Getting Here

Rotorua is in the enviable position of being centrally located in the North Island of New Zealand. This means that while there is so much here to keep your manuhiri (visitors) busy, Rotorua is also the perfect location for exploring the North Island.

For your clients arriving from overseas, Rotorua is a three-hour drive south of Auckland International Airport, or a 45-minute flight to Rotorua Airport.

Rotorua is a one-hour drive from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, home to some of New Zealand’s best beaches, as well as a one-hour drive from the country’s largest lake: Taupō. Visitors can get to Hobbiton Movie Set within an hour and, bonus, there are tour operators that offer round-trip transportation.

If your clients are keen on some winter snow action, that’s easy too. Drive southwest for a little more than two hours and they can be skiing on Mount Ruapehu or, if they’re experienced trekkers, they can undertake the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, described as one of the best one-day hikes in the country.

For exploration further afield, drive three hours south to the beautiful Hawke’s Bay, or in less than six hours manuhiri can be in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

We’ve got itinerary ideas here and in the Stories & Articles section.

Rotorua Airport

Rotorua is easily accessible for international arrivals. Air New Zealand flies daily to Rotorua Airport from Auckland and Wellington in the North Island, and to Christchurch in the South Island.

Travelling to Rotorua city centre from the airport is an easy-to-navigate 10-minute drive. All major rental car agencies have service desks located at the arrivals terminal, and the airport is serviced by shuttles, taxis and bus services.