Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rotorua?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rotorua?
Many travelers spend two to three days in Rotorua during their visit. After all, the cultural 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Rotorua?
Many visitors choose to spend around three days in the area. This would give you just the right amount of time to take in the natural scenery and enjoy the famous sights and museums, the hiking, and the restaurant scene. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the cultural town.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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)
Known for it's hiking, Rotorua sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hike New Zealand's finest forest - Whirinaki forest ($242)
- Mt Tarawera Volcanic Guided Hike Experience ($118)
- Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua ($46)
This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".
Is 4 days enough time in Rotorua?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that this town has to offer, giving you the flexibility spend extra time checking out the famous sights and museums, the hiking, the restaurant scene, and the gorgeous scenery. You can move at your own pace and take time to relax, too. We have some suggestions of things to do below.
Rotorua Museum
How to spend 4 days in Rotorua
With 4 days in Rotorua, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
Shopping in Rotorua is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Rotorua.
Is 5 days enough time in Rotorua?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to the cultural town, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Wander through the museums, go hiking, dine out at amazing restaurants, and take in the beautiful scenery on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel and use it as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Champagne Pool, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal area, Rotorua, New Zealand (by Chris McLennan)
How to spend 5 days in Rotorua
If you have more than 5 days in Rotorua, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
After you've explored most of Rotorua, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Taupo Day Trip with Orakei Korako from Rotorua ($152)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Rotorua.
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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