Rotorua
About 3 hr by car from Auckland
Erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, Māori culture and lakeside hot pools.
Why locals go
The geothermal and adventure weekend, three hours south.
Visiting Auckland?
At 3 hr by car, it's easy to add a night or two here and still be back in Auckland for your flight home.
What to book
- Te Puia geysers and Māori arts institute
- Polynesian Spa hot pools
- Skyline gondola and luge
Where to stay
One or two nights is enough for most people. Compare places to stay:
See hotels in RotoruaDate ideas
For two
- Lakeside hot pools at the Polynesian Spa
- Māori hāngī feast and cultural evening
With friends
- Skyline luge races
- Mountain biking in the Whakarewarewa redwoods
When to go
Year-round.