Rotorua and Taupo
Best time to be there
Summer on the north island (December to February) is ideal for outdoor pursuits with mild temperatures and hours of sunshine. Venture to the numerous ski slopes and warm up close to a crackling fire during the winter months in June to August.
Fly to
Auckland (Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, daily)
flying time
26 hours, one stop
time difference
GMT +12 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Itineraries
Classic New Zealand
Classic New Zealand highlights * Cruise Auckland harbour * Explore the town of Rotunda * Experience Maori culture on Mokoia Island Read more ...
Follow the Spirit of the Maori
Follow the Spirit of the Maori highlights * Helicopter excursion to White Island * Mokoia Island Read more ...
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The seething power of inner earth comes to the surface in Rotorua. Explore Rotorua's geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Rotorua highlights include White Island, one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes. The White Island volcano is estimated to be between 150,000 to 200,000 years old. Explore Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where thermal activity produces geysers, boiling mud and silica terraces.
Embark on a spiritual journey across the Rotorua lake divide, to the island of Mokoia. Here you will feast on stories of the people who lived here, their triumphs and their tragedies, their loves and their losses. Then you will feast the heart of the ancient kumara fields on delicious damper and modern day foods, infused with New Zealand indigenous herbs and spices, in a meal that will delight and never be repeated.
A region offering a myriad of outdoor activities in an unforgettable volcanic landscape of lakes, barren plains and mountains that featured in The Lord of the Rings; Taupo is an ideal base for exploring. Discover sights that will fix themselves in your memory; visit Lake Taupo Australasia's largest freshwater lake, offering a myriad of water activities such as swimming, boating and fishing, stay alongside Huka Falls, New Zealand's largest lake drains into its longest river - the Waikato, and explore the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park.
Suggested Rotorua and Taupo Accommodation
Hamurana Country Estate
Hamurana Country Estate is a unique country style boutique lodge where guests can enjoy the grandeur of the manor house, the gardens and lifestyle farm, along...
Huka Lodge
With unrivalled riverside location it is considered to be the iconic New Zealand retreat, offering an elegant and welcoming haven...
Solitaire Lodge
Solitaire Lodge is one of the most beautiful lakeside retreats in New Zealand. The lodge nestles on an elevated promontory that provides breathtaking views across Lake Tarawera.
Treetops Lodge
Treetops Lodge & Estate offers the ultimate in world class luxury accommodation. This secluded retreat is nestled amongst 2,500 acres of native forest within the thermal region of Rotorua. The accommodation...
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Guest Testimonial
Once again we have thoroughly enjoyed our holiday with A&K. There was a fascinating mix of location and camp styles and the particular sequence worked very well for us. 
- KB, Surrey
World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2011
A&K Philanthropy
Kiwi Encounter
Offers the opportunity to sponsor the hatching and raising of kiwi chicks and tour the facility that is helping to increase the numbers of this beloved and endangered icon.
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