Visiting New Zealand’s North Island, or eager to explore your own backyard a bit more? A fun, easy road trip from Tauranga to Rotorua awaits!
Home to one of the most beloved beaches in the country, Tauranga is a metropolitan coastal city that offers everything from exciting watersports to boutique shopping and harbour-side relaxing.
An hour South, Rotorua is known for its characteristic geothermal activity, immersive Māori culture experiences, and thrilling adventure activities.
Gather your crew or go solo and discover the best things to do between Tauranga and Rotorua!
How far is it from Tauranga to Rotorua?
There are two main routes from Tauranga to Rotorua — inland on SH 36 or along the coast on SH 2. Each route takes around one hour, depending on traffic. This guide covers the best stops along both popular paths.
Distance from Tauranga to Rotorua
- Tauranga to Rotorua route via State Highway 36: 62.8km (1 hour)
- Tauranga to Rotorua route via State Highway 2 & 33: 79.2 km (1 hour 5 mins)
Tauranga to Rotorua bus guide
If you’re on a budget, hopping on a direct bus from Tauranga to Rotorua is one of the cheapest ways to get there.
InterCity has up to four morning departure times daily, with the scenic bus routes typically taking around 1 hour and 35 minutes. Rotorua buses depart from Elizabeth Street and arrive at Tourism Rotorua. InterCity bus ticket prices range from $20 – $40. For up-to-date information, please check the official website.
Best stops on the way from Tauranga to Rotorua via SH 36
Waimarino Adventure Park
Image credit: waimarino.com
Want some fun in the water with family or friends? Bring sunblock, swimsuits, and a picnic, and visit Waimarino Adventure Park. Take on The Blob (New Zealand’s largest human catapult!), go rock climbing, bounce on floating trampolines and zip down the only kayak slide in the country.
Address: 36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3176
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
McLaren Falls Park
Image credit: tripideas.nz
Just a 20-minute drive from Tauranga, McLaren Falls Park is one of the best botanical collections in the North Island, offering gentle walks at your own pace through lush greenery and along the lake. Follow the waterfall route, and you’ll be rewarded with the spectacular sight of glow worms.
Address: 190 McLaren Falls Road, Omanawa 3171
Monday – Sunday: 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM (07:30 PM in summer)
Marshalls Animal Park
Image credit: unomagazine.co.nz
Within McLaren Falls Park, you’ll also find Marshalls Animal Park, home to 35 acres full of friendly animals. Children will love racing down the flying foxes and bottle-feeding lambs, kids, and piglets.
Address: 140 McLaren Falls Rd, Tauranga
Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 04:30 PM
School and public holidays: 10:00 AM – 04:30 PM
Adrenalin Forest Bay of Plenty
Image credit: tectpark.co.nz
Adrenalin Forest is an adventure-packed climbing park situated in TECT All Terrain Park. You’ll have three hours to explore as many aerial pathways as you want, climbing amongst the trees with ropes, crossing bridges and zipping down the flying fox. Bookings are essential.
Address: Weld Road, Tauranga 6001
Summer: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM (opening days vary, check website)
Winter: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM (opening days vary, check website)
Best stops on the way from Tauranga to Rotorua via SH 2 and SH 33
Pilot Bay Beach
Image credit: @jmanyphotography
On the western side of Mount Maunganui lies Pilot Bay Beach. Whether you’re in the mood for relaxation or excitement, this calm-watered bay delivers. Grab an ice cream and stroll along the Tauranga harbour, or try your luck and fish off the jetty. Alternatively, get adventurous and hire a kayak or a jet ski.
Address: Pilot Bay Beach, Mount Maunganui
Baywave Aquatic Centre
Image credit: Baywave Aquatic Centre
Located near Tauranga Airport, the Baywave Aquatic Centre features a 25-metre lap pool, children’s pools, spas and massage therapy services — plus the biggest wave pool in New Zealand! Kids will find hours of entertainment at the Aqua Play Station, which boasts three water slides, water guns, a tipping water bucket, and water fountains galore.
Address: Corner Girven Road & Gloucester Rd, Bayfair, Mount Maunganui
Monday – Friday: 06:00 AM – 08:45 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 07:00 AM – 08:45 PM
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve
Image credit: Pseudopanax (Wikimedia)
20km out from Rotorua, you’ll find Okere Falls, a beautiful reserve with an easy walking track amongst lush native bush — the perfect place to stretch your legs on your road trip. Follow the well-maintained track for 30 minutes, and take in the Kaituna River, the Tutea Caves and four glorious waterfalls. Explore more Rototua walks and hikes.
Address: 18 Okere Falls Road, Okere Falls
Things to do once you reach Rotorua
Skyline Rotorua
Now that you’ve arrived in Rotorua, let the good times continue! What better way to get acquainted with the city than taking a scenic Gondola ride at Skyline Rotorua? Enjoy incredible views of the vibrant city, Lake Rotorua, and natural geothermal wonders. Or, ramp up the excitement on the Rotorua Zipline, fly in the air with the Skyswing or ride on the iconic Luge!
Address: 178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: Check website for details
Tikitere – Hell’s Gate
Image credit: top10.co.nz
Experience New Zealand’s most unique active geothermal area. Located between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, Hell’s Gate is a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre along SH 30. Visitors love to bathe in the nutrient-rich waters and mud to ease aching muscles and rejuvenate the skin.
Address: 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Whakarewarewa
Image credit: whakarewarewa.com
Spend a day learning about Aotearoa’s Māori Culture at Whakarewarewa, a small village that uses geothermal resources to cook and bathe as they have for centuries past. Take a guided village tour, experience cultural performances or indulge in delicious hangi-cooked kai.
Address: 17 Tryon Street Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 08:30 AM – 04:00 PM
Frequently asked questions about the drive from Tauranga to Rotorua
How long does it take to drive from Rotorua to Tauranga?
Both routes (State Highway 36 and State Highway 2 & 33) take about an hour. These are the quickest routes available and offer plenty to do along the way.
Are there toll roads on the way from Tauranga to Rotorua?
Yes. The common State Highway 36 and State Highway 2 & 33 routes are toll roads, or connect to toll roads. The NZTA website has more information on the toll fees and locations.
For a free alternative to the toll road on SH2, drive from Tauranga to Rotorua via Te Puke Highway. For an alternative to the Takitimu Drive Toll Road, go through Cameron Road, or through Cambridge and Moffat Road.
Is 1 day enough in Rotorua?
Yes, you can still fit plenty of activities and sightseeing into one day in the Sulphur City. We recommend immersing yourself in Te Puia, visiting Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and satisfying your thirst for adventure at Skyline.
Ready to explore more hidden gems of the North Island?
Whether you’re looking for the fastest drive possible or going on a leisurely journey through the North Island, we hope our Tauranga to Rotorua road trip ideas inspire you. Visit the Skyline blog for more attractions and activities in New Zealand.
Looking to discover the best of Rotorua? Check out our guides to the best date ideas for couples, or plan your whole stay with our full Rotorua itinerary.
Featured image credit: mountwaterbikes.co.nz