Getting to Rotorua

Getting to Rotorua is very easy, as the city has a domestic airport with excellent connections to major international airports in New Zealand. If you are on the North Island, you can drive or take a bus or train to Rotorua.

By car

The roads in New Zealand are in excellent condition and there is beautiful scenery to be appreciated along the way. If you are already on the North Island, Rotorua is conveniently accessible by car. Rotorua is connected with most North Island towns and cities by road. It takes about an hour to drive to Taupo, Hamilton or Tauranga; approximately 5 hours to get to Wellington; and about 3 hours to drive to Auckland using the Thermal Explorer Highway.

By bus

Intercity Coachlines, Newmans Coachlines and other operators offer a wide range of services and schedules that link Rotorua with the North Island. The drivers of the coaches have been specially trained and the journey is very comfortable. Almost all buses depart and arrive from Tourism Rotorua, but buses also leave from the bus depot. There are generally four bus departures leaving for Auckland daily via Hamilton; three bus departures for Napier; and three departures to Wellington via Taupo.

It is very easy to get a bus to a city or local destination. Buses usually start operating from 07:00 and cover almost all the major tourist attractions.

By train

Rotorua is also linked by train - the Geyserland Train or the North Island Main Trunk Railway (NIMT) - to Auckland and all other major cities on the North Island. Travelling by train is a good way of appreciating the beautiful scenery, and trains are comfortable, with good facilities. There are several daily departures from Rotorua to Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and other major cities on the North Island. A train journey to Auckland takes approximately 4 hours.

By air

The domestic airport is well-connected with other major New Zealand cities. Most visitors fly to Aucklands International Airport and then get a connecting flight to Rotorua. Flying time to Auckland is about 45 minutes; to Wellington, about 70 minutes; to Christchurch, about 2 hours 30 minutes; and 3 hours to Queenstown.

There are several departures and arrivals each day, and international travellers will not have any problem reaching Rotorua. Many airlines have common arrangements which allow luggage to be checked straight through to Rotorua, although planes have to be changed. The Rotorua Airport has a conference centre, caf, internet facilities, information desk and many other facilities. It is very easy to get a taxi for the short drive into town or to catch one of the many shuttle buses

Taxis

Taxis operate 24 hours and can be pre-booked. Rotorua Taxi and Fastaxis are two reputable taxi operators in Rotorua. Staff at hotels will be able to arrange a taxi for you. It is very safe to take a taxi in Rotorua and all taxis are metered. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers.