About Rotorua

Rotorua is known as the birth place of New Zealand tourism. With Māori culture, pristine lakes, fertile forests and activities and attractions a plenty, come and experience everything that this magical region has to offer. Rotorua offers a destination for people on all budgets and is easily accessible by land and air being conveniently located in the central North Island.

Whether you're after an adrenaline rush, something more relaxing or looking to discover the marvels of this geothermal utopia, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in Rotorua. With activities and tours that suit all, this really is the perfect family, couple or groups getaway destination. 

Rotorua's thermal attractions are the perfect places to relax and unwind no matter what time of the year it is. As the natural spa capital of New Zealand, there is no better place to come and unwind than Rotorua. With many and varied options available from professional day spa's to natural wonders, one thing is for sure, your muscles will thank you for making the journey to Rotorua.

If you love New Zealand's native forests, then Rotorua is definitely for you. You can hike through untouched, virgin rainforest, get a bird's eye view up in the canopy, head off-road on a 4WD adventure or zip line through native NZ forest. Home to the amazing Californian Redwoods which are filled with runners, walkers and mountain bikers at all times of the day and if you are lucky you may even spot Pete's Dragon. 

Rotorua's 18 lakes provide your perfect playground regardless of whether you prefer to be in, on or beside them there is something for everyone. For a faster pace experience a jetboat joyride or find a boat and throw out the ski rope. You don't have to be active though as there are plenty of spots to relax and unwind lakeside with a picnic.

Rotorua is the centre of Māori culture in NZ offering genuine warmth of welcome and manaakitanga (hospitality), something that the Te Arawa Māori have been providing visitors to the Rotorua region for well over 150 years. Whether it's an encounter with a Māori guide, a hongi greeting, talking to a carver or weaver, experiencing a hangi (food cooked in an earth oven), facing a haka or hearing age old stories, visitors will be enriched by their Māori cultural experience.

Visit RotoruaNZ.com to find out more.

Rotorua Marathon - 4 May 2019

Take on the Lake and make it your greatest challenge in 2019. Known affectionately as the "People's Marathon" the iconic Rotorua Marathon is Australasia's oldest major marathon event.

The Rotorua Marathon celebrates 55 years in 2019, with all marathon finishers receiving a souvenir event T-shirt and Finishers medal. 

For more information and to register click here.

General Information

Booking your travel to Rotorua

Rotorua does not have an international airport and we recommend our Symposium delegates to fly into Auckland International Airport which is serviced by several international airlines. Please click here to find out more. 

For Rotorua Domestic Airport information please click here.

Driving to Rotorua

• Auckland to Rotorua drive time is approx. 3hrs
• Hamilton to Rotorua drive time is approx. 1hr and 20mins
• Taupo to Rotorua drive time is approx. 1hr
• Taranaki to Rotorua drive time is approx.  4hrs
• Wellington to Rotorua drive time is approx. 5hrs and 45mins

Climate

The average temperature in Rotorua in May is 10.4 degrees celsius.  We recommend at least two layers of clothing and a light coat when outside.