Rotorua Region Transport

Transport options in Rotorua

Located at the heart of the central North Island, Rotorua is easily included in any North Island itinerary. Arrive by road, train or plane, then make use of the region's excellent roads to discover geothermal, cultural and scenic wonders.

Getting to and from Rotorua

By Road:
Three major state highways (SH5 and SH30 and SH33) intersect with Rotorua. The region is 234 kilometres from Auckland and 457 kilometres from Wellington. Rotorua is a key destination on the touring route known as the Thermal Explorer Highway.
Major coach companies provide daily services to Rotorua.

By Air:
Rotorua is a 40 minute flight from Auckland, a 75 minute flight from Christchurch and 2 ½ hours from Queenstown. You can also fly to Rotorua from many provincial airports.

Getting around Rotorua

Driving yourself around Rotorua is an exercise in simplicity. Most of the major attractions are within a few kilometres of the city - Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland are two of the most outlying attractions at 26 kilometres away.

With one exception, all the major hotels are within walking distance of Rotorua's city centre - five are right in the central business district.
If you prefer not to drive, there are shuttle services (free or nominal cost), taxis and a good city bus service. Independent tour operators are also available to take you wherever you want to go.

Within a 150 kilometre radius (two hours drive) are the surf beaches of Waihi, Mt Maunganui and Ohope; the National Parks of Tongariro and Urewera; Lake Taupo; and the cities of Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupo and Whakatane.