Weather in Rotorua

About Rotorua

Rotorua steams and sputters, its thermal pools and geysers bursting from the earth in clouds of silica and sulphur. The Māori people have thrived here for centuries, their culture intimately interwoven with the land's volcanic energy.

Country

New Zealand

Best months to visit

January, February

Currency

NZD

Language

English, Māori

Things to do in Rotorua

See Pohutu Geyser erupt Soak in hot springs Visit Māori cultural experiences Hike through thermal reserves Mountain bike the redwoods Fish in geothermally-heated lakes

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

February

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

March

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

April

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

May

15C

Cool, with some rainy days.

June

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

July

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

August

12C

Cool, with some rainy days.

September

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

October

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

November

19C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

December

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Rotorua sits atop one of the most geothermally active areas on earth, its streets occasionally drifting with the smell of sulphur from bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers. The city is also a centre of Maori culture, with cultural performances, hangi feasts and the historic Whakarewarewa village offering insight into the area's living traditions alongside the dramatic geothermal landscape.

Best areas to stay in Rotorua

Te Puia & Whakarewarewa

A geothermal reserve and living Maori village, home to the Pohutu Geyser and traditional carving and weaving schools.

Kuirau Park

A free public park in the city centre with bubbling mud pools, steaming craters and foot-soaking pools.

Lake Rotorua & the Waterfront

The lakefront promenade with views to Mokoia Island, popular for walks and boat trips.

Redwoods (Whakarewarewa Forest)

A towering redwood forest with walking trails, treetop canopy walks and mountain bike tracks.

Getting to Rotorua

✈

Flights

Fly into Rotorua Airport via Auckland, or drive around 3 hours from Auckland.

⏱

From London

~26-30 hours from London including connections.

🚕

Getting around

The city centre is compact and walkable; a hire car is useful for reaching geothermal parks and the Redwoods forest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Rotorua?

The geothermal attractions and Maori cultural experiences are enjoyable year-round; summer (December-February) adds warm weather for the lakes and outdoor activities.

What is the smell in Rotorua?

Sulphur from the area's extensive geothermal activity — it's most noticeable near the geysers and mud pools but fades quickly once you're away from them.

What is a hangi?

A traditional Maori method of cooking food in an earth oven, often served as part of an evening cultural performance and feast for visitors.

What geothermal sites are worth visiting?

Te Puia (home to the Pohutu Geyser), Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with its colourful Champagne Pool, and Kuirau Park, a free geothermal park in the city centre.

Is Rotorua good for adventure activities?

Yes — the Redwoods forest has mountain biking and treetop walks, and the lakes nearby offer kayaking, fishing and the Tamaki Maori Village experience.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The Te Puia evening experience with the geyser, cultural performance and hangi dinner was a brilliant introduction to Maori culture and the geothermal landscape.

Leo K. · March 2024

★★★★★

Wai-O-Tapu's Champagne Pool was even more colourful than the photos. Go early to avoid the tour bus crowds at the main viewpoints.

Aroha N. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Mountain biked through the Redwoods forest and it was excellent, well-signed trails for all levels. The smell of sulphur in town takes some getting used to.

Pete S. · January 2024