Getting to Rotorua

Being centrally located on the North Island, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most accessible cities.

Drive times

Approximate drive times to Rotorua from:

  • Auckland - 3 hours
  • Wellington - 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Hamilton - 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Taupo - 1 hour
  • Tauranga - 50 minutes
  • Napier - 2 hours 40 minutes

By air

Air New Zealand services domestic flights to a wide range of destinations around New Zealand, including direct flights from Rotorua to Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. For flight information visit Rotorua Airport.

By bus

For inter-city bus timetables visit InterCity.

Getting around Rotorua

An attractive advantage of getting around Rotorua is that you don’t need to rely on using your own vehicle. You can easily bike, walk, catch a bus, shuttle or ring a taxi.

Travelling by car

Rotorua is fairly easy to navigate. A mostly grid-like layout with wide streets and drive-in parking (no tricky parallel parking) in the inner city make getting around a treat. The city is also beautifully planted and maintained so walking from one shop to another is a pleasure. See if you can keep track of the many incredible sculptures along the way.

Travelling by bus

Cityride Rotorua bus service, operated by BayBus, includes 11 routes, all of which start at the central Arawa Street interchange.

View bus times, fares and routes online.

Tickets are available on the bus from your driver (please have cash ready as there is no card payment option) or you may purchase a day-saver pass from the Visitor Centre and i-SITE.

Travelling by bike

Rotorua has an enviable reputation as an international mountain biking destination. But, it’s also New Zealand’s number one cycling destination due to its cycling friendly landscape, and easy riding throughout the city, and to and from surrounding suburbs.

Several routes into the central business district (CBD) have cycle lanes or share with care facilities. Why not try cycling to get around? Even one day will help your fitness, your pocket, and the environment.

Travelling on foot

Many attractions, accommodation and facilities are located in the inner city, for easy walking distance. With the city being flat, visitors with mobility issues, and or vehicles also find it very convenient to get around. Local roads have plenty of footpaths which facilitate walking, including share with care facilities on some commuter routes.