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Are you planning a three-day visit to Rotorua? This is about the perfect amount to spend in this quaint North Island town.
I love Rotorua because it’s got something for everyone. You’ll find a ton of outdoor adventures, like whitewater rafting and zipline, and also tons of relaxing activities, like soaking in a mud pool!
After living in Auckland and adventuring around New Zealand in my campervan, I’ve spent a good amount of time in Rotorua. Although small, there is a lot to do, so I put together this itinerary to maximize your time and experience the highlights.
Day 1
Breakfast – Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery
I always like to start my morning of exploration with a nice, filling breakfast. Luckily, Rotorua has an amazing restaurant scene – there is even a street called Eat Streat! But besides the tourist-centric Eat Streat, I’ve found some hidden gems and local hangouts that I think are even better options!
I look forward to breakfast at Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery every time I’m in Rotorua! If you like freshly baked bread, sweet treats, delicious coffee, and cozy decor, you’ll love Ciabatta Cafe. They are known for their amazing sandwiches, on ciabatta bread of course! For breakfast, the Brekkie sandwich is an obvious choice, but you can also go a little off-script and have a Reuben (my personal favorite!).
They also have your classic bakery items like donuts, pies, and turnovers, so grab a cup of coffee and get a nice caffeine/sugar rush to start your day!
I recommend getting here around 8:30 to 9 am, as it can get pretty busy. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm, except Saturday when they close at 2 pm.
Morning – Visit one of the thermal parks
A lot of Rotorua’s activities are centered around the geothermal activity of the area – mostly because the city is surrounded by it and it’s simply cool! You’ll find a handful of geothermal parks where you can enjoy activities and attractions based upon geysers, mud pools, hot springs, and other geothermal wonders.
All of these geothermal parks are paid areas, and I’m not gonna lie – they ain’t cheap. Rather than trying to see all of them, I suggest picking one and spending a good amount of time there. I’ll list the three main geothermal parks in Rotorua below, and you can choose the one that seems the best to you!
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
First up, we have the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, which is the cheapest option. It’s located on the northern end of a collapsed volcano crater (it’s just as cool as it sounds!) and there are a few notable things to see here. Admission is $45 NZD per adult and $15 NZD per child and while it’s the cheapest, it also has the fewest attractions compared to other parks.
Not to say there aren’t some impressive sights. Wai-O-Tapu is home to the largest mud pool in New Zealand and the iconic Lady Knox Geyser. This geyser shoots water 10-20 meters (33-65 feet) into the air! There is a nice boardwalk around the park that takes you around bubbling mud pools, sulfur lakes, geysers, natural hot springs, and giant volcanic craters. It almost feels like you’re walking on another planet.
You can visit on your own, it’s pretty easy to follow the paths or take a guided tour if you want to learn more. Regardless of your choice, be sure to arrive before 10:15 am so you can see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt, as it does every day at that time!
The park is conveniently located on the Thermal Explorer Highway (SH5), just about 20 minutes from Rotorua.
Te Puia
Te Puia Thermal Wonderland is only a 5-minute drive from Rotorua and is a massive 60-hectare park. This is actually one of the two remaining geyser fields in the world that is in its natural state, so it’s pretty impressive to see such an untouched landscape. When you wander through here, you’ll find mud pools and geysers, such as the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere – Pōhutu Geyser!
The only way to explore this thermal wonderland is by taking a guided tour. You’ll learn about the long-standing history and culture of Te Puia, and I found it to be quite insightful. Tours are available for $95 NZD per adult and $47 NZD for kids. They also have the option to upgrade to include a Haka performance, a traditional Hāngī meal, or see the geyser by night, if you really want to dive into Te Puia!
Te Puia Thermal Wonderland is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily and you can find its location here!
Hell’s Gate
I don’t know about you, but the name “Hells Gate” doesn’t sound super inviting to take a dip. But lo and behold, this is the place to go swimming in a mud pool, and the name is just an old story! It was given this title by an Irish playwright visiting in 1934 – he declared this area must be the gateway to hell! The Maori owners thought that was pretty funny and decided to keep the name, although I assure you, you won’t find anything but a lot of steamy mud.
This geothermal reserve was once used by Maori warriors to heal wounds, which I think is pretty neat. Today though, visitors come from all over the world to plunge into the mineral-rich waters and get the best facial of your life. I like this park because it’s one of the few where you can actually swim, making it a bit more immersive.
Hell’s Gate is one of the most active geothermal parks in Rotorua. You can definitely see a difference as there are heaps of steam clouds, mud volcanoes, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere, and plenty of that stinky sulfur smell! It’s located between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, so its proximity is a haven for geothermal activity.
This is one of those places where you can get a lot more out of booking a tour, rather than visiting on your own. This 3-hour Hells’ Gate tour takes you on a guided geothermal walk, teaches you how to make Maori carvings, and gives you time to soak in the geothermal mud and sulfur waters (don’t worry, it’s completely safe!). This experience is $105 NZD per person, and while it’s a bit more than the other options – I personally think this is the best!
Reserve this tour to Hell’s Gate here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Afternoon – Ride the Skyline Gondola and Luge
Ready to see Rotorua from a mountain-top view? Best of all, you don’t have to take on a steep hike to do so, you can ride the Skyline Gondola! The gondolas glide up 900 meters (2,950) feet and give the best views of Lake Rotorua and the town below. It fits 8 people, so your whole group can go together and enjoy the journey!
If heights aren’t your thing, you don’t have to worry here! It’s a really relaxing and smooth ride, and you’re in an enclosed gondola, so you don’t have the feeling of falling like you might on a chair lift.
The gondola ride is only the beginning! Once you reach the top, there are plenty of adventurous activities. There’s an epic mountain bike course, a luge, a zipline, the Skyswing, and nature trails to hike on. If you get hungry from all the energy you’ll burn, stop by one of the many restaurants with a view or even the Jelly Belly store!
The Luge is easily the most unique activity at Skyline. It’s a combination of a go-cart and a toboggan, and you fly around the downhill course, using gravity as your engine. Don’t worry there are breaks – I couldn’t believe how fast I got going!
A roundtrip gondola ride is $43 NZD, but if you want to ride the luge, you can pair it with the gondola ticket. The price for a gondola ride and one luge is $61 NZD, but I recommend getting three luge rides for $78 NZD. It’s seriously so fun you’ll want to go a few times, and your first ride down the track is pretty much a practice round anyway!
The Skyline Gondola runs daily from 9 am to 8:30 pm (except Sunday when the last ride is at 6:30 pm). Activities like the luge, zipline, and others have different opening/closing times, so check out the most up-to-date hours here!
Dinner/Night – Māori cultural experience
Rotorua is a hub for Māori culture because there’s a large population here! This is the best place in all of New Zealand to dive into the traditional culture, it’s honestly so fascinating. You can actually visit a Māori village to get an authentic experience and learn a ton!
I took this evening tour to Te Pā Tū, which is a Māori village on the outskirts of Rotorua. My 3-hour experience started with a welcome ceremony, called a Powhiri. Then we learned about a normal day in the village from traditionally dressed warriors, seeing their tools, how to use them, and games! The last big event was a Haka performance and a Hāngī feast for dinner – tasty slow-cooked meats and veggies in an underground oven.
This was one of my favorite experiences in Rotorua and gave me such an appreciation for the traditional Maori culture. When you book this tour ahead of time, they provide transportation from central Rotorua, dinner, and all the performances and activities for $260 NZD. While that sounds a bit expensive, I think it’s worth it because you truly experience a lot!
Book this experience with over 1,000 positive reviews here before spots fill up.
Another popular Maori experience is this Mitai Maori Village cultural experience! This experience is pretty similar to Te Pa Tu, but you’ll see some different customs and traditions, such as the warriors paddling an ancient canoe and seeing glow worms on a guided bush walk! You can read my full review on visiting Mitai Maori Village here for all the details, but here’s an overview of what you can expect.
This was a jam-packed 3 hours, as they had performances such as traditional dances, weaponry displays, and the canoe. The Fairy Spring bush walk was what made this cultural experience stand out from others, as you don’t often get to see glow worms. We also enjoyed a traditional Hāngī feast, which is always delicious. This experience is $155 NZD and also includes transportation from Rotorua and all the expenses of the night.
Check out the 900+ positive reviews and book this tour here!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
Day 2
Breakfast – Le Cafe De Paris
I have an exciting schedule for you today, so be sure to start out by eating a nice filling breakfast! Your next activity starts at 10 am, so you won’t have to get up too early to get breakfast before you go.
As you found out yesterday, there are a ton of good restaurants in Rotorua! I recommend going to Le Cafe De Paris for a relaxed Parisian-style breakfast. I love the atmosphere here, but of course, the food is amazing! With crepes, almond croissants, and lots and lots of coffee, you can’t help but relax while dining here.
The owners are really friendly, and since everything is made to order, it takes a little while but that just forces you to slow down and enjoy breakfast! La Cafe De Paris is located in central Rotorua and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 am to 3 pm, but opens at 8 am on Saturday.
Morning – Whitewater rafting (the famous 7-meter drop!)
Rotorua is known for some very specific things, such as geothermal activity, Maori culture, and lastly, whitewater rafting! The Kaituna River is easy to access from Rotorua, and this is home to the famous Tutea Falls. This waterfall is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, dropping 7 meters (23 feet). You can go over this exact waterfall when you join this highly-rated rafting tour!
I love that this tour is only 2.5 hours in total, so you can fit it into this 3-day Rotorua itinerary easily! It starts with some calm water and rapids to get you warmed up, and before you know it – you’ll be dipping over the falls! If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can also jump off the 3-meter (10-foot) cliff afterward.
You’ll meet this tour at the designated meeting point, just 20 minutes outside of Rotorua or you can add hotel transportation for an extra $15 NZD. Otherwise, they take care of all the rafting and safety equipment, such as a helmet, wetsuit, and an experienced river guide. They even take professional photos you can purchase after the tour to commemorate the world-famous drop!
This is one of the most thrilling experiences in Rotorua. You’ll have about 1 hour on the river, which is a good taste for whitewater rafting if you’ve never been before. This tour is available for $115 NZD and offers free cancellation 24 hours before you take off.
Helpful tip: Wear a swimsuit and bring a change of clothes along with you!
Check out the 1,300+ 5-star reviews and book your spot here!
Related Read: Looking for more adventure? Continue your North Island road trip and drive from Rotorua to Wellington, there’s a lot of thrilling stops along this route!
Lunch – Pig & Whistle, Historic Pub
I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things to do after a thrilling adventure is grab a pint of beer and a hearty meal! The Pig & Whistle Historic Pub is just the place to do so, so belly up to the bar and relax after that exciting morning of rafting.
The Pig & Whistle is located in a historic building that was once the Rotorua Police Station, dating back to 1940. It was designed specifically for the police station and there are even Maori design elements tied into the architecture, which was really rare for the time. The building is really beautiful, so it’s worth a visit just for that!
But of course, it’s lunchtime and this is an amazing restaurant so let’s talk about food. Big burgers, pot pies, lamb shank, brisket, fish & chips … need I say more? Everything here is filling and cooked to perfection, so you really can’t choose wrong! They also have a full bar, so you can treat yourself after that morning for adventure. The Pig & Whistle is open every day from 11:30 am to 10:30 or later.
Early Afternoon – Explore Kuirau Park
As you found out yesterday, most geothermal parks are pretty expensive – but not all! Kuirau Park is the only free geothermal public park in the country, so you can’t miss visiting here while you’re in Rotorua. Just like the other geothermal parks, you’ll see lots of bubbling and boiling pools, but I never get tired of exploring these areas.
The park is full of pathways that bring you by the crater lake, mud pools, hot springs, and even a free thermal foot bath. The landscape is really beautiful with flower gardens and local flora, which is quite contrasting to the barren landscape that often surrounds geothermal parks. The walkways that stretch over the water are my favorite so I can get up close to the bubbling water and see it for myself.
However, the best part of Kuirau Park is the foot baths, which are completely free to use and perfect after days of adventuring! Be sure to bring a towel to dry off when you’re done, but who can say no to a foot spa!?
If you skipped lunch earlier, you can bring a picnic and enjoy the tables and barbecues by the playground. Or if you’re here on a Saturday, there is a weekly Farmer’s Market with some amazing food vendors!
You can get to Kuirau Park by walking, as it’s located near the city center! There is also free parking available. Just be aware that while eruptions are rare, they can occur here. A new steam vent formed in 2001, causing football-sized rocks to fly through the air!
Afternoon – Have a geothermal Mud Bath
If you didn’t get a chance to visit Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park yesterday, this afternoon is your time to do so. I would say this is a can’t-miss activity while in Rotorua because it’s actually home to the only outdoor mud bath in the country! Even with all this geothermal activity, this is still a pretty rare sight, so you have to enjoy it while you can.
Hell’s Gate is located between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, which makes this unique geothermal mud bath possible. The mud bath is actually amazing for your skin, so I think it should be called Heaven’s Gate – especially with how relaxing it is! You might smell like rotten eggs for a while after, but I think most people in Rotorua are used to that by now so you’ll actually be fitting in.
The park is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily, and can often be open until 8 am. I recommend bringing your own swimsuit and towel, but you can also rent these for $5 NZD per item or buy them here as well.
Tickets for a one-hour soak at Hell’s Gate are $85 NZD for adults and kids over 2.5 years are welcome in the baths. I think one hour was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the soak and all the benefits (and laughs!) before continuing to explore.
If you want an upgraded experience, you can book this soak-and-walk tour which includes a guided or self-guided walk around the park. This is the most active geothermal field in New Zealand, so it’s the perfect place to learn about how it all works and also see some crazy sights! If you take the self-guided tour, there are informational boards around and you can enjoy the area at your own pace, but having a guide also takes you deeper into the park’s information.
This experience is $105 NZD and includes the mud pool and sulfur spas. I like this because it gives you 2-3 hours at the park, rather than a quick 1-hour soak! Or if you aren’t super keen on getting all muddy in the baths, you can purchase tickets for the geothermal walk for $42 NZD.
But I say if you’re here – go for the mud baths – they are so fun!
Book your 1-hour mud bath here or this mud bath and walk around the park!
Night – Explore Tutanekai Street and Eat Streat
It’s been a busy day, so this evening I’ve planned a casual night of exploring Rotorua. The two main streets that are a hub of activity are Tutanekai Street and the legendary Eat Streat. Tutanekai Street is full of trendy restaurants, quaint pubs, nightclubs, and everything in between, all packed into a city block.
Eat Streat is famous for its huge food court scene, featuring a ton of different restaurant options and food stalls. Whether you want international cuisines like Italian or Indian, a juicy steak, normal pub fare, or ice cream – you can find it here. There is an outdoor dining area and a covered pathway, the walkway is even heated so it’s open year-round!
I had to mention ice cream specifically because one of the best ice cream shops in the world is located on Eat Streat. Lady Jane’s Ice Cream Parlor is a legacy and has been around for decades! You have to try the ‘Danish cone’, a local fave, which is a giant waffle cone, with your favorite flavor of ice cream, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles – yum!
Okay, maybe you should have dinner first so you don’t spoil your appetite, so head down to Atticus Finch! This is a bit of a fancier option, the aesthetic is top-notch and they have a tapa-style menu. I love that their dishes are sharable, so you can try all the amazing foods like dumplings, fried fish, lamb, and pavlova.
If you find yourself here another night during your three days in Rotorua, check out Ambrosia. The food is all amazing and they have a retractable ceiling which makes for a lovely outdoor dining option. A little local tip is to come for the early bird three-course meal from 5-7 pm for under $30 NZD! If you’re here on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, they also have live music and it draws quite the crowd.
The Rotorua Night Market is a fun event that happens on Thursday nights. It’s located right on Tutanekai Street and is full of shopping, live music, and other performers, and lots of good food! There are usually dozens of food trucks on offer, and it’s a great look at the local side of Rotorua. I recommend picking up something locally made as a souvenir to take home!
The market usually goes from 5-9 pm and is weather dependent, so check the Rotorua Night Market Facebook page for updates.
Day 3
Breakfast – Patrick’s Boutique Bakery
You’ve likely heard of the “New Zealand Pie”, they are classic! Having a NZ pie for breakfast is a right of passage, so head to Patrick’s Boutique Bakery for arguably the best pies in the country.
Located in central Rotorua, this is an easy way to grab breakfast before heading out on an adventure. I love how down-to-earth this bakery is, the food truly speaks for itself! I really can’t narrow down my top choice of NZ pies, so I think it’s best to go with whatever sounds good to you. I know it will be delicious regardless!
Patrick’s Boutique Bakery is open from 6 am to 2:30 pm Monday through Friday. Unfortunately, they are closed on the weekend, so if your last day in Rotorua happens to fall on Saturday or Sunday, be sure to stop by Patrick’s another day of the week!
Morning – Ziplining
Another day, another adventure! Ziplining in Rotorua is one of the best things you can do, as you’re surrounded by a 500-year-old forest that is simply stunning. In fact, after ziplining all over the world, I think New Zealand has the best places to go ziplining all around.
While there are a lot of zipline experiences on offer, this 3-hour zipline tour is a clear winner. It has over 4,000 5-star reviews (see them here!) and frequently sells out, so don’t wait to book! The guides were so much fun and made me feel safe, secure, and ready to fly over the canopy. It starts with platforms that are 21 meters (72 feet) off the ground, then work your way through six ziplines in the course.
The longest zipline is a whopping 220 meters (722 feet) in length, so you have plenty of time to take in the views and enjoy the ride. Honestly, I even enjoyed walking from one zipline to the next, as the forest is gorgeous and there are some suspension bridges that are always fun to cross too.
This tour offers roundtrip transportation from Rotorua and you get photos of the experience afterwards. This morning of fun is $179 NZD and has multiple start times. I recommend reserving your tour early to get your preferred time, as spots fill up quickly.
Reserve your spot now and get flexible cancellation and payment options when you book here.
Related Read: If you have some extra time, take a Hobbiton tour from Rotorua – it’s another can’t-miss sight on the North Island.
Afternoon – Walk in the Whakarewarewa Forest
After your morning zipline tour, grab some lunch back in Rotorua, then get ready to head explore some more incredible forests. The Whakarewarewa Forest is home to a wide variety of trees, but most famously the Redwoods, which the locals refer to this area as! It’s only a 5-minute drive from downtown, but you’ll feel like you’re lost in the forest with 160 kilometers (100 miles) of walking/biking paths.
This is a completely free area to explore, and I love walking under the canopy of trees. The Redwoods are impressively huge, but there are also Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, and Larch trees. The paths wind above the tree lines, and from here you can see the multiple lakes that surround the forest and even Mount Tarawera!
The Redwood Memorial Grove Track is my go-to short walk. It’s super scenic as you cross a thermal pond and by the larch trees over a 2-kilometer (1.24 mile) track. The trail is named after the New Zealand Forest Servicemen who died during World War II, which I think is a cool tribute.
If you have a bit more time, I recommend hiking the Tokorangi Pa Track, which is how you can get those amazing views above the treeline. You‘ll climb about 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level and see Mt Ngongotaha and Lake Rotorua from up here! This track is 11.5 kilometers (7.1 miles) and takes about 3.5 hours.
The Treewalk is another unique and fun activity in the forest. This 28-suspension bridge course takes you way up into the trees, and it’s so cool to be as tall as the Redwoods! Best of all, the bridges are designed so it doesn’t interfere with the natural environment, so the trees can keep growing big and strong.
You’ll find information boards around, so you can learn the long-standing history of the trees and forest, as well as the local myths and legends! The Treewalk takes about 40 minutes to complete, and it’s great during the day or night if you want to shift this itinerary around.
Entrance tickets for the Treewalk are $40 NZD per person, and they offer kid and family pricing as well. It opens at 9 am daily and the last entry time is 9:30 pm if you go for the night experience!
Dinner – Sabroso Restaurant
Looking for a cozy, welcoming restaurant for your last night in Rotorua? Sabroso Restaurant will tick all of your boxes, including flavorful food and tasty margaritas!
This is a Latin-fusion restaurant, combining flavors from the Caribbean, Central, and South America. My standards were pretty high after traveling through Central and South America, but Sabroso knocked every dish out of the park! The chimichanga and tostadas definitely stood out and the croquettes for a starter were probably my favorite dish.
Don’t skip the margaritas either, they were the perfect balance of flavorful and boozy. Cheers to the end of a fantastic three days in Rotorua! Sabroso is open Wednesday to Saturday at 5 pm.
Night – Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Okay, I’m going to squeeze in one more iconic Rotorua spot to finish off this itinerary. The Secret Spot Hot Tubs are my favorite hot pools in New Zealand, which is a pretty big claim to make but once you visit for yourself you’ll agree! While it’s not a completely secret spot (the Google Maps location sure gives it away), it is tucked back in the forest giving a relaxing view of Waipa Stream.
You’ll get a private hot pool which makes this experience so much more relaxing! The tubs are made of cedar and the water comes from a stream in the Whakarewarewa Forest, can it get more relaxing? Wait until you see the massive forest that surrounds your private tub too – you’ll swoon!
The hot tubs can fit up to 6 people, so it’s fun with a small group of friends, with your partner, or solo! I love going in the evening because it’s the perfect way to unwind after days of adventuring. You can also order drinks or snacks and they will deliver to your hot tub!
You’d think something this luxurious would break the bank, but it’s actually only $39 NZD per person for a 45-minute soak. There are changing rooms, lockers, bathrooms, and a restaurant/cafe onsite. I have a full review of Secret Spot Hot Tubs will all the details of what to expect!
I highly recommend booking this in advance because there are only 6 hot tubs on site and they are all private, so it’s often booked up.
You can reserve your hot tub here with FREE cancellation options.
Where to Stay in Rotorua
If you’re staying three days in Rotorua, you’ll need somewhere comfy to land! What’s great about this area is all the choices for accommodations – whether you are backpacking on a budget or looking for a luxurious place to call home for a few nights. These are my top picks for every budget!
Rydges Rotorua – $$$
For a luxurious stay, Rydges Rotorua offers a scenic view and a relaxing atmosphere located on the edge of Redwoods Forest and overlooking the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve and Historical Village.
Choose between a superior or deluxe room, which each features air conditioning, comfy beds, and cable TV with free movies. If you’re looking for something a little extra, you can book a private suite instead. Accommodation rates start from $250 NZD per night.
Start your morning with a visit to the on-site gym or a swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool. You can also drop by the hotel’s award-winning restaurant and bar that offers modern New Zealand cuisine. Then, spend the day exploring the mountains by bike. If you bring your own mountain bike, they have secure storage for it inside the hotel and a bike washing station.
Anything for the little ones? Yes! Rydges Rotorua houses a Play Zone with various games for children of all ages, including table tennis, foosball, Nintendo Switch, air hockey, and more.
You can book this stay on Booking.com.
Thermal Oak Motel – $$
If more rooms and spacious accommodations are what you’re looking for, you’ll find them at the Thermal Oak Motel. The motel offers modern suites and high-quality units with free parking and Wi-Fi. The choices range from deluxe studios to a three-bedroom flat house, with rates from $180 NZD up to $600 NZD per night.
All accommodations are complete with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchenette, and a large modern bathroom with a walk-in shower. There’s also a dining area available in most of the rooms, including the executive two-bedroom unit (which also has a private outdoor spa pool).
Besides the rooms, you can go for a dip in one of the two public mineral spa pools. Another advantage is the convenient access to the city center, which is only a 10-minute walk away. This means you can enjoy the activities and sights of Rotorua downtown anytime you please. Book this stay on Booking.com.
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua – $
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua is one of the budget-friendly hotels centrally located in the city, within walking distance of many Rotorua attractions. It is a perfect fit for travelers with a tight budget where rooms in a shared dorm of four to eight people start at only $27 NZD per night. If you don’t want to share, there are private rooms available as well around the $100 NZD mark.
You can save money on meals by using the communal kitchen here complete with cooking facilities and there’s a spacious guest lounge where you can hang out. If you’re in the mood for a more challenging activity, head to the 20-meter (65-foot) rock-climbing wall next door which offers guests staying here a discounted rate.
Another convenience at the hostel is the on-site tour desk. There you can inquire and ask for help as you organize your Rotorua activities for the day.
You can easily book a room on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
Three days in Rotorua is the perfect amount of time, in my opinion! This small town is full of outdoor adventure, unique sights, amazing food, and so much more. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it just as I did, and find even more things to fill your time.
If you found this blog helpful, check out my other New Zealand blogs! I’ve traveled all over the country and lived on both the North and South Islands. So I have a lot of experiences to share with you, including my favorite places and travel tips. Here are a few articles to help your travel planning:
10 BEST Tours in Rotorua, New Zealand that You Don’t Want to Miss
13 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Waitomo Caves, NZ (My Top Tips!)