4 days in Rotorua & Hamilton & Waikato Region Itinerary

Do your shopping at L'Arte and Huka Honey Hive. Take a break from the city and head to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia. Explore Rotorua's surroundings by going to Taupo (Lava Glass, Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, &more). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, get impressive views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and take a peaceful walk through Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest.

For more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Rotorua travel itinerary planner.

Wellington to Rotorua is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Wellington in April: highs in Rotorua hover around 24°C, while lows dip to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Waitomo Caves.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Mon): explore the fascinating underground world of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, then let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, then head outdoors with Waitomo Clay Birds, and finally skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour.

For other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Waitomo Caves trip planner.

Traveling by car from Rotorua to Waitomo Caves takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) to allow time to fly back home.