Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty

New Zealand

New Zealand Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley

Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley

Why visit Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty

Captain Cook named the Bay of Plenty when he cruised past in 1769, and plentiful it remains. Blessed with sunshine and sand, the bay stretches from Waihi Beach in the west to Opotiki in the east, with the holiday hubs of Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Whakatane in between.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your New Zealand trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

New Zealand's North Island: 11 Days in Auckland and Rotorua

11 days / 10 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Entering the world of Middle Earth on an immersive “The Lord of the Rings” Hobbiton set visit
  2. 2 Ziplining through the treetops on a thrilling canopy tour
  3. 3 Soaring over the thermal lakes and geothermal gems of Rotorua
from $6,500

per person

book this trip see trip details

Explore more trips

  • New Zealand: 11 Days in Stargazing in Wairarapa
    New Zealand

    11 days / 10 nights

    New Zealand: 11 Days in Stargazing in Wairarapa

    FROM $6,500

    per person

    See Trip Details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty

Discover the best attractions in Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty

Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty and beyond

View all