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Wellington to Rotorua from $35: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Wellington, New Zealand
to
Rotorua, New Zealand

How to Get from Wellington to Rotorua: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$35 by busBest price
374 kmDistance
3h 23m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Wellington to Rotorua with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Taxi
Average Duration
3h  28m
Estimated price
$213-375
Recommended
Company
InterCity
Bus
Average Duration
8h  55m
Estimated price
$35-55
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 374 km
Duration: 3h 23m

See more options

Company
Air New Zealand
Plane
Average Duration
3h  47m
Estimated price
$49-237
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
3h  46m
Estimated price
$65-251
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  21m
Estimated price
$75-120
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
3h  23m
Estimated price
$103-267
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Traveling From Wellington to Rotorua

The journey from Wellington to Rotorua presents a striking contrast between the vibrant urban life of New Zealand's capital and the geothermal wonders and cultural experiences waiting for you in Rotorua.

Best Neighbourhoods in Rotorua

Rotorua features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Fenton Street
• Close to geothermal parks and attractions.
• Varied accommodation options available.
Government Gardens
• Beautiful historical park with stunning gardens.
• Proximity to the Rotorua Museum.
Okere Falls
• Ideal spot for white-water rafting.
• Scenic trails and natural beauty abound.

Best Times To Visit Rotorua's Attractions

Timing your visit to Rotorua's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Te Puia
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere.
Redwoods Forest
Weekdays and early mornings are ideal for peaceful walks and bike rides.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Arrive right at opening time to enjoy the vibrant colors with fewer visitors.

Rotorua Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Rotorua enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination for outdoor lovers. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for exploring geothermal parks and lush landscapes, while understanding the seasonal rain can help you plan your activities accordingly.

Dining in Rotorua: A Taste of the Unique

Experience the rich flavors of hāngī at the Tamaki Maori Village, where traditional Maori cooking methods create a feast that's both delicious and steeped in culture. This culinary experience contrasts with Wellington's cosmopolitan dining scene, offering you an engaging atmosphere complete with local ingredients and storytelling.

Wellington - Rotorua operators

Explore transport companies operating between Wellington and Rotorua, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane
Website
airnewzealand.com

Plane from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Rotorua Airport (ROT)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
NZ$45-230

Plane from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Tauranga Airport (TRG)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
NZ$80-270

Plane from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Hamilton Airport (HLZ)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
NZ$50-240

Plane from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Taupo Airport (TUO)

Average Duration
2h 55m
Estimated price
NZ$90-310
Bus
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5780
Website
https://www.intercity.co.nz/

Bus from Wellington - Central to Rotorua

Average Duration
8h 55m
Estimated price
NZ$35-55
Taxi
Contact phone
+64 7 578 7878
Website
taurangataxi.co.nz

Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
NZ$130-160
Contact phone
+64 7 578 6086
Website
taurangataxis.co.nz

Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
NZ$130-160
Contact phone
+64 800 482 947
Website
nzcabs.com

Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
NZ$130-160
Contact phone
+64 800 698 294
Website
kubat.co.nz

Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
NZ$130-160
Contact phone
+64 7 543 5050

Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
NZ$130-160

Wellington to Rotorua: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Wellington and Rotorua offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Wellington to Rotorua, covering a distance of 452.2 km in approximately 5 hours and 21 minutes of scenic drive time. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of choosing from a range of car hire options, priced between $75 to $120, to make the journey from Wellington to Rotorua.
Average price
$75 - $120
🚂 Experience a scenic journey from Wellington to Rotorua by train, a trip that takes approximately 10 hours and covers a distance of 393 km with a transfer along the way. 🚌 Start your adventure by boarding a bus toward Auckland - Central, a 5-hour and 40-minute ride, then transfer to another bus from Taupo to Tauranga, which takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard the KiwiRail Scenic Journeys train, you'll find a café car offering a selection of snacks, beverages, and freshly prepared meals. Be sure to try their local specialty dishes and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way!
• The train service from Wellington to Rotorua provides multiple seating options, including Economy, Business Class, and First Class. Economy seats are comfortable for budget travelers, Business Class offers more spacious seating with additional legroom, and First Class provides a premium experience with priority boarding and complimentary refreshments.
• The two main operators for this route are KiwiRail Scenic Journeys (kiwirailscenic.co.nz) and InterCity (intercity.co.nz). Make sure to check both websites for schedules, ticket options, and current service updates. For local transport information, visit the Rotorua Lakes Council website at (rotorualakescouncil.nz)
🛫 Flying from Wellington to Tauranga is quick and convenient with Air New Zealand, taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes on a direct flight. 🌿 From Tauranga, it's a seamless journey to reach Rotorua by plane, taking approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. 💸 The prices for flights between Rotorua and Wellington can range from $49 to $237, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget.
Departure Point
Wellington Airport
Arrival Point
Tauranga Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• When flying from Wellington to Rotorua, be aware that you will likely have a layover at Tauranga Airport, so check your itinerary to ensure you have sufficient time to transfer between flights and potentially grab a quick snack at the Tauranga airport café.
• Upon arrival at Rotorua Airport, you’ll find that it's a small but straightforward facility; be prepared to navigate easily as the departures and arrivals are seamlessly connected, and the baggage claim area is close to the exit.
• Expect taxi fares from Rotorua Airport to the city center to be around NZD 30-40; for convenience, consider booking a taxi in advance through services like Rotorua Taxis or using rideshare apps like Uber for more flexible options.
🚌 The trip from Wellington to Rotorua by bus is a convenient and scenic journey that takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes. 🌋 Arriving at Rotorua station, passengers can enjoy the diverse landscapes of New Zealand along the way, with ticket prices ranging from $35 to $55 for this relaxing bus journey.
Departure Point
Wellington - Central station
Arrival Point
Rotorua station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to book your InterCity bus ticket in advance to secure the best prices and check for any promotional rates, which range from $35 to $55 for your journey from Wellington to Rotorua. Visit InterCity for details.
• Plan for a scenic journey: The 8h 55m bus ride includes stunning views of New Zealand's landscapes, so bring a camera and perhaps a light snack for the road, as there are limited stops during the trip.
• Upon arrival at Rotorua station, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the local area; nearby options for dining include the popular Eat Streat, where you can find various restaurants and cafes just a quick 10-minute walk from the bus station.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Wellington to Rotorua.

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The distance between Wellington and Rotorua is 373.4 km by air and 453.0 km by road. By plane, it takes approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes to reach Rotorua from Wellington. Alternatively, taking a combination of flying to Tauranga and then a taxi can take around 3 hours and 28 minutes. Driving from Wellington to Rotorua takes around 5 hours and 21 minutes, while taking the bus can take approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Wellington to Rotorua is by bus, which takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes and costs around $30 to $55. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest way to reach Rotorua would be to fly from Wellington, which takes about 3 hours and 28 minutes and costs between $200 and $370.
The prices for a bus journey from Wellington to Rotorua range from $30 to $55.
To get from Wellington to Rotorua without using public transportation, you can drive the distance, which is approximately 452.2 km. The drive takes around 5 hours and 21 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. You have the option to rent a car or use your own vehicle. Car rental prices vary from $75 to $120.
The best way to travel from Wellington to Rotorua without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes, and ticket prices range from $30 to $55.
Yes, there is a direct link between Wellington and Rotorua. InterCity operates a daily bus service that departs from Wellington - Central and arrives at Rotorua. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes.
The flight between Wellington and Rotorua typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is the quickest mode of transportation between the two cities. The cost of a flight can vary, with prices ranging from $49 to $237, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are plenty of accommodations to choose from near Rotorua. With over 313 hotels available, you have plenty of options. Prices start at $82, providing a range of choices to fit different budgets.