How To Spend 48 Hours In Rotorua New Zealand

Located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island, the lakeside town of Rotorua draws in visitors for many different reasons. Renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture, there is no better place to dive into the fascinating history of New Zealand.

For those seeking adventure, Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – with a seven-metre (23-foot) drop it’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s also the perfect place to use as a base if visiting Hobbiton – the movie set is a scenic hour-long drive from the centre of the city on the set’s shuttle bus. Two days gives visitors plenty of time to explore what Rotorua has on offer with a mix of culture, nature, adventure and cinematic appreciation.

Day 1

Morning

Walk through geothermal steam at Kuirau Park, Rotorua

Purchase some unique Māori pounamu carvings

On the way back into town, stop to explore one of Rotorua’s pounamu (greenstone) shops, many of which have their workshop on site. Intricate carvings, statues and jewellery are all made from this highly valued stone, and it is of incredible cultural significance to the Māori. In many cases, it is passed from generation to generation, only increasing its importance.

Afternoon/Evening

Discover the unforgettable redwood forest that borders Rotorua

After lunch, take a short drive out of town to explore the magnificent redwoods that border Rotorua in Whakarewarewa Forest. Over 5,600 hectares (13,840 acres) in size (roughly 10,500 football pitches), this incredible forest will transport visitors back a few million years. A range of activities are on offer here, with walks to suit every level of ability, including one which takes roughly half an hour starting from the carpark, and winds through the towering redwoods that reach roughly 67m (220ft) in height. Longer walks offer more challenging routes, and it’s also possible to horse ride and bike through the forest.

For a more adventurous view of the trees, the Redwoods Treewalk takes visitors 20m (66ft) above the forest floor to explore 27 redwoods that were planted in 1901, at a cost of 30 New Zealand dollars (£16) per person. It’s also possible to do this walk at night when the forest is transformed by 30 intricately patterned lanterns, giving a unique atmosphere to this extraordinary place.

Day 2

Morning

Be transported to magical Middle Earth on a trip to Matamata, near Rotorua

Day two brings an early start to meet the Hobbiton shuttle bus that transports visitors to Middle Earth, also known as the Alexander Family sheep farm outside Matamata, for a movie set visit like no other. An expert guide shows visitors around the set, the location of which was found by Peter Jackson and his scouts while on a helicopter flight above the area, and will be able to answer any and all questions posed by the most ardent Lord of the Rings fans.

Grab a pint at The Green Dragon Inn, to ring in the end of the Hobbiton tour

Explore some of the most famous Hobbit dwellings, learn more about the sets the filmmakers created to bring Tolkien’s world to life, take pictures galore and finish the morning with a pint of ale on the house, courtesy of The Green Dragon. Hobbiton will impress not only die-hard fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but also anyone with an interest in filmmaking, the great outdoors and drinking at 10am.

Afternoon

Adventure-lovers can go whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River

Back in Rotorua, there is just enough time to grab a quick bite to eat before heading off to the Kaituna River for an afternoon of whitewater rafting. Journeying along the river, the rafts travel over 14 different rapids and three waterfalls, including the Tutea Falls which, at 7m (23ft) tall, is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – and it doesn’t disappoint.

Even beginners can enjoy paddling over rapids and waterfalls on the Kaituna River

There are a couple of rafting providers in Rotorua, both of which cater to complete beginners – they will provide all the equipment, transfers from the centre of town, and give rafters all the information they need to enjoy the adventure safely. The experience is also infused with insights into Māori culture, as the Kaituna River is an important part of local Māori life.

Evening

A Tamaki Māori leader performs a traditional ceremony for visitors to the village

End day two on a high, with a visit to Tamaki Māori Village on the outskirts of Rotorua. Visitors are welcomed with a traditional Māori ceremony, before embarking on a tour of a pre-European village. Visitors can take part in a range of cultural activities, including learning the poi and the haka, as well as watching a traditional hangi meal being prepared and placed in the ground with hot stones to cook. The hosts will explain more about the land, people, and spirit central to Māori culture, and the evening ends with a dinner feast. Transport to and from the centre of Rotorua is available, and highly recommended as guests are encouraged to go back for seconds and thirds at a hangi meal.
This is an updated version of a story created by Joe Coates.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.