to help you plan your journey we have compiled a list of the most common transport options used to get to and from Rotorua.
Flights (Auckland ↔ Rotorua)
Rotorua Airport (ROT) has daily direct flights to and from Auckland, making flying one of the quickest ways to reach the conference venue. Flights take about 45 minutes each way.
- Air New Zealand operate regular services between Auckland Airport and Rotorua Airport.
- From the airport in Rotorua, it’s a short 10 minute taxi/uber to the city centre and the Millennium.
- https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/flights/en-nz/flights-from-auckland-to-rotorua
InterCity Coaches (Bus)
InterCity runs regular coach services between Rotorua and Auckland (and other major North Island centres).
- Rotorua ↔ Auckland (city centre): ~4 hours by bus.
- Rotorua ↔ Manukau Bus Exchange. This bus usualy departs Manukau Bus Exchange at 8.55am and gets to Rotorua at 1pm. If people are staying at an Auckland airport hotel the Manukau Bus Exchange is the best option but you need to get a taxi/uber there as there is no bus option connecting the Manukau Bus Exchange with the airport.
- Coaches depart daily and can be booked online.
- Buses usually depart from central Rotorua (e.g., the i-SITE on Fenton Street) which is only a few blocks from the Millennium so people could walk unless they have a lot of baggage or mobility issues
- https://www.intercity.co.nz/north-island-buses/bus-auckland-to-rotorua
- The cost ranges from $48-67 incl GST (there cheaper seats if you book early) and there is a $5.50 web booking fee.
Driving & Car Rental
- Rotorua is approximately 230 km (3 h) from Auckland by road.
- Driving yourself (or with colleagues in a rental car) gives maximum flexibility for arrival and departure times.
- Auckland (AKL) and Rotorua (ROT) Airports feature several major car rental companies, with Avis, Budget, Europcar, Ezi, and Hertz operating at both locations
Local Transport in Rotorua
Once in Rotorua:
- Airport ⇄ city centre: short taxi, Uber or shuttle ride (approx. 10 min). https://www.rotorua-airport.co.nz/rental-cars-and-transport-options/
- Public buses (Bay Bus / CityRide): frequent routes including between Rotorua Airport and downtown