystery destination, but we do field a number of queries from agents about how far we are from the large city centres (answer: less than an hour by air from Auckland), the best time to visit (honestly, year-round), and even the recommended amount of time travelers should spend here to have a great time (hint: the more time, the better!).
How long should my clients stay in Rotorua?
Because there is so much to do in Rotorua, we recommend your clients stay for at least three nights. Four or more nights would be even better.
When is a good time to visit Rotorua?
Rotorua is a year-round destination, so anytime is the best time to visit.
The driest and warmest weather in Rotorua is from late spring (October) until early autumn/fall (April). This is also the peak tourism season, so if your clients are going to visit during this time, forward planning is key as popular activities and accommodation can fill up quickly, especially during New Zealand school holiday time (late December until the start of February).
If your clients are visiting in off-peak times, they will still enjoy Rotorua. There’s an abundance of wonderful activities and experiences and they all operate year-round. Just be sure to tell your clients to pack some warm clothes and a rain jacket as it can get quite chilly and a bit wet.
What are the Seasons in New Zealand?
Summer is December through February. Daytime temperatures range from 13 to 21°C (55 to 69°F).
Autumn/fall is March through May. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 26°C (59 to 78°F).
Winter is June through August). Daytime temperatures range from 9 to 16°C (48 to 60°F).
Spring is September through November. Daytime temperatures range from 13 to 21°C (55 to 69°F).
Warmest month: February
Coldest month: August
Wettest month: July
Driest month: February
How do my clients get to Rotorua?
Thanks to our central North Island location, Rotorua is super accessible and is well connected by both air and road. There are daily flights with Air New Zealand to Rotorua from our biggest city Auckland (less than an hour), our capital city of Wellington (1 hour 15 minutes), and Christchurch in the South Island (just under two hours).
By road, Rotorua is a three-hour drive south of New Zealand’s main international airport in Auckland. From Wellington, this is a six-hour drive. Regular coach services are offered through Intercity.
How do my clients get from Rotorua Airport to the city centre?
Rotorua Airport is 8 kilometres (6 miles) or a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Major rental car agencies have service desks at the airport, and the airport is also serviced by shuttles, taxis and buses.
What can my clients experience in Rotorua?
So much! Fun fact: there’s more to do in Rotorua than any other destination in New Zealand!
Rotorua is beautiful. Your clients will experience nature at its best in stunning forests, lakes and geothermal landscapes. As New Zealand’s natural spa capital, there’s an abundance of wellbeing options from luxury spas to natural lakeside hot pools.
For clients looking for adventure, Rotorua is New Zealand’s home of outdoor adventure. Mountain biking is particularly spectacular and is the world’s best year-round mountain biking destination with Whakarewarewa Forest offering nearly 200 kilometres of mountain bike trails.
With a deep Māori heritage and strong connection to the Māori values of manaakitanga (hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land), Rotorua is the best place to experience New Zealand’s indigenous culture.
Check out our trade itineraries page to see how you can deliver the ultimate Rotorua experience for your clients.
What kind of accommodation is in Rotorua?
Accommodation options are plentiful, catering to every age, stage, style and budget. There are holiday parks, family-friendly motels, boutique hotels, internationally recognised hotels, bespoke glamping options, through to the 5-star Pullman Rotorua, and ultimate indulgence at exclusive luxury lodges.
Does it smell in Rotorua?
Rotorua has a fascinating geothermal environment, dotted with bubbling mud pools, steaming hot mineral pools and erupting geyser. Because of all this natural goodness, there is a sulphur smell, a little like rotten eggs, thanks to the hydrogen sulphide emitted with all the geothermal activity. The intensity of the odour can change with the weather, some days it’s not at all noticeable, and some days, well, let’s just say the smell is a novel phenomenon that locals are proud of!