Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rotorua?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rotorua?
Many travelers spend two to three days in Rotorua during their visit. After all, the natural town has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the hiking, and the restaurant scene.
Rotorua is a town on New Zealand's North Island that is surrounded by geothermal activity and is filled with Maori culture. There are geysers, hot springs, and cultural villages in the area that make this a highlight for any traveler. Many visitors also enjoy a visit to the charming and whimsical Hobbiton, from the Lord of the Rings movies.
Do you have one or two days to visit Rotorua? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Rotorua?
One day is generally not enough time to experience everything in Rotorua. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to wander through the museums, go hiking, dine out at amazing restaurants, and take in the beautiful scenery. To genuinely appreciate the highlights, a more lengthy visit is recommended. Many travelers opt for two to three days to experience the outdoors here. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.
How to spend a day in Rotorua
Don't miss Waimangu Volcanic Valley during your trip to Rotorua, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.
Public transit in Rotorua is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Rotorua?
With only a weekend, you'll probably feel rushed to explore the outdoors and scenery. To fully embrace Rotorua, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to two to three days to experience Waimangu Volcanic Valley as well as wander through the museums, go hiking, dine out at amazing restaurants, and take in the beautiful scenery. However, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your time.
Rotorua Museum
How to spend 2 days in Rotorua
With a weekend (two to three days) in Rotorua, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Rotorua a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.
Rotorua is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide ($64)
- Katoa Jet Boat tour on Lake Rotorua ($60)
- Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour ($52)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Rotorua, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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