19 Taupō to Rotorua Attractions to Visit (+ Suggested 1-Day Driving Itinerary)

Take a road trip from Taupō to Rotorua and experience a journey of volcanic discovery, culture, and adventure! From the crystal blue waters of Lake Taupō to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, a road trip between these two towns offers an unforgettable journey of volcanic discovery.

Having lived in Taupō for twenty years, I’ve driven the route from Taupō to Rotorua a few hundred times (at least!). I know it so well I could do it blindfolded, so buckle up with me and let’s hit the road as we take an exciting tour of some of the most incredible attractions between Taupō and Rotorua!

Quick Facts About the Drive from Taupō to Rotorua

Planning a trip to the stunningly beautiful region of Taupō and Rotorua in New Zealand? Here are some quick facts about the drive between these two cities to know before your journey:

Location: Central North Island & Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Distance: 80 kilometres / 50 miles (CBD to CBD)
Time: 1 hour (no stops) / A full day with stops

The below map shows you all the points of interest along this 80-kilometre route – from natural wonders such as hot springs, to cultural sites like historic Māori villages. Keep scrolling for more detailed information about each site!

19 Points of Interest Between Taupō and Rotorua to Stop At & Explore

Below is a comprehensive list of all the exciting points of interest to see between the popular tourist destinations of Taupō and Rotorua, in order of location.

From natural wonders such as hot springs and geothermal pools, to cultural sites like historic Māori villages and local arts and craft, this route has something for everyone.

Keep reading to find out more about each site or check out the map above for an overview!

📸 Huka Falls

Huka Falls is a must-stop location on the journey from Taupō to Rotorua. The waterfall is an impressive 8 metres high, and is one of the most powerful falls in New Zealand. Its unique blue-greenish colour is formed by highly mineralised volcanic waters, creating an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon visible from the lookout point.

Admission Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: Carpark gates open 8am to 5.30pm (winter) or 6pm (summer).

📸 Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon is an incredible geothermal wonderland featuring unique, intricate volcanic formations. Located just off Wairakei Drive between Taupō and Rotorua, Craters of the Moon provides a mesmerising immersive experience of nature’s power and beauty. Its bubbling pools, steaming vents and moon-like landscape make it a truly unique destination to visit on any trip to Taupō. The full circuit walk (including the upper walkway) takes about an hour to complete. Admission costs $10 per adult and NZD5 per child, with family passes available. Open 364 days of the year (excl. Christmas Day) from 9.30am to 5pm.

Admission Fee: NZD10 (adult), NZD5 (child). Family passes available.
Opening Hours: Every day (excl. Christmas Day) from 9.30am to 5pm.

📸 Huka Honey Hive

Huka Honey Hive is an educational and interactive centre offering the chance to get up close and personal with native bees in a safe and enjoyable environment. Their self-guided tours offer both indoor and outdoor experiences, with plenty of opportunity to try locally sourced and produced honey, skincare products and mead! It’s a completely free experience, and the owners’ passionate ethical and sustainable focus shows through in their educational facility.

Admission Fee: FREE (but spend as much as you like in the shop!)
Opening Hours: 7 days until 5pm

📸 Huka Prawn Park

Huka Prawn Park is the only geothermally heated prawn breeding park in the world. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience of prawn fishing (offered again from late 2023) and learn about the lifecycle of prawns, from egg to adults. The park offers guided tours for NZD15 with experienced guides that help visitors understand the fascinating world of prawns. Visitors can explore the nursery and hatchery, hand-feed the prawns, get active with watersports like stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating on the ponds, and enjoy delicious meals cooked with fresh-caught prawns.

Admission Fee: NZD27.50 (adults), NZD15 (children). Family deals available. Guided tours for NZD15.
Opening Hours: Park open every weekend, 9am to 3pm. Restaurant open Friday to Tuesday, 9am to 3pm.

📸 Huka Falls Jet

The Huka Falls Jet is an exciting experience where you get to experience Huka Falls up close and personal from that kiwi favourite, the jet boat. Here, visitors can board a jet boat and take a thrilling 30-minute ride up the Waikato River to the base of Huka Falls. As the boat zooms its way along the Waikato River at speeds of up to 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour, it gets within inches of high cliffs and the riverbank and provides passengers with stomach-dropping 360-degree turns.

Admission Fee: NZD129 (adults), NZD89 (children), from NZD347 (family package).
Opening Hours: Every day 9am to 5.30pm.

📸 Lava Glass Cafe

One of the more spectacular art galleries in Taupō, the Lava Glass Studio & Cafe is a perfect spot for those travelling from Taupō to Rotorua to stop and refresh. Artists Lynden Over and Christine Robb first started the studio in 2002 and are a well-known fixture in Taupō. See the process and the artists in action in the glassblowing studio and take a walk through the sculpture garden full of over 600 individually crafted glass artworks. The shop has a wide range of gorgeous locally-inspired pieces such as vases, paperweights, bowls, lighting fixtures and sculptures available for purchase (overseas shipping available!), whilst the cafe menu offers a variety of delicious, freshly prepared meals made with local ingredients, along with a selection of sweet treats and excellent coffee.

Admission Fee: Shop & Gallery FREE. Glassblowing studio & sculpture garden tour NZD20 per person.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am to 5pm (cafe closes at 4.30pm).

📸 Aratiatia Rapids & Dam

The Aratiatia Rapids and Dam is a breathtaking sight to behold and should not be missed for anyone travelling from Taupō to Rotorua. Located off State Highway 5 on Aratiatia Road, this manmade wonder features an impressive dam which controls the flow of water spilling from Lake Taupō and down the Waikato River. At 10am, 12pm, 2pm (and in summer, 4pm) every day (time your departure accordingly), the gates open and send a huge surge of water flowing down into the canyon below, creating a series of spectacular rapids and providing visitors with a truly remarkable spectacle. Watch the release from the road bridge, or take a short 5 minute walk to the rapids viewpoint.

Admission Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: Dam releases 10am, 12pm, 2pm. Extra opening at 4pm in summer.

📸 Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park is one of the more unique natural wonders along the journey from Taupō to Rotorua. In a landscape which is full of volcanic craters and thermal vents, Orakei Korako features New Zealand’s only geothermal cave, one of only two known geothermal caves in the world! But the wonders don’t stop there. The site has been touted as the best thermal area in New Zealand and rightly so with up to 23 naturally active geysers in the complex and perhaps the largest silica terraces remaining in the world today (since the destruction of the famous Pink & White Terraces at Mt Tarawera in 1886). Bring your camera and some sturdy (covered) walking shoes, a full tour of this landmark will take 2 hours.

Admission Fee: NZD47 (adults). NZD21 (children).
Opening Hours: Every day (excl. Christmas) from 8am to 4pm.

📸 Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a highly-rated geological wonder, located back on State Highway 5 about 25 minutes from Rotorua. One of New Zealand’s most colourful geothermal attractions, this site sits atop one of the largest geothermal areas in the country and on the historic site of an ancient mud volcano. Boasting the usual geothermal features of steam vents, mud pools and geysers, a visitor favourite is the colourful Champagne Pool so-named because of the effect of carbon dioxide gas which keeps the water bubbling like a glass of champagne.

Admission Fee: NZD32.50 (adults), NZD11 (children). Family packages available.
Opening Hours: Friday to Tuesday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

📸 Lady Knox Geyser

The Lady Knox Geyser is an incredible sight to behold, located at the Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland facility approximately 25 minutes south of Rotorua. This geyser is one of the only in the world that is guaranteed to erupt on time (10.15am daily) because it can be triggered by adding a surfactant to the vent which causes the surface tension of the water to break. With a potential to erupt up to 20 metres in good conditions it attracts the crowds, so you’ll need to arrive in plenty of time to see it. It’s a short drive from the main visitor centre, and you’ll need to buy your ticket first, so I recommend arriving 20-30 minutes beforehand to secure a carpark and a seat.

Admission Fee: Free With Wai-O-Tapu Admission.
Opening Hours: Geyser eruption daily at 10.15am.

📸 Wai-O-Tapu Mud Pool

If you want to experience the wonder of Wai-O-Tapu but don’t want to pay the admission charges (although it is well worth it to explore the park) then head to the Wai-O-Tapu mud pool instead. Located just off Wai-O-Tapu Loop road it’s completely free to see, and is just a short stop off the main route. Experience the telltale sulphuric smell and pop of the mud as it boils and bubbles away in a large crater, surrounded by the hint of native bush in a small scalded crater. A short walk actually gives you a pretty good view and will wow the kids. Admission free.

Admission Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours.

📸 Kerosene Creek

Kerosene Creek is naturally heated stream and waterfall located just off State Highway 5 just a short drive south of rainbow Mountain. Its clear waters are geothermally warmed by a hot spring deep beneath the Earth’s surface and surrounded by lush green ferns and native vegetation for privacy. Best of all, it’s completely free to enjoy making it perhaps one of the best free attractions on the drive from Taupō to Rotorua. Hot pools such as this are known for their healing and therapeutic properties but make sure not to put your head under the water. This site is not monitored or well-lit, so visit during the daytime and take all your valuables with you.

Admission Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours (but daylight recommended).

📸 Rainbow Mountain

Mount Kakaramea (or Rainbow Mountain) is located directly on State Highway 5 just by the intersection with State Highway 38. Meaning ‘mountain of coloured earth’ this is one of the only geothermally active mountains in New Zealand and although it’s cooled substantially in recent years there’s still plenty of evidence left of its violent volcanic past. Particularly spectacular is the abundance of native vegetation here which is unique to geothermal areas. Explore the mountain with either a short walk to the two main craters set against a backdrop of the red, white and brown steaming cliffs, or take the longer 1.5 hour climb to the summit for sweeping views over the Central Plateau. Parking limited.

Admission Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours (but daylight recommended).

📸 Waimangu Volcanic Valley

As the world’s youngest geothermal system, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a relatively new attraction to the Taupō Volcanic Zone and offers unique geological features including craters, hot springs, and fumaroles. It’s the only geothermal park in New Zealand which remains unaltered by man, due to its importance as a scientific research area following the 1886 Tarawera eruption which created it. There are plenty of options available to explore this unique area including hiking trails and a volcanic boat tour. For the full experience, allow 3-4 hours to walk the full Waimangu hiking trail past famous Frying Pan lake and Inferno Crater to the jetty at Lake Rotomahana where you’ll board a boat to explore geothermally active bays and rediscover the famous Pink & White Terraces (destroyed by the Mt Tarawera eruption). Return to the carpark by shuttle bus.

Admission Fee: Self-guided hiking tour from NZD44 (adults), All-inclusive hiking & boat tour from NZD89 (adults).
Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30am.

📸 Te Pā Tū Maori Village

Te Pā Tū Māori Village (formerly known as Tamaki Māori Village) is the only cultural stop on the drive between Taupō and Rotorua. Sharing Māori history, traditions, and future aspirations across four hours of celebration and feasting, this twilight and evening experience offers visitors the chance to experience traditional Māori culture up close and personal, complete with a traditional welcoming ceremony (pōwhiri), kapa haka performance (traditional stories taught through dancing and chanting) in the natural forest amphitheatre, followed by a traditional and locally-sourced meal prepared in customary form and enjoyed al fresco (if weather permits) or in the wharekai (traditional dining hall).

Admission Fee: NZD250 (adults), NZD105 children. Family packages available.
Opening Hours: Experiences start at 6.15pm daily.

📸 Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua

Forest bathing at its finest, Secret Spot Hot Tubs just outside of Rotorua offers visitors an opportunity to sit back and relax in cozy cedar hot tubs filled with spring-sourced and heated water from a local aquifer amongst a lush native New Zealand bush setting. The hot tubs make a perfect spot for soaking tired muscles after an adventure-filled day on the biking and hiking trails or for soaking in the nighttime tranquillity of the forest at dusk. The secluded setting makes it ideal for couples who want to enjoy a romantic evening, or small groups to sit back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. Drinks can be delivered directly to the hot tub, and there is also a well-equipped cafe and bar on-site in a delightful garden setting which also hosts live outdoor music most Saturdays.

Admission Fee: from NZD39 (1 person) per session.
Opening Hours: Open 9am to 10pm daily. Last booking 9pm.

📸 Mountain Bike Rotorua

Gateway to gateway to both Whakarewarewa and Redwood Forests as well as the Skyline Gravity Park (the world’s first gondola-accessed MTB park), Mountain Bike Rotorua is your one-stop shop for exploring the tracks and trails of the Rotorua region. Run by a team of local and passionate professionals, you can rest assured you’ll be well looked after whatever your age and experience levels. With bikes available for hire, and plenty of local advice available, this is a great place for any keen adventure enthusiast to stop on their visit to Rotorua.

📸 Te Puia

A stop at Te Puia is an absolute must for any visitor to New Zealand, let alone Rotorua. Featuring the largest naturally-active geyser in the southern hemisphere, the Pohutu geyser, Te Puia has been a longstanding tourist attraction in Rotorua for decades. Although there are plenty of geothermal attractions to enjoy on your guided tour, a host of new experiences have also been added including demonstrations from traditional carvers and weavers at the on-site NZ Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, and getting up close and personal with New Zealand’s most famous bird, the kiwi, at the brand new Kiwi Conservation Centre. Although daytime tours are popular, I highly recommend experiencing a nighttime Te Pō Indigenous Tour which features a traditional buffet and Māori kapa haka performance in addition to a nighttime tour of the park and its famous geyser.

Admission Fee: Day tours from NZD75 (adults), Night tours from NZD144 (adults). Family packages available.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm.

📸 Rotorua Redwoods Park

Finish your drive from Taupō to Rotorua with a trip to the Rotorua Redwoods Park. This 5,600 hectare park consists of towering Californian Coast Redwood trees (amongst other species), providing visitors with a peaceful atmosphere to explore on foot or on two wheels, alone, or with the extended family and four-legged friends. Visitors can take advantage of the vast network of tracks and trails in the park ranging from short and easy strolls to longer multi-hour adventures. A popular attraction in the park is the Treewalk, a 700m suspended walkway enjoyed either during the day or spectacularly illuminated at night. For the more adventurous, perhaps try Redwoods Altitude, a guided treetop adventure taking you up to 25 metres into the canopy where you’ll climb and zipline your way through the treetops on an exhilarating course.

Admission Fee: Park entry FREE, Treewalk from NZD40 (adults), Altitude from NZD139 (adults).
Opening Hours: Park gates open 9am to 10pm

Where to Stay in Taupō

Best Budget Option: YHA Taupō Finlay Jack’s Backpackers

Located right in the heart of Taupō CBD and close to everything, Finlay Jack’s has been a favourite with budget travellers for many years. With private rooms and pod-style bunks available, there’s something for any kind of traveller. Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities are clean and well kept, and the helpful staff will assist with all your needs. Click here for more info and to book your stay at Finlay Jack’s Backpackers.

Best Mid-Range Option: Bellevue Boutique Lodge

If you’re looking for a cosy place to rest your head with spectacular lake views, you can’t beat the Bellevue Boutique Lodge in scenic Acacia Bay. With large, comfortable rooms (even featuring fireplaces), private bathrooms, and its own restaurant, this colonial-style villa high on the Acacia Bay hill is a true gem. Enjoy a picnic in the immaculate gardens, and use this as your home-away-from-home base whilst you visit the Central Plateau. Click here for more info and to book your stay at Bellevue Boutique Lodge.

Best Luxury Option: Sacred Waters Taupō

This luxury two bedroom penthouse apartment is absolute lakefront which means you’ll get uninterrupted views in prime location. Well-appointed with modern fit out, there’s a spacious balcony, full kitchen and even a thermal hot tub for an evening soak as you gaze out at the city lights. Click here for more info and to book your stay at Sacred Waters Taupō.

Where to Stay in Rotorua

Best Budget Option: All Seasons Holiday Park

For a cheap and friendly option in Rotorua you can’t go any further than the All Seasons Holiday Park. This family-friendly environment features warm and dry rooms with shared facilities to keep costs down. Plus, it has all the advantages any holiday park should, such as a swimming pool and childrens’ playground. Click here for more info and to book your stay at the All Seasons Holiday Park.

Best Mid-Range Option: Regal Palms Resort

With hot tubs in many of the studios, the Regal Palms Resort is a place you can relax and chill out during your Rotorua stay. Highly rated for its family-friendly facilities such as mini golf, table tennis, a pool and proximity to the local mountain bike trails, this is great bang for your buck. Clean and tidy facilities and friendly staff are the cherry on top. Click here to find out more and book your stay at the Regal Palms Resort.

Best Luxury Option: On the Point Lake Rotorua

There’s really no need to leave your room at On the Point when you arrive, with everything you need on site and ready for your stay. Comfortable and luxuriously-appointed suite rooms are complemented with gorgeous gardens, an on-site restaurant for fine dining, gym, in-house spa & massage treatments, and a tennis court. But all the top attractions are right on the doorstep too. Click here for more info and to book your stay at On the Point Lake Rotorua.

Taupō to Rotorua: Suggested 1-Day Trip Itinerary

Because there’s so much to see and do along the way, you probably won’t have time to squeeze it all in. So here’s my suggested itinerary for how to see as many of the top sights along the drive from Taupō to Rotorua in a single day.

Note: Items marked with (**) could be skipped if you need to make up some time.

1-Day Driving Itinerary – Taupō to Rotorua
8AM – Depart Taupō Accommodation
drive 10 mins
8.15AM – Huka Falls Short Walk to Upper Lookout (30 mins)
drive – 10 mins
9AM – Breakfast at Lava Glass Cafe (45 mins)
drive – 5 mins
**10AM – Aratiatia Dam Opening (30 mins)
drive – 25 mins
11AM – Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave (2 hours)
drive – 30 mins
1.30PM – Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Short Walk (1.5 hours)¹
drive – 5 mins
**3.15PM – Quick Dip at Kerosene Creek (30 mins)
drive – 5 mins
3.50PM – Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve (30 mins)
drive – 15 mins
4.45PM – Waimangu Volcanic Valley Highlights Walk (1 hour)
drive – 10 mins
6PM – Te Pā Tū (4 hours)
drive – 15 mins
10.30PM – Arrive Rotorua Accommodation²

¹ If you need to make up some time (or save some money), you could just visit the Wai-O-Tapu Mudpool instead of doing the full tour. This will save you about an hour if you’re running short on time or would rather spend some more time soaking at Kerosene Creek.

² Make sure to arrange a late check-in with your Rotorua accommodation as you won’t be arriving until well after 10pm!

Self Drive in Your Own Car or Hire a Rental Car

The best way to complete the trip from Taupō to Rotorua is by self-driving in your own car or hiring a rental car. Self-driving will allow you to choose your own route and explore attractions along the way at your own pace.

Although there are buses that operate along this route, most of them are point-to-point services, not tourist services which stop and wait whilst you explore the attractions.

If you don’t have your own private vehicle, I recommend renting a car with Discover Cars. They have a wide range of cars available for hire, and they offer easy booking with free cancellation and 24/7 support.

If you’re travelling in a motorhome, bear in mind that this is a popular tourist driving route and you’ll come across a lot of other motorhomes and campervans along the way. The larger tourist sites (such as Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia) have plenty of parking for motorhomes and caravans, but smaller sites (such as Rainbow Mountain and Kerosene Creek) have smaller carparks. Be prepared to change your plans accordingly.

Taupō to Rotorua FAQs

Final Thoughts: Taupō to Rotorua Travel

The drive from Taupō to Rotorua is one of the most scenic routes in New Zealand, and has plenty of interesting points of interest along the way. From hot springs and boiling mud pools to world-famous geysers and mountain hikes, there’s something for everyone on this journey.

Whether you drive yourself or take a bus, it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience that will leave lasting memories. So why not make your next holiday destination a road trip between these two North Island cities? You won’t regret it!