Trips to Rotorua
Feel free to contact us and let’s start planning together!
A tour operator you can trust. 5 week tour of New Zealand and Australia, everything went as agreed and as stated in the itinerary. Great job Asko and Project tours. Really professional operation and service
A very well-organized trip to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you!
The concept worked perfectly for us:Peaceful vacation: We appreciated that it wasn’t a group trip. We were able to explore the destinations at our own pace, but the schedule and advance reservations gave the trip a clear framework.Reservations in order: All hotel and tour reservations worked flawlessly in principle.Safety net: When there were twists and turns along the way – such as flight cancellations – the office handled the situations for us nicely. It was relaxing to know that someone else would take care of the logistics if the original plan changed.
A 2-week tour of Australia tailored for us. Interesting destinations and good hotels. Exceptions to the planned program were handled very well. I highly recommend!
The trip went well. The destinations were interesting and the transportation was handled as planned. I definitely recommend this trip organizer.
Asko listened to our wishes and tailored the package to our needs. Highly recommended!
We had a wonderful 4,5 week tour across Australia and Project Matka made excellent job planning the trip and made all needed reservations including all travel, accommodation and activities. The schedule and all activities were really well planned and we saw a lot of Australia, its nature and animals and the culture during our trip. We absolutely loved our trip!
Big thanks to Asko and Project travel! I was on a 3-week vacation in Australia. All the details were carefully and carefully planned and thought out. The trip went without a hitch. I got to see amazing places and have new experiences. Super thanks. I can warmly recommend Asko and Project travel!
Many thanks to Asko and Project Matka. A wonderfully planned and executed three-week trip to Australia, during which we got to explore great city destinations and above all, wonderful nature, from rainforests to fabulously beautiful sandy beaches and, as the cherry on the cake, snorkeling on the reef. The arrangements were really well made. With the written and verbal instructions from Asko, it was easy and safe for even the most relaxed traveler to travel. I recommend Project Matka, with their help you can tailor a trip to your own preferences.
I can really recommend Projekt Matka. They planned a memorable New Zealand and Australia tour for me, everything went smoothly. Asko was always available quickly when I needed advice or directions. A well thought out trip!
The travel program was as tight as we had hoped, but it ran smoothly and every detail was carefully thought out. The arrangements exceeded our expectations in every way.
My experience with Project Matka was absolutely outstanding! From start to finish, they provided exceptional services that went above and beyond my expectations.First and foremost, the planning process was a breeze, thanks to their invaluable tips and recommendations. Asko, from Project Matka, not only designed our dream holiday but also added incredible value by suggesting fantastic restaurant options and local gems that truly made our trip unforgettable. It's the little details like these that make all the difference.Moreover, the communication with Project Matka was superb. Asko and his team made sure we felt like we were in exceptionally good hands throughout our entire journey. They were responsive, attentive, and always ready to address any questions or concerns we had, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.Thanks to Project Matka, we had a dream holiday that exceeded our expectations. I can't recommend them enough for their top-notch services, thoughtful planning, and outstanding communication. Asko, you delivered our dream holiday, and we're incredibly grateful. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you are considering a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand don’t hesitate to use Project Matka. We are experienced travelers and never used an agent prior to this trip. Project Matka not only listened to our wants, preferences, style, likes and dislikes, but provided guidance and suggestions we hadn’t consider. Our final itinerary not only met but exceeded our expectations. The cities, hotels, tours which was a combination of self guided, private and semi-private tours was seamless and absolutely perfect. We spent 30 days between the two countries and it was a trip of a lifetime primarily due to the support we got for Project Matka.
Asko Project Matka helped me plan and implement a wonderful holiday in Melbourne. However, in a relatively short time I managed to see a lot. Thanks to the useful tips I received from Asko. His local knowledge of Melbourne is in a class of its own. I can warmly recommend Project Matka if you are looking for a holiday in Australia!
A thousand thanks to Asko and Project Matka for the absolutely fantastic arrangements for our trip to central Australia. Everything went perfectly, and the experiences were one after the other. We asked for an active itinerary with hiking in stunning landscapes as the main focus, and that's what we definitely got. Other highlights included dinner under the stars, a camel ride at sunrise, and the light art installation Field of Lights. Warm recommendation to Asko and the Project Matka team.
Relaxation and Maori culture in a landscape of volcanic nature
Rotorua is known for its bubbling mud pools, geysers, natural hot springs and fascinating Maori culture. The city offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for a variety of travellers, whether they are looking for excitement or relaxation. Rotorua is a comfortable destination for all ages, with a wide range of leisure and wildlife parks to keep everyone happy.
Rotorua is a stunningly beautiful wonderland where you can admire unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity in a geothermal park, relax in a natural hot spring or pamper yourself with a wellness retreat in a luxurious spa.
Rotorua is surrounded by mountains, rivers, old forests and 18 freshwater lakes, making it an ideal holiday destination for nature lovers. It’s considered a mecca for mountain biking, and rightly so: the city has a number of world-class mountain bike trails.
The city region’s wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems are best explored on foot, bicycle or horseback, and the numerous lakes and rivers are exciting places to fish. Indeed, Rotorua is a popular trout fishing destination, with plenty of fishing opportunities in its lakes and tributaries.
Ready to plan your dream journey to Oceania?
I am a qualified travel professional from Finland, living in Australia for over 20 years. Because I am based locally in the destination, I will tailor-make your itinerary with the best insider tips and provide reliable on-the-ground support throughout your trip.
Get in touch, and let’s make your travel dreams come true! Read more >
Asko Meriläinen
Your travel planner, entrepreneur
24/7 support at every stage of your journey, before, during, and after your trip
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trip to Rotorua?
Contact us and we can help you plan a successful trip that suits you.
Rotorua attractions offer exciting things to do
In Rotorua, you can get to know the New Zealand’s native kiwi birds and learn more about their situation. In the wild, only 5% of hatchlings reach adulthood. That’s why the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua takes responsibility for their conservation. Around 120 chicks hatch each year and are cared for until they reach young adulthood. The hatchery welcomes visitors to observe their activities for a small entrance fee. All proceeds from ticket sales go to National Kiwi Recovery.
River Kaituna and Te Puia
In the Kaituna River, which flows through Rotorua and Bay of Plenty, you can see Tutea Falls, a spectacular seven-metre-high waterfall. The most adventurous travellers can join Kaitiaki Adventures’ rafting trips. No rafting experience is needed to join a rafting trip – just bring an adventurous spirit and a change of clothes.
In Te Puia, you can explore the rich Maori culture and explore the myths and legends of the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley. You’ll also have the chance to see the famous Pōhutu Geyser, admire traditional works carved by students at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, and end of the day with a hāngī feast and celebration.
Rotorua for the adventurous
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, you can go on a zip line tour with Rotorua Canopy Tours and glide through the prehistoric forest. You’ll also get to cross 20-metre-high suspension bridges while admiring the stunning scenery. And if you’re wondering what to do in Rotorua at night, check out the Redwoods Treewalk and take the Redwoods Nightlights tour to experience an enchanting world of colour and light.
In addition to all the adventure, it’s a good idea to take a moment to relax in the serene lakeside setting of Polynesian Spa. There you can soak in the hot pools of mineral springs, known to ease aches and pains and nourish your skin. Alternatively, you can cleanse your mind and body the ancient way: apply geothermal mud to your body, then soak in the sulphur baths of Hell’s Gate.
Shopper’s Rotorua
Most of Rotorua’s shopping is in and around the city centre. As the streets in the centre are quiet and the pavements are wide, shopping trips are pleasant. Whenever you get tired, you can take a break and head down to the lakeside for a picnic, or visit one of the many cafes and restaurants on Eat Street.
Rotorua’s art galleries and boutiques are inspired by the rich Maori culture and history of the region. For skincare enthusiasts, Rotorua’s beauty products, enriched by the region’s geothermal elements, are well worth a visit. These products are available in any local gift shop.
Maori sculptor Joe Kemp uses wood and stone in his art to bring out the essence of each piece – the Wairua. Seeing Kemp’s work is a wonderful experience, and his open-air gallery can be visited at his private residence on the shores of Lake Rotoma.
If you’re interested in a unique souvenir from New Zealand, consider a piece of pounamu (aka “greenstone”) jewellery carved by a master carver. You’ll also find pounamu carvings and other stunning Maori arts and crafts at Te Puia and the Rotorua Museum. New Zealand is also known worldwide for its wool products, and if you’re looking for gift ideas, Agrodome gift shop has some great wool products.
Day trips from Rotorua
Located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is also a gateway to other key destinations. For example, the ski resort of Mount Ruapehu is less than two hours away, and the nearest beach towns can be reached in less than an hour.
On your trip to Rotorua, you can take a fascinating expedition to the Hobbiton Movie Set and explore the charming farm that was transformed into the enchanting Middle-earth for the filming of the Lord of the Rings movies. Conveniently located just an hour from Rotorua, it’s an ideal day trip destination. It’s important to note that a visit to Hobbiton should be booked in advance to ensure you can visit at the time you want. In addition, if you wish, you can take a guided group tour of Hobbiton from Rotorua.
The sublime landscapes of Lake Taupō
Lake Taupō is a magnificent crater lake just an hour and a half drive south of Rotorua. It was formed almost two thousand years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. One of the best ways to see evidence of the lake’s fiery birth is to visit the craters, where you can observe geysers, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. Just north of Taupō, the spectacular Huka Falls is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions, where you can marvel as more than 220 000 litres of water thunder over the cliffs every second.
Getting around Rotorua
Rotorua city centre is easily accessible on foot, and there are also 11 bus routes covering the city and its many attractions. Bus route No. 3 takes you to the Redwoods Visitor Centre and Treewalk. You can pay cash on the buses.
Ready to plan your dream journey to Oceania?
I am a qualified travel professional from Finland, living in Australia for over 20 years. Because I am based locally in the destination, I will tailor-make your itinerary with the best insider tips and provide reliable on-the-ground support throughout your trip.
Get in touch, and let’s make your travel dreams come true! Read more >
Asko Meriläinen
Your travel planner, entrepreneur
A tour operator you can trust. 5 week tour of New Zealand and Australia, everything went as agreed and as stated in the itinerary. Great job Asko and Project tours. Really professional operation and service
A very well-organized trip to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you!
The concept worked perfectly for us:Peaceful vacation: We appreciated that it wasn’t a group trip. We were able to explore the destinations at our own pace, but the schedule and advance reservations gave the trip a clear framework.Reservations in order: All hotel and tour reservations worked flawlessly in principle.Safety net: When there were twists and turns along the way – such as flight cancellations – the office handled the situations for us nicely. It was relaxing to know that someone else would take care of the logistics if the original plan changed.
A 2-week tour of Australia tailored for us. Interesting destinations and good hotels. Exceptions to the planned program were handled very well. I highly recommend!
The trip went well. The destinations were interesting and the transportation was handled as planned. I definitely recommend this trip organizer.
Asko listened to our wishes and tailored the package to our needs. Highly recommended!
We had a wonderful 4,5 week tour across Australia and Project Matka made excellent job planning the trip and made all needed reservations including all travel, accommodation and activities. The schedule and all activities were really well planned and we saw a lot of Australia, its nature and animals and the culture during our trip. We absolutely loved our trip!
Big thanks to Asko and Project travel! I was on a 3-week vacation in Australia. All the details were carefully and carefully planned and thought out. The trip went without a hitch. I got to see amazing places and have new experiences. Super thanks. I can warmly recommend Asko and Project travel!
Many thanks to Asko and Project Matka. A wonderfully planned and executed three-week trip to Australia, during which we got to explore great city destinations and above all, wonderful nature, from rainforests to fabulously beautiful sandy beaches and, as the cherry on the cake, snorkeling on the reef. The arrangements were really well made. With the written and verbal instructions from Asko, it was easy and safe for even the most relaxed traveler to travel. I recommend Project Matka, with their help you can tailor a trip to your own preferences.
I can really recommend Projekt Matka. They planned a memorable New Zealand and Australia tour for me, everything went smoothly. Asko was always available quickly when I needed advice or directions. A well thought out trip!
The travel program was as tight as we had hoped, but it ran smoothly and every detail was carefully thought out. The arrangements exceeded our expectations in every way.
My experience with Project Matka was absolutely outstanding! From start to finish, they provided exceptional services that went above and beyond my expectations.First and foremost, the planning process was a breeze, thanks to their invaluable tips and recommendations. Asko, from Project Matka, not only designed our dream holiday but also added incredible value by suggesting fantastic restaurant options and local gems that truly made our trip unforgettable. It's the little details like these that make all the difference.Moreover, the communication with Project Matka was superb. Asko and his team made sure we felt like we were in exceptionally good hands throughout our entire journey. They were responsive, attentive, and always ready to address any questions or concerns we had, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.Thanks to Project Matka, we had a dream holiday that exceeded our expectations. I can't recommend them enough for their top-notch services, thoughtful planning, and outstanding communication. Asko, you delivered our dream holiday, and we're incredibly grateful. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you are considering a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand don’t hesitate to use Project Matka. We are experienced travelers and never used an agent prior to this trip. Project Matka not only listened to our wants, preferences, style, likes and dislikes, but provided guidance and suggestions we hadn’t consider. Our final itinerary not only met but exceeded our expectations. The cities, hotels, tours which was a combination of self guided, private and semi-private tours was seamless and absolutely perfect. We spent 30 days between the two countries and it was a trip of a lifetime primarily due to the support we got for Project Matka.
Asko Project Matka helped me plan and implement a wonderful holiday in Melbourne. However, in a relatively short time I managed to see a lot. Thanks to the useful tips I received from Asko. His local knowledge of Melbourne is in a class of its own. I can warmly recommend Project Matka if you are looking for a holiday in Australia!
A thousand thanks to Asko and Project Matka for the absolutely fantastic arrangements for our trip to central Australia. Everything went perfectly, and the experiences were one after the other. We asked for an active itinerary with hiking in stunning landscapes as the main focus, and that's what we definitely got. Other highlights included dinner under the stars, a camel ride at sunrise, and the light art installation Field of Lights. Warm recommendation to Asko and the Project Matka team.
24/7 support at every stage of your journey, before, during, and after your trip
Free travel planning
Submitting the form does not commit you to anything