Auckland, Auckland Region to Rotorua, Bay of Plenty from $24: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Auckland to Rotorua: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$24 by busBest price
195.5 kmDistance
2h 37m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Auckland 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.
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Traveling From Auckland to Rotorua
The journey from Auckland to Rotorua offers a transformation from the vibrant urban landscape of the city to the geothermal wonders and rich Maori culture found in Rotorua.
Best Neighbourhoods in Rotorua
Rotorua features diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences for visitors.
Fenton Street
• Close to geothermal attractions and spas.
• Variety of accommodation options available.
Government Gardens
• Beautiful parks and historic architecture.
• Excellent proximity to cultural experiences.
Ohinemutu
• Rich Maori heritage and history.
• Scenic lakeside views and hot pools.
Best Times To Visit Rotorua's Attractions
Timing your visits to Rotorua's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.
Te Puia
Visit early morning for smaller crowds and a serene atmosphere.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Weekdays in the late afternoon provide fewer visitors and stunning light.
Rotorua Lakefront
Early mornings are perfect for a peaceful stroll and beautiful sunrise views.
Rotorua Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Rotorua experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. Visitors often find the best times to enjoy outdoor activities and thermal attractions are during the spring and fall, when the weather is pleasantly predictable.
Dining Recommendation in Rotorua
A must-try dish in Rotorua is the traditional hangi, where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in an underground oven, delivering smoky flavors and a truly authentic experience. This contrasts with Auckland’s vibrant food scene by offering a unique communal atmosphere and the opportunity to savor locally sourced ingredients prepared using centuries-old methods.
Auckland - Rotorua operators
Explore transport companies operating between Auckland and Rotorua, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5780Website
https://www.intercity.co.nz/
Bus from Auckland - Central to Rotorua
Average Duration
4h 15mEstimated price
24-40Bus from Hamilton - Central to Rotorua
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
15-30Contact phone
0800 205 305Website
tehuiatrain.co.nz
Train from The Strand Train Station to Hamilton Rotokauri
Average Duration
2h 32mEstimated price
0-0Contact phone
+64 9 366 6400Website
at.govt.nz
Train from Britomart Train Station to Puhinui Train Station
Average Duration
32mEstimated price
2-3Website
airnewzealand.com
Plane from Auckland Airport to Tauranga Airport
Average Duration
40mEstimated price
45-170Plane from Auckland Airport to Rotorua Airport
Average Duration
45mEstimated price
45-190Plane from Auckland Airport to Taupo Airport
Average Duration
50mEstimated price
45-200Website
airchathams.co.nz
Plane from Auckland Airport to Whakatane Airport
Average Duration
41mEstimated price
65-210Contact phone
+64 7 578 7878Website
taurangataxi.co.nz
Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
130-160Contact phone
+64 7 578 6086Website
taurangataxis.co.nz
Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
130-160Contact phone
+64 800 482 947Website
nzcabs.com
Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
130-160Contact phone
+64 800 698 294Website
kubat.co.nz
Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
130-160Contact phone
+64 7 543 5050Taxi from Tauranga to Rotorua
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
130-160Auckland to Rotorua: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Auckland 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 a scenic journey from Auckland to Rotorua, covering a distance of 142 miles. Experience the beauty of New Zealand's landscapes as you drive for approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes.
💰 Discover budget-friendly options to travel by car from Auckland to Rotorua, with prices ranging from $35 to $60. Enjoy the freedom of the open road while exploring the attractions along the way.
Average price
$35 - $60
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the KiwiRail Scenic Journeys service, which operates this route, you can enjoy a range of onboard catering services. They offer a café car where you can purchase light snacks, beverages, and meals. Don’t miss out on trying local New Zealand wines or coffees available during the journey.
• When booking your ticket, you have an option for different seating classes. KiwiRail offers 'Economy Class' with comfortable seating and panoramic windows, ideal for enjoying the scenic views. They also provide a 'Premium Class' which offers larger seats with extra legroom and complimentary refreshments. Make sure to book in advance for the best options.
• There are several operators on the Auckland to Rotorua route, including KiwiRail and InterCity. You can check their services, schedules, and book tickets on their websites: KiwiRail and InterCity. Additionally, check the local transport schedules for Rotorua at Rotorua District Council's Transport Page for further travel options after you arrive.
🛫 Embark on a short and convenient flight from Auckland Airport to Tauranga Airport, a key gateway to the Rotorua region in New Zealand. Air New Zealand provides direct flights spanning a brief 40 minutes, making it a swift journey for travelers seeking to explore the vibrant city of Rotorua.
Departure Point
Auckland Airport
Arrival Point
Tauranga Airport
🚌 Hop on a direct bus departing from Auckland - Central to Rotorua, with services running twice daily and taking approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete the journey operated by InterCity.
🗺️ Covering a distance of 213 km, the Auckland to Rotorua bus route includes a transfer in Hamilton - Central, making it a convenient and efficient way to travel between the two beautiful New Zealand cities.
💸 Prices for the Auckland to Rotorua bus tickets range from $24 to $40, offering an affordable and reliable transportation option for those looking to explore the scenic landscapes and attractions along the way.
Departure Point
Auckland - Central station
Arrival Point
Rotorua station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your bus tickets in advance through InterCity's website (intercity.co.nz) to secure the best fares, as prices fluctuate between $24 and $40 for this popular route.
• Keep an eye on the bus schedule; InterCity services depart from Auckland - Central station twice daily, so plan your day around the 4h 15m journey and consider the arrival times at Rotorua for your activities.
• Upon arrival at Rotorua station, you'll find it conveniently located near the city center; take advantage of nearby dining options like the popular Eat Streat (rotoruanz.com) to enjoy local cuisine before continuing your travels.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Auckland to Rotorua.
Or choose the category:
The distance between Auckland and Rotorua is approximately 121 miles by air. By road, the distance is slightly longer at 142.4 miles. The typical travel time between the two cities varies depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a train and then a bus from Auckland to Rotorua takes about 5 hours and 46 minutes. However, if you prefer driving, it takes approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes to travel by car from Rotorua to Auckland. Alternatively, taking a bus from Auckland to Rotorua typically takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Auckland to Rotorua is by bus, which costs $23-$40 and takes 4 hours and 15 minutes. This option allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest way to reach Rotorua, taking only 2 hours and 37 minutes and costing $35-$60. Ultimately, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time efficiency depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
The prices for a bus ticket between Auckland and Rotorua can vary between $23 and $40. It is advisable to check with different bus companies to get the specific prices and availability for the dates of travel. Other modes of transportation, such as the train and car, may have different prices which can also be compared when planning the journey. It is recommended to compare prices from different transportation options to find the most cost-effective and convenient choice for your travel needs.
To get from Auckland to Rotorua without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 142 miles, and it takes about 2 hours and 37 minutes to reach Rotorua by car. The cost of renting a car to make this journey can range from $35 to $60, depending on the rental company and the type of vehicle you choose. Driving allows you the flexibility to make stops along the way and explore the scenic routes, making it a popular choice for travelers.
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Auckland to Rotorua without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes and fares range from $23 to $40. The bus service is comfortable and provides a hassle-free way to reach Rotorua while enjoying the scenic views along the way. It is advisable to check the bus schedule in advance and book your tickets to ensure a smooth journey.
Yes, there is a direct link between Auckland and Rotorua via bus. The bus service operated by InterCity departs twice daily from Auckland - Central station and arrives at Rotorua station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. This provides a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for travelers between the two cities.
The flight duration between Auckland and Rotorua is approximately 40 minutes on a direct flight. However, it's important to note that Rotorua does not have its own airport, so travelers would need to fly to Tauranga Airport instead, which is the closest major airport to Rotorua. As for the cost, it can vary depending on the airline, time of travel, and availability, but typically flight prices range from around $100 to $200 USD for a one-way ticket.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Rotorua. You can choose from over 313 hotels in the area. Prices for these hotels start at $82 per night. Whether you are looking for luxury resorts, budget-friendly motels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, Rotorua offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Trips from Auckland
- Auckland to Hamilton
- Auckland to Christchurch
- Auckland to Taupo
- Auckland to Tauranga
- Auckland to Wellington
- Auckland to Queenstown
- Auckland to Paihia
- Auckland to Whangarei
- Auckland to Napier
- Auckland to Dunedin
- Auckland to Palmerston North
- Auckland to Gisborne
- Auckland to Milford Sound
- Auckland to Waiheke Island
- Auckland to Moscow
- Auckland to Kaitaia
- Auckland to Coromandel
- Auckland to Sydney
- Auckland to Papeete (Tahiti)
- Auckland to Kerikeri
- Auckland to New Plymouth
- Auckland to Perth
- Auckland to San Francisco
- Auckland to Cairns
- Auckland to Honolulu
- Auckland to Rome
- Auckland to Cairo
- Auckland to Osaka
- Auckland to Rarotonga
- Auckland to Taipei
- Auckland to Darwin
- Auckland to Milan
- Auckland to Wanaka
- Auckland to Adelaide
- Auckland to Paris
- Auckland to Toronto
- Auckland to Invercargill
- Auckland to Guangzhou
- Auckland to Cape Reinga
- Auckland to Great Barrier Island
Trips to Rotorua
- Wellington to Rotorua
- Tauranga to Rotorua
- Hamilton to Rotorua
- Waitomo Caves to Rotorua
- Queenstown to Rotorua
- Christchurch to Rotorua
- Kerikeri to Rotorua
- Napier to Rotorua
- New Plymouth to Rotorua
- Dunedin to Rotorua
- Melbourne to Rotorua
- Sydney to Rotorua
- Brisbane to Rotorua
- Gisborne to Rotorua
- Palmerston North to Rotorua
- Whangarei to Rotorua