Rotorua and Taupo Guide

Explore Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture

• Te Puia: 
  • Geothermal park to see the geysers, and see local Māori artisans in the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute.
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: 
  • Geothermal park, including the Champagne Pool, the sulfuric Devil’s Bath, and the Artist’s Palette. It’s one of the most picturesque areas in New Zealand!
• Hell's Gate:
  • Geothermal park and mud spa. Take a walk or tour around the park, followed by a spa day!
• Polynesian Spa: 
  • Relax in the thermal mineral pools overlooking Lake Rotorua!
• Tamaki Māori Village or Mitai Māori Village: 
  • Both are fantastic cultural experiences, including a welcome ceremony, performances of Māori song and dance, and a hangi feast.
• Whakarewarewa Thermal Village (Optional)
  • Witness how locals use the geothermal resources, and experience authentic Māori culture and cuisine.
• Optional evening activities if you’re not doing a village experience:
  •  Explore Rotorua’s nightlife!
  • Quiet lakeside dinner and walk in the Government Gardens.

Between Rotorua and Taupō 

• Whakarewarewa Forest (Redwoods Forest)
  • Walk through the Redwoods Forest on walking tracks or zip-line through the forest canopy. Nighttime walks on the suspended tree bridges available as well.
• Kaingaroa Forest 
  • Hike the summit track (26km) of Maunga Kakaramea (Rainbow Mountain) for sweet views and colorful mountains.
  • Or take a short 1km walk to the Crater Lake with vibrant turquoise waters!
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley
  • A geothermal reserve created by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. With several walking tracks, including the Inferno Crater and the Frying Pan Lake suitable for anyone!
• Lake Rotomahana
  • After exploring the valley, take a boat tour on Lake Rotomahana to get closer to some of the area's geothermal hot springs, or enjoy a quiet afternoon by the lake.
• Buried Village
  • An archealogical site featuring a village buried by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.
• Huka Falls
  • One of New Zealand’s most popular natural attractions, and is known for the striking blue water. Take a walk along the Walkway or take a thrilling jet boat ride to experience the power of the falls up close.

Taupō Town

• Taupō’s Waterfront: 
  • Enjoy a walk along the Lake Taupō waterfront, and visit the lakefront parks for views of the lake and Mount Ruapehu.
• Taupō  McDonald's:
  • Features a decommissioned airplane that customers can sit in while they eat. Considered the coolest McDonald's in the world!
• Optional Activities: 
  • For those seeking adventure, consider a skydiving experience over Lake Taupō.
  • Relaxing lake cruise to the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings.
  • Taupō Marathon every winter and Ultramarathon every spring, some of the most popular in the country!

Day 3: Taupō and the Great Outdoors

• Lake Taupō
  • Water Sports: Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, or fishing for the lake's famous rainbow trout.
  • Taupō Bungy: Taupō is home to New Zealand's highest bungy jump! Take a leap off the bridge over the Waikato River.
• Craters of the Moon: 
  • A fascinating geothermal park to explore.
• Optional Activities: 
  • Tongariro National Park (1 hour drive) Take a day trip where you can explore Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe (the famous Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings), and Mount Ruapehu.
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing: If you're an avid hiker, tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s most famous day hikes. The 19.4-kilometer (12-mile) track is a challenging hike but rewards you with incredible views.
  • Skiing/Snowboarding: If you’re visiting in winter (June to October), Mount Ruapehu offers skiing and snowboarding.

Practical Tips for Your Road Trip

• Accommodation: 
  • Both Rotorua and Taupō offer a wide range of accommodation for everyone! 
  • In Rotorua, consider staying near the lakefront for scenic views. 
  • Taupō’s town center offers easy access to restaurants and the lake.
• Rental Cars: 
  • Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer and school holidays). 
  • Both Rotorua and Taupō are easily accessible by car and well-connected by State Highway 5.
• Best Time to Visit: 
  • Summer (December to February) best for outdoor activities, but very busy! 
  • Spring and autumn (September–November and March–May) mild weather and fewer tourists. 
  • Winter (June–August) is ideal for skiing in Tongariro National Park, but cold and wet in the geothermal areas.
• Driving Notes: The roads between Rotorua and Taupō are well-maintained, but some stretches, especially around geothermal parks, can be narrow or winding. Always drive carefully, especially when near geothermal features where the road can be wet.