0%
Boardwalk and steaming volcanic scenery in Rotorua New Zealand

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth Holidays


new zealand & the pacific
Rotorua, Waitomo, and New Plymouth holidays offer stunning scenery and a diverse range of activities. This central part of the North Island is renowned for its natural wonders, cultural experiences, and ever-changing landscapes.

From the dramatic volcanic slopes of Mount Taranaki to the rich Maori heritage and geothermal activity of Rotorua, the region is packed with highlights. Nearby Waitomo is world-famous for its magical glowworm caves, while fans of The Lord of the Rings can enjoy a visit to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, a must-see attraction for many visitors.

Offering some of New Zealand’s most popular sights, these wonderful destinations are easy to combine with wider North Island itineraries and are the perfect addition to your New Zealand experience.

Trailfinders is the UK's No.1 for New Zealand holidays*

and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore New Zealand on a fly drive holiday, aboard the famous TranzAlpine railway, a sociable guided group tour, or are looking for advice on how to combine New Zealand with Australia or the Pacific– they are the perfect people to ask.

*by volume of clients to New Zealand as confirmed by the national tourist board, Tourism New Zealand, in September 2025.
Speak to a New Zealand Expert
01 881 4986
Expert Travel Consultants

Order your New Zealand & the Pacific brochure

order a brochure
0

Sorry no address found, click here to enter manually

newsletter signup Offers and News

Enjoy access to our latest offers, travel inspiration and news

OUR HOLIDAYS TO ROTORUA, WAITOMO & NEW PLYMOUTH

Here’s a snapshot of some of our most popular New Zealand holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
New Zealand Wonderland
Luxury Guided Group Journey
17 days / 16 nights

Explore New Zealand’s highlights over 17 days, from north to south.

Guide Price: €8,669 £7,195 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
North Island Highlights
Fly Drive Holiday
18 days / 17 nights

From exciting Auckland to the cultured capital of Wellington, via beautiful coastal towns and fabulous vineyards and accompanied by stunning scenery along the way, this varied journey encompasses the main highlights of the beautiful North Island.

Guide Price: €5,549 £4,229 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
Best of New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
24 days / 23 nights

Covering both North and South Island highlights, this journey showcases the best of what this magnificent country has to offer.

Guide Price: €7,179 £5,599 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
North Island Less Travelled
Fly Drive Holiday
8 days / 7 nights

Ideal for second time visitors and intrepid road-trippers, the scenic north west coast is a haven for nature lovers and rewards those who travel here with stunning rural scenery.

Guide Price: €1,879 £1,599 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
Kia Ora New Zealand
Motorhome
22 days / 21 nights

A motorhome holiday is a wonderful way to explore the contrasting landscapes of New Zealand.

Guide Price: €4,249 £3,199 pp

VIEW MORE ❯
Unique & Boutique New Zealand
Fly Drive Holiday
27 days / 26 nights

Thoughtfully picked for their character, intimate size and warm bespoke service, this unforgettable journey pairs New Zealand’s iconic sights with its most charming and memorable properties.

Guide Price: €9,849 £8,049 pp

VIEW MORE ❯

WHERE TO GO IN ROTORUA, WAITOMO & NEW PLYMOUTH

Each area of the fantastic region boasts its own attractions and each merits a visit in its own right.

Take a look at the tiles below the region map for more details on each destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants to start planning your New Zealand holiday.
Rotorua
Rotorua
Experience the bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers of iconic Rotorua, relax in geothermal hot springs. This natural wonderland is famous for Maori history; learn about the fascinating culture of the region at the traditional Maori villages, where you can witness the haka ceremony.
Waitomo
Waitomo
Beneath the rolling green hills of Waitomo lies an extensive underground cave network, lit by thousands of glittering glowworms.
New Plymouth
New Plymouth
Just a short drive from the laidback town of New Plymouth, marvel at the spectacular volcanic peak of Mount Taranaki in Egmont National Park. The Pouakai Circuit day hike in the National Park is ideal for getting a photo of Mount Taranaki perfectly reflected in clear lake waters.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN ROTORUA, WAITOMO & NEW PLYMOUTH

We feature a great range of accommodation in Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for luxury lodge or a simple bed & breakfast.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay in Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua
5 star

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth

Blessed with a spectacular location alongside stunning Lake Tarawera, providing panoramic views through its floor to ceiling windows that bring the glorious outdoors into every room.
Koura Lodge, Rotorua
4 star

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth

In an idyllic location on the banks of Lake Rotorua, this homely lodge is a wonderful choice for those seeking a peaceful lakefront stay.
On The Point - Lake Rotorua
4 plus star

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth

Nestled at the tip of a private peninsula, this hotel, a former 1930s mansion, retains its distinct charm and lavish design.
Novotel Hamilton Tainui
3 plus star

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth

Overlooking the Waikato River, this property provides a modern, comfortable stay with artwork and styling details throughout that pay tribute to and reference the local Māori owners of the building.
Regent of Rotorua
3 plus star

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth

A chic escape in the heart of Rotorua, this property will draw you in with its boutique charm and stylish décor.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
4 star

Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth

With great facilities and friendly service, the Millennium Hotel is an excellent choice for your stay in Rotorua and is conveniently located just a short walk from both the lake and town centre.

WHAT TO DO IN IN ROTORUA, WAITOMO & NEW PLYMOUTH

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, Rotorua, Waitomo & New Plymouth are also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique way to experience the area’s natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be admiring erupting geysers in Rotorua, marvelling at glowworms in the caves of Waitomo or even learning about the fascinating Maori culture at a traditional Hangi feast.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your New Zealand holiday to life.
Maori Cultural Experience & Dinner
3½ hours
Departs: Rotorua

Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions at this immersive Māori cultural ...

Hobbiton Movie Signature Set Tour from Shire's Rest
3 hours
Departs: Matamata

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato ...

Te Puia Thermal Reserve
1½ hours
Departs: Rotorua

The North Island is a geothermal hotspot and Te Puia is the jewel in the ...

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Admission
45 minutes
Departs: Waitomo

Discover a moment of magic in this ancient underground world 30 million years in the making, as you ...

Skyline Rotorua Gondola, Luge & Lunch
Attraction Ticket
Departs: Rotorua

Hop on the scenic Skyline Gondola and rise up Mount Ngongotaha for panoramic views of Lake ...

Kiwi Encounter
Attraction Ticket
Departs: Rotorua

No trip to New Zealand is complete without seeing an actual Kiwi! As most chicks in the wild don’t ...


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

Speak to a Travel Expert

We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 99% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.

Our travel centres are currently closed
Our phone lines are open at the following times:-

Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm (UK) : 9am-7pm (ROI)
Saturday & Bank Holidays: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm

For individual opening times please check your local travel centre

Submit an Enquiry

Request a call back from a Travel Expert at a time that suits you


Your travel plans on the go

Viewtrail phone example
  • View your up-to-date travel plans
  • Book online & manage your account
  • Flight details including baggage & seating
  • Update your contact information
  • Check visa & travel health requirements
  • Access to E-Vouchers
  • Trip Hub
Watch ViewTrail in Action viewtrail
ViewTrail - Your travel plans on the go

Additional Features in the App:

  • 365/24/7 emergency contact quick links
  • Location related features
  • Offline access to your travel plans
Order a Brochure

Our full range of brochures and the latest edition of the Trailfinder magazine are out now - get ahead of the rest and start planning your next escape.

Order Now
Get In Touch
Contact Us
ie.destination.new-zealand-and-the-pacific.new-zealand.rotorua--waitomo-and-new-plymouth