ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

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Although small, Rotorua is mighty! This town of 100,000 people has established itself as a main travel hub for those hoping to see the wonders of New Zealand’s North Island - namely geothermal geysers, mud pools, and, of course, Hobbiton! It is also one of the best spots in the country to immerse yourself in the indigenous Māori culture.

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Attractions:

  • Hobbiton: J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, Lord of the Rings, brought to life! Explore Peter Jackson’s interpretation of Tolkien’s “Shire” and visit the real-life home of Bilbo Baggins! 2-hour tours cost $89 NZD ($64 USD) and round-trip transportation from Rotorua costs an additional $35 NZD ($25 USD). The last tour starts at 2:30pm. Other tour options can be found here.

  • Te Puia: This site is home to many geothermal geysers and pools, the most famous being Pōhutu Geyser (the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere)! It is open daily from 10am-4pm and day passes cost $60 NZD ($43 USD).

  • Whakarewarewa: For over 200 years, this Māori village has allowed tourists to visit and experience their culture, cuisine, and traditional dance performances. It is open daily from 9am-4pm and guided tours cost $45 NZD ($33 USD).

  • Redwoods Tree Walk: For $30 NZD ($22 USD), walk upon eco-suspended bridges and platforms across the 75-meter tall redwoods of Rotorua. This can be done at both day and night!

  • Skyline Rotorua: Ride up the gondola for a great view of town! It is open daily from 9am-10pm and costs $34 NZD ($25 USD). Other activities include star-gazing, mountain-biking, and riding the luge.

  • Other things to do: Mount Tarawera, Polynesian Spa, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Kerosene Creek.

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Accommodation:

  • YHA Rotorua Backpackers: This hostel is part of the Youth Hostel Association of New Zealand so you can expect a great experience! It is 7 minutes walking from the bus station and just a short 15-minute taxi ride from the airport.

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Transportation:

Rotorua’s main bus station is Rotorua InterCity Bus Stop; all buses below leave from here.

  • Hamilton is 1.5 hours by car from Rotorua. The bus ride is 1.5 hours and costs $20 NZD ($14 USD).

  • Napier is 2.5 hours by car from Rotorua. The bus ride is 4 hours and costs $22 NZD ($16 USD).

  • Auckland is 3 hours by car from Rotorua. The bus ride is 4 hours and costs $30 NZD ($22 USD).

  • Wellington is 5.5 hours by car from Rotorua. The bus ride is 8 hours and costs $41 NZD ($30 USD).

  • Paihia (Bay of Islands) is 6 hours by car from Rotorua. The bus ride is 9.5 hours (indirect) and costs $74 NZD ($53 USD).

Rotorua Airport (ROT) is 10km (6 miles) northeast of the city center and accessible via bus, shuttle, or taxi.

  • Bus: The ride via Bus #10 is 30 minutes and costs $2.50 NZD ($2 USD); buses leave every 30 minutes from 7am-6pm.

  • Shuttle: The ride via SuperShuttle is 20 minutes and costs $21 NZD ($15 USD); shuttles must be booked in advance.

  • Taxi: The ride is 15 minutes and costs $30-$40 NZD ($22-$29 USD) depending on the time of day.

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Thank you to Makalu (for the photos of Te Puia and Whakarewarewa) and the hobbits (for the pictures of me and my sister)!