New Zealand · Region
Rotorua
Rotorua sits atop one of the world's most active geothermal zones, a city of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and erupting geysers that locals have lived alongside for generations. It is also one of New Zealand's foremost centres of Maori culture, where traditional villages, carving and performance sit side by side with the volcanic landscape.
Top attractions
attraction Kuirau Park: Rotorua Travel Guide (4.5★)
Kuirau Park is a free public geothermal park on the western edge of central Rotorua, a short walk from Fenton Street and the i-SITE. 4.5★ (3,687 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Pohutu Geyser: Rotorua Travel Guide (4.6★)
Pohutu Geyser sits inside Te Puia at 20 Hemo Road in Rotorua's Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, about 3km south of the city centre. 4.6★ (1,227 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Rotorua
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Where to stay in Rotorua
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Plan your trip to Rotorua
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Frequently asked questions about Rotorua
How do I get to Rotorua?
Rotorua Airport (ROT) connects directly to Auckland by air in around 45 minutes; most travellers instead drive from Auckland via State Highway 1 and 5, a trip of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, or take a long-distance coach from the regional hub in Auckland.
How many days should I spend in Rotorua?
Plan on ~2 to 3 days to cover the main geothermal parks and a Maori cultural experience, with longer stays suited to travellers adding lake activities or mountain biking.
What is Rotorua known for?
Rotorua sits atop one of the world's most active geothermal zones, a city of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and erupting geysers that locals have lived alongside for generations. It is also one of New Zealand's foremost centres of Maori culture, where traditional villages, carving and performance sit side by side with the volcanic landscape.