Rotorua - New Zealand's thermal wonderland offering everything from adventure activities to thermal areas including therapeutic hot pools. Rotorua is the hub of Maori culture tourism and is a destination point for travellers from all around the world.

Rotorua offers a variety of accommodation - from 5 Star hotels through to luxury bed & breakfast lodges, and budget accommodation. Scenic flights leave from Rotorua to the great Mount Tarawera, as well as to White Island - one of New Zealand's active volcanoes.

Location
Rotorua is located 233 kilometres south of Auckland, which is an easy 3 and a half hour drive from Auckland International Airport. It is also a 177 kilometre from Mount Ruapehu - New Zealand's premier ski resort, and a short drive hour and a half drive to Lake Taupo, the North Island's adventure capital.

Rotorua is virtually on the doorstep of the Bay of Plenty with the surf beaches of Mount Maunganui, offering apartment style waterfront accommodation. Rotorua is ideally situated for a trip to the sunny Hawkes Bay which offers a range of New Zealand's best wineries, being a leisurely 4 hour drive.

You can also include in your trip a visit to the Waitomo Caves in the Waikato which is only 166 kilometres away. Rotorua is also an ideal stopover on your way to the East Cape and sunny Gisbourne, as it is only a days drive of 4-5 hours.

Suggested 7 Day Itinerary
Travelling using the Thermal Explorer & Pacific Coact Highways

Day 1 - Depart Auckland heading south to the Waikato and experience it's full range of adventure activities, casino and river cruises. Overnight in the Waikato in one of the large range of quality hotels, motels or luxury bed & breakfasts.

Day 2 - Head from the Waikato to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua and the spiritual home of the Maori. Choose from a wide range of activities - including white water rafting, Maori cultural tours including traditional Hangi feasts, or a relaxing day cruising on one of Rotorua's many lakes with the option of trout fishing. At the end of the day relax in one of Rotorua's famous thermal hot pools. Overnight in Rotorua choosing from one of the many accommodation options.

Day 3 - Continue south along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo where you can take leisurely walks around Lake Taupo, or catch rainbow trout in the adjoining lakes and streams. For the adrenalin junkies there are a number of options including jet boating, skydiving and white water rafting. Taupo is a short drive to Mt Ruapehu ski fields and the Tongiriro National Park. Overnight in Taupo in one of Taupo's accommodation options.

Day 4 - Follow the historic heritage trail to the sunny Hawkes Bay wine country. Travel into Napier, the art deco city and visit some of New Zealand's finest wineries and vineyards and experience the exciting taste of the local cuisine. Hastings & Napier boast a full range of luxury lodges and international standard acommodation.

Day 5 - Join the Pacific Coast Hightway heading north back through rugged coastlines steeped in Maori and European heritage to the Bay of Plenty. In the Bay of Plenty visit the famous White Island, one of the world's most accessible volcanoes. Or just relax on the white sand surf beaches of Mt Maunganui. The Bay of Plenty offers a variety of adventure activities including the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. Overnight in the Bay of Plenty with a choice of boutique hotel, luxury lodge accommodation, or self catering apartments.

Day 6 - Follow the Pacific Coast Highway through orchards and coastline to the mountainous peninsula which is the Coromandel. Steeped in rich history of the past goldmining era, with pottery and art studios along the way. Overnight in Coromandel.

Day 7 - Follow the Seabird Coast back to Auckland.