Discover volcano craters, stunning lakes and welcoming communities
Steaming mud pools, erupting geysers and Maori traditions all make Rotorua and Taupo a special area to visit – one that is distinctively unique to the rest of New Zealand.
You’re likely to smell the sulphur-rich geothermal playground of Rotorua before seeing it, with its endless volcanic pools bubbling throughout the city. This destination is one of the most popular tourist spots in the North Island thanks to its unique thermal activity and multitude of activities. Explore and wander around the assortment of geothermal parks, or take inspiration from the locals and while away the hours soaking in the mineral-rich hot pools.
The region of Rotorua was revered by the Maori and it’s the perfect place to gain insight into this culture – from its many maraes (greeting houses) to sampling a traditional hangi feast, which is cooked in the steaming ground.
An hour’s drive south of Rotorua is its counterpart resort town, Taupo – resting on the northeastern shores of Australasia’s largest lake. Actually a volcano crater, the lake’s deep blue waters draw visitors with its idyllic swimming holes, reputable fishing and adventure sports. On a clear day, the views stretch out over the glassy water to the snowcapped volcanoes of Tongariro National Park in the distance. The country’s longest river, the Waikato, also flows out of here, crashing over the nearby and must-see Huka Falls.
Go paddling in one of the swimming holes of Lake Taupo, enjoy a sunset cruise, or try your hand at fishing on the banks of Waikato River.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
Discover true Māori culture in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua and feast on a traditional Māori hāngi. Go on to explore New Zealand’s largest lake: Lake Taupo and revel in the thunderous blue waters of Huka Falls.
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Rotorua and Taupo
There are many incredible places to stay in Rotorua and Taupo. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
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Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Rotorua and Taupo example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Discover more of New Zealand
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest cosmopolitan centre is a lively mix of culture, cuisine, music and art with ample green spaces and easily accessible beaches.
Bay of Islands
Equally beautiful and historically significant, the bay is peppered with 144 vastly untouched islands that are renowned for their inviting clear waters, subtropical climate and diverse marine life.
Christchurch
Curious travellers will relish all the new eclectic hubs to discover in a city and region that is full of surprises, friendly locals and an inspirational community spirit.
Coromandel
A classic Kiwi beach holiday destination made up of petite coastal towns, velvety white-sand beaches and native rainforests teeming with birdlife.
Dunedin and Coastal Otago
Dunedin is a university town and there is a good selection of lively restaurants and bars. It is also a great base from which to explore the Otago Peninsula with its rugged landscape, beautiful beaches and wildlife.
Hawke's Bay
The North Island’s wine country is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions with golden colours stretching across arid plains.
Kaikoura
With the swelling Pacific Ocean on one side and the snowcapped Kaikoura Range on the other – Kaikoura is a quaint peninsula village that is a base for discovering some of New Zealand’s best wildlife.
Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook
New Zealand’s highest peak, Aroaki Mount Cook, is an arresting sight dominating the skyline of the national park which surrounds it.
Marlborough Sounds and Wine Region
Hop from vineyard to vineyard on the wine trail in this diverse, sun-drenched plateau and sample some of the country’s finest wines, most notably the internationally renowned Sauvignon Blanc.
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park
With the snowy-peaked Southern Alps sloping down into deep blue waters and lushly forested shores bursting with wildlife, the spectacular Fiordland National Park area in the south-western corner of the South Island is known for its stunning vistas.
Nelson and Abel Tasman
New Zealand’s sunniest region has a diverse geography ripe for exploring from golden sand beaches to dense forests, the clearest fresh water lake in the world and secluded, enticing rivers.
Queenstown and Wanaka
Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque towns, sitting on the tip of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. It’s a bustling hub of international and local visitors come to seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping.
Wellington
Nestled on rolling green hills that spill down to a charming harbour, New Zealand’s capital is an epicentre of culture and creativity – renowned for its arts, gastronomy, heritage and bohemian character.
West Coast and the Glaciers
The narrow strip of coastline squeezed between the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea plays host to some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscape, which is quite some claim.
Meet your Australasia team
When to visit
New Zealand is a year-round destination. In summer visit the beaches and explore the country’s National Parks. Spring is a mild time of year to travel and the countryside comes to life. In winter the South Island is a playground for outdoor adventures and epic scenery. Autumn sees cold, crisp days in the South Island and more mild rainy days in the North Island.
Wine tasting
March–April
Ski and snowboard
June–September
Whale and dolphin spotting
Year Round
Plan your trip to Rotorua and Taupo
Whatever you want from your adventure in Rotorua and Taupo, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
