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New Plymouth, Taranaki to Rotorua, Bay of Plenty from $35: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
New Plymouth, New Zealand
to
Rotorua, New Zealand

How to Get from New Plymouth 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
216 kmDistance
3h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from New Plymouth 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
InterCity
Bus
Average Duration
6h  25m
Estimated price
$38-66
Recommended
route map
Distance: 216 km
Duration: 3h 40m

See more options

Company
InterCity
Bus
Average Duration
6h  50m
Estimated price
$38-66
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  44m
Estimated price
$50-75
Company
Air New Zealand
Plane
Average Duration
3h  53m
Estimated price
$156-334
Company
various
Plane
Taxi
Average Duration
3h  40m
Estimated price
$325-502
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Traveling From New Plymouth to Rotorua

Experiencing the stunning coastal views and surf culture of New Plymouth shifts dramatically to Rotorua’s volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders, offering you a rich blend of nature’s beauty.

Best Neighbourhoods in Rotorua

Rotorua offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and experiences.

Government Gardens
• Home to geothermal parks and stunning gardens.
• Close to the Rotorua Museum and lakefront.
Fenton Street
• Convenient access to local restaurants and hotels.
• Ideal for visiting geothermal attractions.
Ohinemutu
• Renowned for its rich Māori culture and history.
• Features beautiful lakeside views and traditional architecture.

Best Times To Visit Rotorua's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Rotorua.

Te Puia
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds and a serene atmosphere.
Wai-O-Tapu
Plan your visit on weekdays to enjoy the vibrant color displays with fewer tourists.
Redwood Forest
Explore in the early morning or late evening for cooler temperatures and tranquil hikes.

Rotorua Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Rotorua experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination for travelers. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant, enhancing your outdoor adventures and geothermal explorations.

Dining Recommendation in Rotorua

Try the traditional Hangi at the Mitai Maori Village, where food is steamed in an underground oven, celebrating Rotorua’s rich Maori culture. This dining experience not only introduces you to unique flavors rooted in local ingredients but also immerses you in an authentic atmosphere that's quite different from New Plymouth's coastal cuisine.

New Plymouth - Rotorua operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+64 9 583 5780
Website
https://www.intercity.co.nz/

Bus from Fitzroy to Hamilton - Central

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
38-66

Bus from Hamilton - Central to Rotorua

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
38-66

Bus from New Plymouth Boys High STUDENTS ONLY to Hamilton - Central

Average Duration
4h 10m
Estimated price
35-70
Plane
Website
airnewzealand.com

Plane from New Plymouth (NPL) to Rotorua (ROT)

Average Duration
4h 23m
Estimated price
380-385

Plane from New Plymouth (NPL) to Tauranga (TRG)

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
383-384
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Contact phone
+64 7 578 7878
Website
taurangataxi.co.nz

Other from Tauranga to Rotorua

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
50-75

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from New Plymouth to Rotorua.

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The distance between New Plymouth and Rotorua is approximately 215.7 km by road and 300.1 km by air. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. If you fly to Tauranga and then take a taxi, the trip can take around 3 hours and 40 minutes. Flying directly from New Plymouth to Rotorua takes slightly longer, around 3 hours and 53 minutes. If you prefer driving, it takes about 3 hours and 44 minutes by car. Taking a bus is the longest option, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from New Plymouth to Rotorua is by bus, which costs around $35-$65 and takes approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes. However, if time is a priority and cost is less of a concern, the quickest way to reach Rotorua is by flying and taking a taxi, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 40 minutes and a cost ranging from $320-$500.
The price of a bus ticket between Rotorua and New Plymouth can range from $37 to $63.
To get from New Plymouth to Rotorua without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 299.3 km and takes around 3 hours and 44 minutes. The cost of travel by car can vary, with prices ranging from $50 to $75.
The quickest and most convenient way to travel from New Plymouth to Rotorua without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes and tickets range from $35 to $65.
There is no direct link between New Plymouth and Rotorua. However, there are bus services available with transfers, taking approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes. The journey includes departing from Fitzroy station in New Plymouth, transferring at Hamilton - Central, and arriving at Rotorua station. The bus services are operated by InterCity.
The flight duration between New Plymouth and Rotorua, with one stopover, is typically around 2 hours and 35 minutes. However, please note that there are no direct flights from New Plymouth to Tauranga Airport, so a layover will be necessary. The cost of a flight between Rotorua and New Plymouth can range from $155 to $332, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Rotorua with over 313 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $82 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly and luxury options.