2-Day Road Trips from Auckland to Rotorua in Summer
2 Day Road Trip Route
Get ready to hit the open road this summer with our ultimate 2-day guide for the best road trips from Auckland to Rotorua. From stunning scenery to hidden gems and unforgettable experiences, we've got everything you need to make your summer road trip one for the books.
So buckle up and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!
Start Time Day One 8.00am
Day 1 Lavender Farm & Hobbiton Movie Set
Auckland - Lavender Backyard Garden - Hobbiton to Rotorua
Stop B Lavender Backyard Garden
Indulge in a sensory experience at our beautiful lavender farm! Take a leisurely stroll through the fields, breathe in the calming aroma of lavender, and snap some stunning photos for your social media. Don't miss out on our delicious real fruit ice cream and the opportunity to pick your own fresh blueberries.
Distance from Auckland 1-1.5 hours drive
Suggested duration 1-2 hours
Activities Lavender Sightseeing, Photos, Pick Your Own (Lavender), PYO Blueberries
Click to learn more about Summer Activities at Lavender Backyard Garden
Lunch - Cambridge
Stop C Hobbiton Movie Set
The Hobbiton Movie Set, located in Matamata, New Zealand, is a breathtaking experience that brings the magic of Middle-earth to life. The movie set was used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies and features 44 hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and other iconic structures. Visitors can take a guided tour of the set and immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes and intricate details of this beloved fantasy world.
Distance from Lavender Backyard Garden 40 mins drive
Suggested duration 2 hours
Activities Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, booking might be essential
Image Credit: Hobbitontours.com
Stop D Rotorua Accomodation
Distance from Hobbiton 1 hour
Day 2: Rotorua, Blue Springs Back to Auckland
Skyline Rotorua - Lake Rotorua - Blue Springs to Auckland
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with this road trip from Skyline Rotorua to Lake Rotorua and Blue Springs before ending up in Auckland. Take in the stunning views of Skyline Rotorua from the gondola before exploring the picturesque Lake Rotorua. Then, discover the crystal-clear waters of Blue Springs and enjoy a refreshing swim before heading back to the bustling city of Auckland. This road trip is the perfect way to experience the beauty of New Zealand's North Island.
Stop D Skyline Rotorua
Suggested duration 2-3 hours
Activities Gondola Rides, Zipline, Luge Rides, Skyswing
Image Credit: Skyline Rotorua
Stop D Lake Rotorua
Suggested duration 1 hours
Activities Walk Lakeside Trial
Image Credit: newzealand.com
Lunch - Rotorua
Stop E Blue Springs Putaruru
（the Blue Springs are now closed to the public.)
Distance from Rotorua 40 mins drive
Suggested duration 1-2 hours
Activities Walkway and explore the famous Blue Spring
Image Credit: newzealand.com
Distance back to Auckland 2 hours
Our 2-day road trip guide from Auckland to Rotorua includes five must-visit stops, including Lavender Backyard Garden, the Hobbiton Movie Set, Skyline Rotorua, Lake Rotorua, and the stunning Blue Springs, ensuring an unforgettable adventure this summer.