Asia Pacific Forestry Commission
 

All you need to know about Rotorua

The Rotorua district has a multi-cultural population of approximately 70,000 people; some 35% are Maori. Rotorua city is located on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua, while the district includes a number of rural and lakeside communities.

For more information about the Rotorua area, please click here.



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What's the weather like?

Rotorua enjoys a pleasant climate. The spring weather (August to November) is moderate with an average daytime temperature range of 13°C– 21°C. Cool for people from tropical countries, and you should pack warm clothing accordingly.

Due to its island location, the weather can change unexpectedly wherever you are in New Zealand and the country often presents ‘four seasons in one day’! It’s therefore important to put some warm clothes in your suitcase, dress in layers and have a light raincoat handy, especially when you’re out and about!

The APFC reception on Tuesday night is at an outdoor venue so it is advisable to bring a warm coat for this occasion.

You can check the latest weather forecasts on www.metservice.co.nz.

Travel

APFC delegates travelling to Rotorua by air will arrive at Rotorua International Airport. Direct international flights and connections to Rotorua are only available via Sydney, Australia twice a week, and daily via the New Zealand cities of Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch. The most efficient travel route for most participants will be via Auckland. There are limited daily flights in to Rotorua, so please make your flight bookings as early as possible.

The distance between Rotorua International Airport and the city centre, is about 10km and an approximate 15 minute taxi ride. A taxi fare will be about NZD32.00.

Bus travel from downtown Auckland to Rotorua is also possible. Participants planning to avail themselves of this option should consult the session organizers.

Please click here for further information on bus travel from Auckland.

Departure tax

Passengers departing from Rotorua Airport must pay a NZD$5 departure tax after check-in and prior to proceeding to the departure lounge.

Currency

New Zealand currency is New Zealand dollars and cents. Major international credit cards are accepted throughout New Zealand. Travellers cheques and foreign currency are readily convertible at all major trading banks and international hotels.

There are over 3,500 ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) in New Zealand, accessible 24 hours a day. Credit cards with international debit and credit plans can access New Zealand ATM machines.

Goods and Services tax

All purchases in New Zealand are subject to 15% GST (Goods and Services Tax). This is usually included in published retail prices for all goods and services. Overseas visitors who have their purchases sent directly home by the retailer do not have to pay GST.