Day 1 – Auckland
We kicked off our New Zealand journey in Auckland—probably the most popular gateway to the country. We’re not big city enthusiasts, so we didn’t plan to spend more time here than necessary, but Auckland turned out to be the perfect starting point for our Rotorua Travel Guide adventure. Here, we rented our car for 32 days from Apex Car Rental at $1,690 USD (including full coverage). The price was a bit higher since we were dropping it off in Christchurch, but here’s a tip: if you want the best rates, it definitely pays to book early!
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, offers an amazing blend of cultures. It’s home to a significant Māori community and a rich mix of other nationalities, each bringing their own flavors, traditions, and lifestyles to this vibrant place.
Like I mentioned, we didn’t hang around Auckland for too long, but we did get an immediate taste of Kiwi humor.
You could easily spend more than a day here—Auckland has so much to explore! But heads-up: daily parking will run you about 35 NZD, so plan accordingly.
Day 2 – Rotorua
Our first stop after leaving Auckland was Rotorua, a city named after Lake Rotorua, which means ‘second lake’ in Māori—a nod to its full name, Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe, or ‘the second great lake of Kahumatamomoe’. Located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua is known for its geothermal wonders and its significant Māori population.
The area was first settled by Māori in the 14th century when the first tribes arrived by canoe (arawas), giving them the name Te Arawa people. In the 19th century, Europeans began to show interest in Rotorua due to its geothermal activity, and even today, the town’s geysers and geothermal lakes remain a top draw for tourists.
It took us about three hours to drive from Auckland to Rotorua. We only spent a day in the city, but if you’re hoping to relax in the hot springs, I’d definitely recommend planning for at least two days!
Where to Stay in Rotorua
Rotorua has plenty of accommodation options, including hotels with hot spring access. We opted for a budget-friendly choice and booked a stay at Prince’s Gate Hotel, conveniently located near the city center. It offered everything we needed—a clean bed and a private bathroom.
What to Do in Rotorua
1. Visit a Māori Village
Rotorua is the perfect place to dive into Māori culture, here you can experience the beauty and history of Māori customs up close. Dive into the local culture with a traditional hāngī feast, watch mesmerizing haka performances, and learn about Māori traditions in one of the nearby villages. There are a few options on GetYourGuide, but we visited Mitai Māori Village and had an unforgettable experience. Here’s the link to book if you’re interested: Mitai Māori Village Tour.
The performances and Māori music left such an impression that we found ourselves exploring Māori artists afterward—and even added some to our Spotify playlist!
2. Admire Waimangu Volcanic Valley
If you’re in Rotorua, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a spot you absolutely can’t miss. The moment you step into the park, it feels like you’ve entered another world—imagine volcanoes, geysers, lush forests, and scenery that feels straight out of a movie.
The park has a convenient shuttle bus that takes you between three main stops, making it super easy to get around. Here’s a quick breakdown of ticket options:
- Self-Guided Tour (48 NZD): Includes shuttle bus access, and takes about 2-3 hours. The hike is easy and scenic, so take your time—this place is a photographer’s paradise!
- Full Waimangu Experience (98 NZD): For the full experience, this ticket includes the hike, shuttle bus, a cruise on Lake Rotomahana, and access to the Pink and White terraces.
- Round Trip Admission (245 NZD): The ultimate package! Includes transfers from Rotorua, a guided tour, lake cruises on both Rotomahana and Tarawera, and entry to the Buried Village.
Tickets can be bought on-site or in advance on their official website.
3. Raft a 7-Meter Waterfall
When in New Zealand, you can’t skip the thrill of an extreme sport—it’s practically part of the experience here! So, in Rotorua, we jumped right in with white-water rafting on the Kaituna River, home to the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at a wild 7 meters.
Since it was our first time rafting, we did some research and went with Kaituna Cascades, which turned out to be an awesome choice. For 125 NZD (plus an extra 40 NZD for photos), we got an experience we’ll never forget and will definitely do again.
4. Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is another incredible geothermal park in the area, and it has a completely different vibe from Waimangu Volcanic Valley. With its vibrant, colorful geysers, the world-famous Champagne Pool, and the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily at 10:15 a.m., this park is definitely worth a visit.
The admission fee is 45 NZD, and you can book tickets here: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
5. Stroll Around Rotorua
Rotorua is full of geothermal lakes and scenic spots just waiting to be explored on foot. There are several established trails within the city, making it easy to discover hot springs and bubbling mud pools as you wander. You’ll find trail maps posted around town, or you can check them out online here: Rotorua Walkways.
It’s the perfect way to soak in the unique vibes of Rotorua!
6. Unwind at the Polynesian Spa
When in one of the world’s most renowned geothermal cities, a soak in hot springs is a must! In Rotorua, the Polynesian Spa is a top choice, offering a perfect mix of natural hot springs and spa treatments. It’s the ultimate place to unwind and enjoy a bit of luxury in a beautiful setting. Check it out here: Polynesian Spa.
7. Take a Day Trip to Hobbiton
If you’re a fan of Tolkien or The Lord of the Rings, then a visit to Hobbiton is practically mandatory. Just an hour’s drive from Rotorua, this place feels like stepping right into Middle-earth! You can make it a half-day or a full-day adventure, depending on how deep into the Shire you want to go. Check out all the tour options on the Hobbiton Tours website and get ready to live out a bit of movie magic.
8. Discover Titokorangi and Whakarewarewa Forest
If you’re visiting Rotorua, don’t miss the chance to explore Titokorangi (Redwoods) and Whakarewarewa Forest—a place that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking peaceful walks, thrilling trails, or a glimpse into Māori heritage, this forest has it all. Famous for its towering redwoods and serene paths, it’s a must-visit for nature and adventure lovers alike. Most trails are free, but attractions like the Redwoods Treewalk have a small fee—totally worth it for the views.
Conclusion
Rotorua is such a unique spot in New Zealand and definitely worth spending a few days. I think we ended up spending more on attractions here than anywhere else in the country, but honestly, no regrets—every experience was 100% worth it!
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