Travel Guide to Rotorua, New Zealand

Updated on Mar 04, 2023 | Online New Zealand Visa

As a traveller, you must want to explore different aspects of a country which are yet to be discovered. To witness New Zealand's tribal culture and scenic beauty, visiting Rotorua must be on your travel list.

Although, a traveller would keep themselves updated on all travel requirements for a country but many new developments in documentation keep coming up to make travelling a hassle-free process. 

One such recently accessible option is getting a New Zealand eTA visiting New Zealand, which would allow you to visit the country up to its validity. 

This article aims to resolve your queries regarding New Zealand eTA/New Zealand electronic travel authorisation, so that you can get the option of travelling to Rotorua in a visa-free way.

New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)

New Zealand eTA Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. New Zealand Visa application process is automated, simple, and completely online. New Zealand Immigration now officially recommends Online New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain New Zealand eTA by filling out a form on this website and making the payment using a Debit or Credit Card. You will also require a valid email id as New Zealand eTA information will be sent to your email id. You do not need visit an embassy or consulate or to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.

What is a New Zealand eTA?

New Zealand eTA or New Zealand electronic travel authorisation is an electronic permit to visit New Zealand. Anyone who belongs to the list of eligible for New Zealand eTA can apply for the same in an online application format. 

New Zealand eTA is a travel authorisation but is not a mandatory document for those holding a standard visa for New Zealand. You may either Apply for New Zealand eTA or a traditional visa for New Zealand depending on the urgency of your visit. 

Your New Zealand eTA would enable you to visit New Zealand up to 90 days stay within a 180 days period. 

You must know about more benefits of travelling with New Zealand eTA: 

  • New Zealand eTA is an online application process, and you would not need to visit any consulate or embassy to complete your visa application process.
  • New Zealand eTA application process is very quick and easy, requiring only basic information and documents to process. 
  • New Zealand eTA is received through email in a downloadable format which can then be used as a travel authorization to enter New Zealand. 
  • If you want to visit Rotorua, New Zealand for a short-term period, New Zealand eTA is the best and fastest way to get an e-visa. 
  • In case the purpose of your visit to Roturua includes business related travel, you can still get an e-visa for the same. New Zealand eTA comes in different types and varieties depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. 
  • If you are transiting from New Zealand to a third country, then you can also get a transit e-visa to explore nearby areas to the port. If you plan to stay within the international transit area then you need not apply for New Zealand eTA. 

READ MORE:
From October 2019 New Zealand Visa requirements have changed. People who do not require a New Zealand Visa i.e. formerly Visa Free nationals, are required to obtain New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA) in order to enter New Zealand. Learn more at Online New Zealand Visa Eligible Countries.

Rotorua: New Zealand's Traditional Side

Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

You can witness one of the tallest trees on Earth in this forest of Redwoods in New Zealand. Although mostly concentrated in California, these coniferous trees can also be found in this part of New Zealand. 

Mostly people visit New Zealand to see the naturally rich wonders of the country and this place in Rotorua should definitely be on your travel list. 

Maori Village 

Rotorua is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can witness the tribal culture of the place. The place is filled with cultural hotspots for travellers to explore Maori lifestyle. 

One such place is the Maori village where you can have a good time amidst traditional dances, feast and other attractions within the village. 

Rotorua Skyline

Experience the amazing gondola ride for the extravagant view of Rotorua city. You will find luge tracks, cafès and a panoramic dining experience at this attraction in New Zealand. 

Waiotapu

A geothermal area within the Okataina Volcanic Center at Taupo Volcanic Zone, the colourful thermal pools of this area are a must-see attraction in New Zealand. 

Located at 27 kilometres from Rotorua this place should be on your travel itinerary when visiting New Zealand. 

Who can apply for New Zealand eTA to visit Rotorua? 

Citizens from 60 nationalities can visit Rotorua with New Zealand eTA. To check your eligibility for New Zealand eTA you can visit this page. 

Mostly, New Zealand eTA allows visitors to stay within New Zealand upto a period of 90 days within a 3 months’ timeline. For UK citizens however, this timeline reaches upto 6 months. 

New Zealand eTA is a multiple entry authorization and allows visitors to travel within New Zealand until your e-visa expiry. 

However, in certain cases, citizens of some nationalities may not be able to enter multiple times within a period and their e-visa may only give them single time entry authorization. 

You must gather all relevant information regarding the eligibility for New Zealand eTA before planning your trip. For further help you can visit this page to check eligible countries for New Zealand eTA. 

READ MORE:
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Zealand eTA Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to the New Zealand. Learn more at New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) Frequently Asked Questions.

New Zealand eTA Application Process in 3 Steps 

An e-visa application process is completely simple as compared to a traditional visa application. 

All you need is a stable internet connection to be able to easily fill the application form. 

Follow the below steps to complete your New Zealand eTA application within a few minutes: 

  • Visit the New Zealand eTA application form link to start your application process. 
  • Fill in all the required details in your application form: At this point you need to keep certain important documents ready and provide accurate information in the application form. Make sure that the details in your application form are correct, to avoid delays in processing. 
  • After completing the above process, you will be automatically guided to a payments section where you can either pay using a valid debit card or credit card.

The sequence of above steps is all you need to follow to get an authorisation to visit New Zealand. If you were looking for a quick visa authorisation process to visit New Zealand, then New Zealand eTA is the best option. 

List of Documents needed to Apply for New Zealand eTA 

If you are planning your trip to Roturua with New Zealand eTA, then you must need the correct set of documents for easy processing of your application. 

You can keep the following documents ready when applying for New Zealand eTA online: 

  • A valid passport with at least 180 validities before the date of from New Zealand. 
  • A debit card or credit card for making the payment for New Zealand eTA application. 
  • A passport size photograph which should be recent. 
  • A valid email address to be provided in the application form. This email address would be used for contacting the applicant regarding e-visa related updates. 

READ MORE:
Are you looking for Online New Zealand visa from United Kingdom? Find out the requirements of the New Zealand eTA for United Kingdom citizens and the eTA NZ visa application from United Kingdom. Learn more at Online New Zealand Visa for United Kingdom Citizens.

How to fill the New Zealand visa waiver application form?

New Zealand eTA application process is simple and completely online. You must fill in accurate information in the application form to avoid any delays in processing of your e-visa. 

You must fill in the following information asked in New Zealand eTA application form: 

  1. Your full name 
  2. Passport details 
  3. Country or Nationality 
  4. Date of birth 
  5. Contact information 

Note that any information provided in the New Zealand eTA application form will not be used for any other purpose beyond its requirement for eTA processing. 

The information provided through New Zealand eTA application link is not for sale to any third party or any commercial use. 

How to reach Rotorua with New Zealand eTA? 

You can get direct flights to Rotorua, New Zealand from many cities around the world. The easiest and most convenient way to Rotorua is by air. 

Upon your arrival to Rotorua, you will need to present your passport to officials, which will then be scanned to approve your eTA. 

Your eTA is linked to your passport and upon arrival you must present the same passport to officials that was used to fill the New Zealand eTA online application form. 

New Zealand eTA for Transit Passengers from Rotorua

If you want to transit from Rotorua, you can apply for a New Zealand eTA for transit which allows you to transit from New Zealand upto 24 hours. 

For citizens from visa exempt countries and who want to travel with New Zealand eTA, they can apply for a New Zealand eTA for transit. 

In case you do not belong to a visa exempt country in New Zealand, you would need to travel with a traditional visa to transit from Rotorua. 

READ MORE:
Get Online New Zealand visa for US citizens, with new-zealand-visa.org. To find out the requirements of the New Zealand eTA for Americans (USA Citizens) and the eTA NZ visa application learn more at Online New Zealand Visa for US Citizens.

Who is Not eligible for New Zealand eTA? 

For visitors belonging to non-visa exempt countries a traditional visa would be the only way to visit New Zealand. 

Not everyone is eligible for New Zealand eTA to visit Rotorua, New Zealand. You must check your eligibility before applying for New Zealand eTA. 

If you fall under one or more of the below categories, you will not be able to apply for an eTA for New Zealand: 

  •  Belong to a non-visa exempt country in New Zealand. 
  • Staying beyond the validity of your e-visa or staying in New Zealand for longer than 90 days. 
  • Travelling for purposes other than tourism or business. 

In case of any of the above conditions, a visitor would need to apply for a traditional visa to visit Rotorua in New Zealand. 

Traditional visa application could be a time consuming process and as an applicant planning a trip to Rotorua you must plan for the same in advance for the same. 

Documents Needed to Enter Rotorua

Although the e-visa process is extremely simple  as compared to a traditional visa application process, but to make your trip to Rotorua hassle free, make sure that you carry all the necessary documents to pass the security checks when entering New Zealand. 

You must carry the following documents on your arrival to Rotorua: 

  • Proof of onwards journey 
  • Sufficient funds to cover your stay in Rotorua 
  • Duly filled arrival card received on arriving at New Zealand. 

As a foreign visitor to New Zealand, you must also be able to display a good character record by avoiding any criminal records or complaints in the past. 

In case of any suspicious activity, the officials at the port have the right to avoid any visitor wanting to enter Rotorua, New Zealand. In case of any past criminal record, you must make sure to check your eligibility before visiting New Zealand with New Zealand eTA. 

New Zealand eTA application process makes your travel plans even more simpler by only taking a few minutes to complete the visa application process. 

To know more about the e-visa application process to visit Rotorua, New Zealand, you can visit this page

For further help regarding the e-visa application process for New Zealand you can explore the FAQ section on New Zealand eTA. 


Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your Online New Zealand Visa. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an Online New Zealand Visa or New Zealand eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Canadian citizens, United Kingdom citizens, French citizens, Spanish citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.

Please apply for an Online New Zealand Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.